Banana Oat Chocolate Cake with Espresso Glaze

Banana Oat Chocolate Cake with Espresso Glaze

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• • 125g (1¼ cups) oat flakes
  • 250 ml (1 cup) warm water
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• • 2 eggs (large)
  • 2 tbsp (12g) cocoa powder
  • 5g (1 teaspoon) baking powder

• 1 teaspoon vanillin or vanilla extract

For the Espresso Glaze:

• • 100g (¾ cup) powdered sugar

• 30 ml (2 tbsp) espresso coffee (freshly brewed or instant)

Directions:

1. 1. Prepare the oats:
      In a bowl, combine the oat flakes with warm water. Let it soak for 10 minutes until the oats soften.
   2. Make the batter:
      In another bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the eggs, cocoa powder, baking powder, and vanillin or vanilla extract. Mix well to combine.

1. 1. Combine ingredients:
      Once the oats have softened, add them to the banana mixture and stir until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
   2. Bake:
      Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking tin. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   3. Prepare the espresso glaze:
      While the cake is baking, mix the powdered sugar and espresso coffee in a small bowl until smooth.

1. Cool and glaze:
   Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the espresso glaze over the top of the cake before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
  • Enjoy with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack.

Cooking Tips:

• • Make sure the bananas are ripe for a naturally sweet cake.
  • If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the soaked oats before adding them to the batter.
  • You can use decaf espresso if you want to avoid caffeine in the glaze.

Nutritional Benefits:

• • Oats: Provide fiber, which supports digestive health and helps maintain steady energy levels.
  • Bananas: Add natural sweetness and are a good source of potassium and vitamins.
  • Cocoa Powder: Packed with antioxidants and promotes heart health.

• Eggs: Provide protein and healthy fats, keeping the cake moist and delicious.

Dietary Information:

• • Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.

• Refined Sugar-Free Option: You can skip the espresso glaze to avoid refined sugar or use a sugar substitute in the glaze.

Nutritional Facts (Per Slice):

• • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 6g

• • Carbs: 35g
  • Fats: 7g
  • Fiber: 4g

Storage:

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• You can freeze the cake (without the glaze) for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and add the glaze before serving.