Craving something sweet that won’t help you lose weight? Look no further! This oatmeal, cocoa, and banana dessert combines the rich flavors of cocoa and banana with the goodness of oats and nuts. It’s quick to prepare, easy to bake, and perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings while staying on track with your healthy eating plan.
Ingredients
1 cup oats
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
30 g chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon vanilla sugar
30 g ground almonds
30 g rolled oats
1 mashed banana
160 ml water
Instructions
Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F) to ensure it’s ready to bake.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, chopped walnuts, vanilla sugar, ground almonds, and oat flakes. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Add the wet ingredients: Add the mashed banana and water to the dry mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are well combined.
Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with oil to prevent sticking. Pour the oat mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the baked goods cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm for a comforting dessert or at room temperature for a quick snack.
Learn More
This oatmeal, banana, and cocoa bake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a healthy dessert. The combination of oats, nuts, and cocoa provides a satisfying texture and rich flavor, making it a favorite with both kids and adults.
This oatmeal, banana, and cocoa bake is more than just a dessert: it’s a versatile and nutritious option that fits perfectly into different times of day. Here’s how you can enjoy and customize this delicious treat, ensuring it suits your needs and preferences.
Recipe Customization:
Nut Varieties: Experiment with different types of nuts to change the flavor and texture. Pecans add a buttery richness, pistachios provide a unique, slightly sweet flavor, and hazelnuts provide a delicious crunch. Mixing various nuts can add complexity to each bite.
Seeds for extra nutrition: Incorporate seeds like chia, flax, or pumpkin seeds for an extra nutritional boost. Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, flax seeds provide lignans and antioxidants, and pumpkin seeds add a dose of magnesium and zinc.
Additional flavors: Enhance the flavor profile with additional ingredients. A spoonful of almond or peanut butter can add intense creaminess. A handful of dark chocolate chips can make baking even more indulgent, while still being healthy.
Different sweeteners: Adjust the sweetness to your taste. While vanilla sugar provides a subtle flavor, you can use alternatives like coconut sugar, agave syrup, or even date syrup. Each sweetener contributes its own unique flavor and health benefits.
Serving Suggestions:
Breakfast Treats: Serve a slice of the pastry with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey for a balanced breakfast. Pair it with a side of fresh fruit for extra vitamins and fiber.
Healthy Snack: Enjoy a slice as a mid-morning or afternoon snack. It’s easy to carry and perfect for on-the-go nutrition. Pair it with a handful of raw nuts for a protein boost.
Decadent Dessert: For a dessert-like option, top the bake with a dollop of coconut whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. You can also serve it warm with a dollop of vanilla or banana cream for a healthier dessert.
With Beverages: This bake pairs beautifully with a variety of beverages. Enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or tea in the morning, or with a glass of cold almond milk as an afternoon treat. For an indulgent touch, pair it with a chai latte or hot chocolate.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: After baking, let the dish cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to five days. This makes it convenient for meal prep and ensures you have a healthy snack ready throughout the week.
Freezing: For longer storage, cut the baked goods into individual servings. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. These can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw a serving overnight in the refrigerator or heat it in the microwave or oven.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds or heat it in an oven preheated to 180°C (360°F) for about 10 minutes. This will restore its texture and flavor.