Easy RecipesSugar-Free Banana Oat Loaf with Cocoa November 7, 2024 - by admin - Leave a Comment Table of Contents Toggle Sugar-Free Banana Oat Loaf with CocoaIngredientsDirectionsServing SuggestionsCooking TipsNutritional BenefitsDietary InformationStorage Tips Sugar-Free Banana Oat Loaf with Cocoa Ingredients 120 g oat flakes (gluten-free) 250 ml hot milk (use your favorite milk) 2 medium ripe bananas 2 eggs 4 tablespoons cocoa/carob powder (45 g) A pinch of salt 1 tablespoon baking powder 40 g nuts (your choice) Dark chocolate (sugar-free) for decoration Directions Prepare the Oats: Place the oat flakes in a bowl and pour the hot milk over them. Let them soak for 10 minutes until they become soft and absorb the milk. Prepare the Banana Mixture: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the eggs and mix well until fully combined. Combine Ingredients: Add the soaked oats to the banana mixture and mix thoroughly. Add the cocoa or carob powder, a pinch of salt, and baking powder to the mixture. Stir until everything is well incorporated. Fold in the nuts. Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Decorate: Let the loaf cool completely. Melt the sugar-free dark chocolate and drizzle it over the top of the loaf for decoration. Serving Suggestions Serve a slice of this loaf with a cup of tea or coffee. Pair with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein-packed snack. Enjoy as a healthy dessert after a meal. Cooking Tips Make sure the bananas are very ripe to ensure maximum sweetness. You can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Nutritional Benefits Oats are a great source of dietary fiber and help keep you full longer. Bananas provide natural sweetness and are rich in potassium and vitamins. Cocoa powder is a good source of antioxidants. Dietary Information Gluten-free: Ensure the oat flakes are certified gluten-free. Nut-free: Can be made nut-free by omitting nuts or substituting with seeds. Dairy-free: Use a plant-based milk alternative. Storage Tips Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.