I’ve perfected this nourishing loaf cake that combines the heartiness of oats with the natural sweetness of fresh apples and carrots. This recipe creates a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a healthy dessert option. Looking at the beautiful photo, you can see the perfect crumb texture and the inviting cream cheese frosting topped with what appears to be crushed nuts.
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to this loaf’s success lies in the perfect balance of whole grain oats and almond flour, creating a tender crumb while keeping the cake wholesome. The combination of fresh grated apple and carrots adds natural moisture and sweetness, while also incorporating valuable nutrients and fiber.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1½ cups (150g) rolled oats
- 1 cup (120g) almond flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (100g) grated apple (about 1 large apple)
- ¾ cup (80g) grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup (60ml) melted coconut oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Crushed nuts for topping
Essential Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Box grater
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Detailed Instructions
1. Preparation Phase
- I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C).
- I line my loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- I gather all ingredients at room temperature for best results.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, I combine:
- Rolled oats
- Almond flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Ground ginger
- Salt
3. Preparing Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, I whisk together:
- Almond milk
- Honey or maple syrup
- Melted coconut oil
- Eggs
- I fold in:
- Grated apple (with skin for extra nutrition)
- Grated carrots
4. Combining and Baking
- I gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes.
Pro Tips
- Grate the apple and carrots just before using to prevent oxidation
- Don’t overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb
- Test doneness with a toothpick at 40 minutes
- Cool completely before frosting
Storage Guidelines
- Room temperature: 2 days (unfrosted)
- Refrigerated: Up to 1 week
- Frozen: Up to 3 months (wrap well)
Nutritional Information
Per slice (1/12 of loaf, unfrosted):
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Natural Sugars: 8g
- Fat: 11g
- Iron: 1mg
- Calcium: 65mg
Troubleshooting
If your loaf is:
- Too dense: Check your leavening agents’ freshness
- Too moist: Add 2 tablespoons more almond flour
- Not sweet enough: Increase honey/maple syrup by 2 tablespoons
Variations
I’ve successfully tested these modifications:
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter
- Include raisins or dried cranberries
- Swap ginger for nutmeg
- Use pear instead of apple
This wholesome loaf proves that healthy baking can be both nutritious and delicious. The combination of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables creates a satisfying treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
