This Banana Oat Chocolate Cake with Espresso Glaze is the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, topped with a smooth, coffee-flavored glaze. The oats provide a lovely texture while adding fiber and health benefits. This cake is ideal for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional desserts, with the added bonus of being easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat or something to impress at a gathering, this cake is sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
For the Cake
- Oat flakes: 125g (1¼ cups)
- Warm water: 250 ml (1 cup)
- Ripe bananas: 2, mashed
- Eggs: 2 large
- Cocoa powder: 2 tbsp (12g)
- Baking powder: 5g (1 teaspoon)
- Vanillin or vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
For the Espresso Glaze
- Powdered sugar: 100g (¾ cup)
- Espresso coffee: 30 ml (2 tbsp), freshly brewed or instant
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Oats
- Soak the oats: In a mixing bowl, combine the oat flakes with warm water. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the oats to soften and absorb the water.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
- Mash the bananas: Peel the bananas and mash them in a bowl until smooth.
- Add eggs and dry ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the eggs, cocoa powder, baking powder, and vanillin (or vanilla extract). Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth batter.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
- Mix the oats with the banana batter: Once the oats have softened, add them to the banana mixture. Stir until the ingredients are well incorporated and the batter is thick and uniform.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Prepare the baking tin: Grease a baking tin or line it with parchment paper.
- Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Prepare the Espresso Glaze
- Mix the glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the espresso glaze by combining the powdered sugar with the brewed espresso in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and the glaze is a thin, pourable consistency.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
- Cool the cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before glazing.
- Drizzle the glaze: After the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the espresso glaze over the top, allowing it to set and create a glossy finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Whipped cream or ice cream: For an indulgent treat, serve a slice of this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Coffee or tea: Pair with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack or dessert.
Cooking Tips
- Use ripe bananas: Make sure the bananas are ripe, as they add natural sweetness to the cake.
- Blend the oats for a smoother texture: If you prefer a smoother cake, blend the soaked oats before mixing them with the batter.
- Decaf espresso option: You can use decaf espresso if you prefer 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, cocoa promotes heart health and enhances mood.
- Eggs: Provide protein and healthy fats, which help keep 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, Approximate)
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 6g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fats: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
Storage
- Room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: The cake can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cake (without the glaze) for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and drizzle with the glaze before serving.
Conclusion
This Banana Oat Chocolate Cake with Espresso Glaze is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas, the richness of cocoa, and the bold flavor of espresso. It’s a healthier dessert option that doesn’t sacrifice taste, offering fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants in each bite. Whether you enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of ice cream, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.