Fruit and Nut Oatmeal Bake: A Healthy and Hearty Treat

Fruit and Nut Oatmeal Bake: A Healthy and Hearty Treat
This recipe creates a moist and flavorful oatmeal bake, packed with a variety of fruits and nuts. It’s a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert option, offering a nutritious and satisfying treat. The combination of raisins, sultanas, cherries, apples, bananas, and Brazil nuts provides a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

This includes soaking the dried fruits, pureeing the apples, mashing the banana, and mixing the batter.
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

This is the baking time for the oatmeal bake.

Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes

This includes all preparation and cooking time.
Ingredients:

100g raisins
100g sultanas
1 cup (100g) rolled oats
2 medium apples (about 300g)
100-120 ml water
2 large eggs
1 ripe banana
100g fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
1 teaspoon baking powder
Vegetable oil (for greasing the baking dish)
50g Brazil nuts, chopped
Directions:
Prep the Raisins and Sultanas:

Place the raisins and sultanas in a bowl.
Pour boiling water over them and let them soak for 10 minutes to soften.
Drain the soaked fruits and set them aside.
Prepare the Oatmeal:

Place the rolled oats in a blender or food processor.
Pulse until the oats are finely chopped. You don’t need to turn them into flour, just a finer consistency.
Puree the Apples:

Peel, core, and chop the apples.
Place the chopped apples and water in a blender or food processor.
Blend until smooth.
Mix the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, pour the pureed apples.
Add the eggs and mix well with a whisk or spoon.
Mash the banana with a fork until smooth.
Add the mashed banana to the apple and egg mixture. Stir to combine.
Add the Fruits:

Add the drained raisins, sultanas, and cherries to the mixture.
Mix well to distribute the fruits evenly.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:

Add the finely chopped oatmeal and baking powder to the mixture.
Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are well combined.
Prepare the Baking Dish:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
Grease a baking dish (approximately 8×8 or 9×9 inches) well with vegetable oil. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Combine and Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Chop the Brazil nuts and sprinkle them over the top of the mixture.
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:

Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the oatmeal bake cool completely before cutting it into squares or bars.
Serve as a breakfast bar, a snack, or a healthy dessert.

Nutritional Facts (Approximate per serving, based on 9 servings):

Calories: 250-350
Protein: 8-10g
Fat: 10-15g
Carbohydrates: 40-50g
Fiber: 8-10g
The Origins and Popularity of This Recipe:

Oatmeal bakes have become increasingly popular as a healthy and convenient breakfast or snack option. This recipe combines the goodness of oats with a variety of fruits and nuts, creating a nutrient-rich and satisfying treat. The use of natural sweeteners from fruits and the addition of healthy fats from nuts make this a well-balanced and wholesome dish. The popularity of this recipe stems from its simplicity, versatility, and the ability to customize it with various ingredients. It’s a perfect option for meal prepping, picnics, and casual gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

It’s a healthy and delicious snack or breakfast.
It’s easy to customize with your favorite fruits and nuts.
It’s a great way to use up ripe bananas and apples.
It’s perfect for meal prepping.
Health Benefits:

Oats are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Fruits provide vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness.
Nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Baking powder adds lightness to the texture.
Serving Suggestions:

Serve as a breakfast bar with yogurt or milk.
Pack them in lunchboxes or for travel.
Serve as a healthy dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream.
Enjoy them warm or at room temperature.
Tips:

Puree the apples thoroughly for a smooth texture.
Adjust the amount of water depending on the consistency of your apples.
Add honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness if desired.
Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
Don’t overbake to prevent the bars from becoming dry.
Variations to Try:

Add other fruits: Dried cranberries, chopped dates, or blueberries can be added.
Use different nuts: Almonds, pecans, or walnuts can be used instead of Brazil nuts.
Add spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can be added for extra flavor.
Make it chocolatey: Add cocoa powder or chocolate chips to the batter.
Add seeds: Chia seeds, flax seeds, or sunflower seeds can be added for extra nutrients.
Conclusion:

This fruit and nut oatmeal bake is a delightful and nutritious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple preparation and customizable ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!