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### **Instructions**
#### **1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a round 9-inch cake pan (or similar size) with parchment paper or lightly grease it with a bit of coconut oil.
#### **2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the **eggs**, **applesauce**, and **almond milk**. Add the **vanilla extract** and **cinnamon** to the mixture and stir to combine. The applesauce will naturally provide sweetness, so you won’t need any added sugar.
#### **3. Add the Dry Ingredients**
– To the same bowl, add the **rolled oats**, **grated apple**, and **grated carrot**. Stir until the oats are well-coated with the wet ingredients and the mixture becomes slightly thicker. Sprinkle in the **baking soda** and **salt**, and mix well to ensure even distribution.
#### **4. Incorporate Nuts (Optional)**
– If you’re adding nuts, fold in the **chopped walnuts or almonds** at this stage for some added texture and crunch.
#### **5. Bake the Cake**
– Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and firm to the touch.
#### **6. Cool the Cake**
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting or serving.
#### **7. Make the Optional Frosting**
– While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting (optional). In a small bowl, whisk together the **Greek yogurt**, **honey or maple syrup**, **vanilla extract**, and **cinnamon** until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to taste.
#### **8. Serve and Enjoy**
– Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the yogurt frosting on top of the cake. Slice it up and serve, enjoying each moist, flavorful bite. If you prefer, you can serve it plain without frosting for an even healthier option.
### **Health Benefits of This Cake**
– **Oats**: A great source of soluble fiber, oats help reduce cholesterol levels and promote heart health. They also provide long-lasting energy, making this cake a satisfying breakfast option.
– **Apples**: Rich in antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, apples add natural sweetness and a boost of immunity to the cake.
– **Carrots**: Full of vitamin A and beta-carotene, carrots support eye health, skin, and immune function while adding moisture to the cake.
– **Greek Yogurt (Frosting)**: If you opt to add the yogurt frosting, it provides a dose of probiotics for digestive health and protein to keep you feeling full longer.
### **Customization Options**
– **Vegan Version**: To make this cake vegan, simply substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water = 1 flax egg) and use a plant-based milk like almond, oat, or coconut milk.
– **Add-ins**: Feel free to get creative with your add-ins. You can include raisins, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. A sprinkle of chia seeds or flaxseeds would also boost the omega-3 content.
– **Spices**: If you love a bit of extra flavor, try adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or ginger to the mix for a warm, spiced kick.
### **Conclusion**
This **No-Sugar, No-Flour Oatmeal, Apple, and Carrot Cake** is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, delicious dessert without any guilt. Full of fiber, vitamins, and natural sweetness, it’s the perfect treat for anyone looking to indulge in something healthy. Whether you enjoy it as a morning snack or a satisfying dessert, this cake offers all the flavors of a classic carrot cake with a nutritious twist. So, go ahead and treat yourself to a slice (or two) without the worry of added sugars or flour!
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