Vegan Oat Cake Recipe
If you’re craving a wholesome, comforting dessert that’s also vegan, then you’re in for a treat! This vegan oat cake recipe will hit all the right notes: it’s easy to make, healthy, and irresistibly delicious.
Why Choose a Vegan Oat Cake?
Oats are a superfood—packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. When combined with simple plant-based ingredients, they create a cake that’s not only delicious but nutritious as well. Vegan oat cake is a great option for anyone looking to reduce their animal product consumption or follow a plant-based lifestyle.
But there’s more to this recipe than just health benefits. The beauty of oat cake lies in its versatility. Whether you prefer a dense, moist texture or something slightly lighter, oats can be the key to achieving both. The cake’s nutty flavor pairs wonderfully with a range of ingredients like fruits, nuts, and even spices like cinnamon.
Now, let’s dive into how to make the perfect vegan oat cake!
Ingredients You’ll Need (Vegan Oat Cake Recipe)
Making a vegan oat cake is simple and requires only a handful of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
2 cups rolled oats: Oats are the foundation of this recipe and provide the texture and natural sweetness.
1 cup oat flour: For a finer crumb and extra oat goodness. You can easily make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor.
1/2 cup plant-based milk: Almond milk, oat milk, or any dairy-free milk works well.
1/4 cup coconut oil: Adds richness to the cake, but you can substitute with other oils like olive oil if preferred.
1 ripe banana: This natural sweetener also acts as a binder, so it’s perfect for vegan baking.
1/4 cup maple syrup: For an extra touch of sweetness, though you can adjust to taste or use another sweetener like agave.
1 tsp vanilla extract: For that lovely aroma and flavor.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice that complements the oats.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise without eggs.
Pinch of salt: To enhance the flavors.
Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor. Walnuts, raisins, or even shredded coconut can all be wonderful additions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Perfect Vegan Oat Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a round or square cake pan with a bit of coconut oil, or line it with parchment paper. This ensures the cake won’t stick and will come out easily once baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Oats
If you don’t have oat flour on hand, you can easily make your own. Just blend the rolled oats in a food processor or blender until they form a fine powder. This process only takes a minute and will give you the perfect consistency for your cake.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until it forms a smooth puree. Add the plant-based milk, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir well to combine all the wet ingredients.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another large bowl, mix together the oat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until it’s evenly distributed. The oats will give the cake a hearty, satisfying texture, while the cinnamon and salt will balance out the sweetness of the banana and maple syrup.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until well combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. The batter should be thick, yet pourable. If you feel like it’s too thick, you can add a splash more plant-based milk to adjust the consistency.
Step 6: Bake the Oat Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 7: Let it Cool
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cake sets properly and doesn’t become too crumbly.
Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Oat Cake
Add Texture with Nuts & Seeds:
Feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds to the batter for some crunch. Chia seeds or flaxseeds will also add a boost of omega-3s and fiber.
Enhance the Flavor with Spices:
Cinnamon is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to create a more complex flavor profile.
Make It Your Own:
Want to take it up a notch? Try adding 1/2 cup of dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for a chewy texture. You can also fold in some shredded coconut for extra flavor and moisture
Serve with Toppings:
This cake is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it with fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a dollop of vegan yogurt for a complete treat.
Variations of Vegan Oat Cake
While this recipe is delicious as is, it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations you can try:
Chocolate Chip Vegan Oat Cake: Add a 1/2 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
Carrot Cake Oat Cake: Add 1 cup of grated carrots and a handful of raisins for a carrot cake-inspired twist.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Oat Cake
This vegan oat cake isn’t just healthy—it’s also incredibly satisfying. It’s sweet but not overly so, making it perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Plus, it’s easy to make with pantry staples, and you can enjoy it knowing you’re eating a wholesome, plant-based treat.
Conclusion
Making the perfect vegan oat cake doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few basic ingredients and some simple steps, you can create a cake that’s both delicious and nutritious. Experiment with your favorite mix-ins, and don’t be afraid to tweak the recipe to suit your taste. Whether you’re vegan or not, this oat cake will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.
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