This Oatmeal Banana Dessert is the perfect combination of wholesome oats, ripe bananas, and indulgent dark chocolate. It’s a low-calorie treat that’s both filling and satisfying, offering a healthy way to enjoy a sweet dessert without the guilt. The addition of cocoa, chocolate, and nuts gives it an irresistible rich flavor, while the bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture. Whether you’re craving a quick treat or a nutritious dessert to enjoy after a meal, this recipe is the perfect choice. It takes just 5 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of baking to create a delicious, guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
- 120 grams of rolled oats
- 250 ml warm milk
- 2 bananas
- 2 eggs
- 10 grams of baking powder
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 100 grams of dark chocolate
- 30 ml milk
- 50 grams chopped nuts (your choice of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts)
Directions
Prep the Oats:
- Combine Oats and Milk: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 120 grams of rolled oats with 250 ml of warm milk. Stir the mixture together to ensure the oats are evenly soaked in the milk. Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes, giving the oats time to absorb the liquid and soften. This step is crucial to make the oats tender and to ensure the right texture for the dessert.
Mash the Bananas:
- Prepare Bananas: While the oats are soaking, peel the 2 bananas and place them in a separate bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth. The bananas will provide natural sweetness and moisture to the dessert, so make sure they are well mashed to avoid chunks in the batter. Add the mashed bananas to the soaked oats and stir to combine, ensuring the bananas are evenly distributed throughout the oat mixture.
Add Eggs and Baking Powder:
- Incorporate Eggs and Baking Powder: Crack the 2 eggs into the oat and banana mixture. Add 10 grams of baking powder, which will help the dessert rise and become light and fluffy. Stir everything together until the eggs and baking powder are fully incorporated into the mixture. The result should be a smooth batter with all ingredients combined.
Incorporate Cocoa:
- Mix in Cocoa: Add the 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the mixture and stir well until it is fully incorporated. This will add a rich, chocolatey flavor to the dessert. Make sure there are no lumps of cocoa powder left in the batter, and it should have a smooth consistency after stirring.
Bake:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven is heating up, grease a baking dish with a little butter or cooking spray to prevent the dessert from sticking. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the dessert should be firm and slightly golden when done.
Prepare the Chocolate Topping:
- Melt Chocolate: While the dessert is baking, prepare the chocolate topping. In a heatproof bowl, combine 100 grams of dark chocolate and 30 ml of milk. Place the bowl over simmering water (double boiler method) and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. This will create a silky chocolate sauce to pour over the dessert once it’s baked. You can adjust the amount of milk for a thicker or thinner chocolate topping, depending on your preference.
Top with Nuts:
- Add Nuts: Once the dessert has finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Pour the melted dark chocolate evenly over the top of the dessert, making sure to cover the surface completely. Sprinkle the 50 grams of chopped nuts over the top of the melted chocolate. You can use any nuts you prefer, such as almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts, to add crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the rich chocolate.
Serve:
- Cool and Slice: Allow the chocolate to set slightly before slicing the dessert into squares. The dessert can be served warm for a gooey experience or at room temperature for a firmer texture. This oatmeal banana dessert is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Cooking Tips
- Banana Ripe-ness: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and softer they will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this dessert because they are naturally sweeter and more flavorful, eliminating the need for additional sweeteners.
- Oat Soaking Time: Don’t skip the soaking step for the oats. Allowing the oats to absorb the milk for at least 10 minutes is crucial for ensuring they soften properly and integrate smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Chocolate Melting: Use the double boiler method for melting the chocolate to prevent it from burning or seizing. Stir it gently and avoid overheating.
- Nuts Choice: Feel free to use any nuts you like for this recipe. Chopped almonds, walnuts, or hazelnuts work particularly well, but you can experiment with others, such as pecans or cashews, for different textures and flavors.
Substitutions and Variations
- Non-Dairy Version: If you’re looking to make this dessert dairy-free, simply substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free dark chocolate to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of cocoa powder or substitute the bananas with unsweetened applesauce. You can also use a natural sweetener like stevia or maple syrup in place of some or all of the sugar.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, make sure to use certified gluten-free rolled oats. These oats are specially processed to avoid cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains.
- Add-ins: Experiment with adding other ingredients like dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates), chocolate chips, or even a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract for an extra burst of flavor.
FAQs
- Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dessert ahead of time. Once baked and topped with chocolate, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week and reheat it in the microwave before serving.
- Can I use a different type of milk for this recipe? Absolutely! You can use any kind of milk you prefer, such as whole milk, almond milk, or coconut milk. The choice of milk can subtly alter the flavor of the dessert, so choose one that complements the other ingredients.
- What should I do if I don’t have dark chocolate? If you don’t have dark chocolate, you can substitute with milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate. However, milk chocolate will add a bit more sweetness, so you may want to reduce the cocoa powder slightly to balance the flavors.
- Can I freeze this dessert? Yes, you can freeze this dessert. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugars: 15 g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used and portion sizes.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate.
- Refrigeration: If refrigerated, this dessert can last up to 5 days. Ensure it is covered tightly to avoid it drying out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dessert requires minimal prep time—just 5 minutes to combine the ingredients and 30 minutes to bake. It’s perfect for when you need a quick, satisfying dessert with little effort.
- Healthy Ingredients: The oats, bananas, and dark chocolate provide a wholesome and nutritious base for the dessert. With the added benefit of nuts for texture, you get a dessert that’s both delicious and filling.
- Customizable: This recipe is highly customizable with various add-ins and substitutions. Whether you prefer a different type of nut, want to add more chocolate, or need to make the dessert dairy-free, there’s flexibility to make it your own.
Conclusion
This Oatmeal Banana Dessert is a delicious and wholesome way to indulge your sweet tooth without the guilt. With its simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it warm or at room temperature, topped with chocolate and nuts, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this low-calorie treat that’s full of flavor, texture, and nutrition—your taste buds will thank you! Happy baking!