Oat and Fruit Cake

Ingredients:

• Oat flakes – 100 g (3.5 oz)
• Milk – 200 ml (3/4 cup)
• Eggs – 2 large
• Salt – A pinch
• Vanillin – 1 tsp
• Bananas – 2 medium
• Apple – 1 medium
• Cranberries – A handful (optional)
• Walnuts – 30 g (1.1 oz)
• Baking pan – 18 cm (7 inches), greased

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). This step ensures that the dessert will bake evenly, achieving a golden-brown top and a perfectly set texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients: the oat flakes, milk, eggs, a pinch of salt, vanillin, bananas, apple, cranberries, and walnuts. These will come together to create a naturally sweet and wholesome dessert.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 100 g of oat flakes, a pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon of vanillin. Stir well to evenly distribute the salt and vanillin through the oats, which form the base of your dessert.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs lightly, then pour them into the oat mixture. Add 200 ml of milk and stir the mixture until you achieve a smooth, creamy batter. The oats will soak up the milk, creating a soft, custard-like texture when baked.

Step 5: Slice the Fruits

Peel and slice the 2 bananas and 1 apple into thin pieces. These fruits will add natural sweetness and moisture to the dessert. The bananas will soften beautifully while the apples retain a slight bite, providing a delightful texture contrast.

Step 6: Assemble the Dessert

Grease an 18 cm (7-inch) baking pan to prevent sticking. Start by pouring half of the oat mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly over the bottom.

Next, layer half of the sliced bananas and apple on top of the oats. Sprinkle a handful of cranberries and chopped walnuts (30 g) over the fruit to add texture and bursts of flavor.

Pour the remaining oat mixture over the first fruit layer, then repeat with another layer of bananas, apples, cranberries, and walnuts. This creates a layered dessert that’s filled with delicious flavors in every bite.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the dessert is firm to the touch. The baking process will allow the oats to absorb the milk and eggs, creating a soft, creamy texture while the fruits soften and caramelize slightly.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the dessert from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. For an extra touch, drizzle with honey or serve with a dollop of yogurt for a balanced, nutritious treat.

Tips:

• Sweetness level: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, you can add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter, or sprinkle some brown sugar over the top before baking.
• Fruit variety: Feel free to substitute the apple and banana with other fruits like pears, blueberries, or even dried apricots for a twist.
• Crunch factor: For added crunch, toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the dessert.

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugars: 12 g