Chocolate Almond Oatmeal Cake with Cottage Cheese

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:**
– Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
– Grease and line a **9-inch round cake pan** or a similar-sized baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

#### 2. **Prepare the Oats:**
– In a small bowl, soak the **rolled oats** in the **almond milk** for about **5 minutes**. This softens the oats and ensures they blend into the cake mixture smoothly.

#### 3. **Mix Wet Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the **cottage cheese**, **honey**, **olive oil**, **eggs**, and **vanilla extract** until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

#### 4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:**
– In another bowl, sift together the **almond meal**, **cocoa powder**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, and **salt**.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until well incorporated.

#### 5. **Add the Oats and Almonds:**
– Stir in the soaked **oats** and the **chopped almonds**, ensuring everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter.
– If you like an extra chocolatey flavor, fold in the **chocolate chips** at this stage.

#### 6. **Bake the Cake:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly.
– Bake in the preheated oven for **30-35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

#### 7. **Cool and Frost (Optional):**
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
– While the cake cools, you can prepare the optional frosting. In a small bowl, blend together the **cottage cheese**, **cocoa powder**, **honey**, and **vanilla extract** until smooth and creamy.
– Spread the frosting over the cooled cake, or serve it on the side for those who want an extra chocolatey topping.

### Why This Cake Is Special:

– **Oatmeal’s Nutritional Benefits**: Oats are packed with fiber, which helps with digestion and promotes heart health. They also provide a slow, steady source of energy, making this cake more sustaining than your typical dessert.

– **Cottage Cheese as a Secret Ingredient**: The cottage cheese not only helps make the cake moist but also adds a dose of **protein** and **calcium**. This is a great way to incorporate dairy into your dessert in a more subtle way, especially for those who aren’t big fans of traditional cheesecake-style cakes.

– **Almonds for Texture and Taste**: The addition of **almond meal** and **chopped almonds** brings a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch to the cake. Almonds are also rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E, making them a nutritious addition to this dessert.

– **Chocolate Delight**: Of course, the rich **chocolate** flavor in this cake is a major highlight. Cocoa powder provides depth and richness, while the optional chocolate chips take it over the top, ensuring your chocolate cravings are fully satisfied.

### Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Almond Oatmeal Cake:

1. **Soak the Oats**: Soaking the oats in almond milk (or any milk) makes them softer and easier to mix into the batter, ensuring the cake texture is smooth and even.

2. **Adjust the Sweetness**: Depending on how sweet you like your desserts, you can adjust the amount of **honey** or **maple syrup** to your taste. Feel free to substitute with your favorite natural sweeteners.

3. **Make it Gluten-Free**: This recipe is naturally **gluten-free** because of the use of almond meal and oats, but be sure to check that your oats are certified gluten-free if needed.

4. **Play with Frosting**: The frosting is optional, but if you want to take it up a notch, you can add a spoonful of **peanut butter** or a drizzle of **chocolate ganache** for extra flavor.

### Serving Suggestions:

This cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

– Serve it for **breakfast** or as a mid-morning snack, especially when you need a sweet pick-me-up with a bit of nutrition.
– It’s perfect for a **family gathering**, or as a **special treat** to bring to a potluck.
– For a fancy dessert, pair it with a dollop of **whipped cream** or a scoop of **vanilla ice cream** for extra indulgence.

### Conclusion:

The **Chocolate Almond Oatmeal Cake with Cottage Cheese** is a perfect blend of indulgence and nourishment. It’s rich, moist, and full of wholesome ingredients like oats, almonds, and cottage cheese, offering a nutritious twist on a traditional dessert. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something sweet yet satisfying, this cake is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can enjoy it anytime you need a delicious pick-me-up!