Cocoa Banana Oatmeal Bake

Directions

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F) to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, combine the oatmeal, cocoa powder, chopped walnuts, vanilla sugar, ground almonds, and oat flakes. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Add Wet Ingredients:

    • Add the mashed banana and water to the dry mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

Prepare the Baking Dish:

  • Lightly grease a baking dish with oil to prevent sticking. Pour the oatmeal mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.

Bake:

  • Place the dish in theĀ preheated ovenĀ and bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

    • Allow the bake to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm for a comforting dessert or at room temperature for a quick snack.

Serving Suggestions

    • Serve warm with a dollop of GreekĀ yogurtĀ or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
    • Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying snack.
    • Enjoy with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

Cooking Tips

    • For a richer flavor, add a handful of dark chocolate chips to the mixture.
    • Substitute the walnuts with pecans or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor.
    • Use almond milk instead of water for a creamier texture.

Nutritional Benefits

    • Oatmeal:Ā Provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, promoting digestive health and sustained energy.
    • Banana:Ā Adds natural sweetness and is rich in potassium and vitamins B6 and C.
    • Walnuts:Ā Offer healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients for heart health and brain function.
  • Cocoa Powder:Ā Contains antioxidants and can boost mood and cognitive function.
  • Ground Almonds:Ā Provide protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients like vitamin E and magnesium.

Dietary Information

    • Gluten-Free:Ā Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free if you are sensitive to gluten.
    • No Refined Sugar:Ā Sweetened naturally with banana and a small amount of vanilla sugar.
    • Vegetarian:Ā Contains no meat or fish products.
    • High in Fiber:Ā Oats and bananas provide a good amount of dietary fiber.

Storage Tips

  • Store any leftovers in anĀ airtight containerĀ at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • For longer storage, keep it in theĀ refrigeratorĀ for up to a week.
  • The bake can also be frozen for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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