Healthy Apple Oatmeal Cake with Cottage Cheese and Walnuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and grated
- 2 eggs
- 100g cottage cheese (low-fat or regular)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- Vegetable oil, for greasing the pan
- Walnuts, for sprinkling (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a baking dish or cake pan with vegetable oil.
- In a blender or food processor, pulse the oatmeal until it resembles a coarse flour. If you prefer a more textured cake, you can skip this step and leave the oats whole.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy.
- Add the grated apples and cottage cheese to the eggs and mix well to combine. Make sure the cottage cheese is well blended with the apples and eggs for a smooth consistency.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, combine the ground or whole oatmeal, baking powder, and cocoa powder.
- Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well incorporated. The batter will be thick but moist due to the grated apples.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- If desired, sprinkle the walnuts on top for added crunch and texture.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice the cake into squares or wedges and serve warm. You can drizzle some honey or yogurt on top for extra flavor, but it’s delicious on its own as well!
Cooking Tips
- Oatmeal Texture: If you prefer a more cake-like consistency, blend the oats into a fine flour. For a chewier, more rustic texture, leave the oats whole or partially blended.
- Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of the apples, you may not need to add any extra sweetener. However, if you prefer a sweeter cake, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the batter.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have cottage cheese, you can use Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese as a substitute. They provide similar moisture and creaminess.
- Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to add some raisins, cranberries, or dark chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Toppings: For a fancier presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a bit of melted dark chocolate before serving.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. This cake tastes great both warm and cold.
- Freezing: You can freeze individual slices of this cake by wrapping them in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months. To reheat, just microwave the frozen slice for 30-45 seconds or let it thaw naturally.