Healthy Oatmeal and Fruit Cake

### How to Make Healthy Oatmeal and Fruit Cake

#### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease or line a **9-inch round cake pan** with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake once it’s baked.

#### Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **mashed bananas**, **Greek yogurt**, **applesauce**, **honey** or maple syrup, **eggs**, and **vanilla extract**. Use a whisk or hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and well combined. The bananas and applesauce not only provide natural sweetness but also contribute to the cake’s moist texture.

#### Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the **rolled oats**, **ground cinnamon**, **ground ginger** (if using), **baking powder**, **baking soda**, and a **pinch of salt**. Stir these dry ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.

#### Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix the batter; simply stir until everything is incorporated.

#### Step 5: Fold in the Dried Fruits
Add your choice of **dried fruits** (raisins, cranberries, apricots, or figs) to the batter and fold them in gently with a spatula. The dried fruit will add bursts of natural sweetness and chewy texture throughout the cake.

#### Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. If you’d like to add a topping, sprinkle the **chopped nuts** and **chia seeds** over the top of the batter. The nuts will add a nice crunch, while the chia seeds provide added fiber and omega-3s.

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for **30-35 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Depending on your oven and the size of your pan, the baking time may vary, so keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time.

#### Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about **10 minutes**. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve!

### Tips for the Best Healthy Oatmeal and Fruit Cake

– **Bananas are key**: Ripe bananas are a natural sweetener and moisture booster in this recipe. They help bind the oats together, so make sure they’re well-mashed to avoid any chunks in the batter.
– **Customize with fruits and nuts**: Feel free to adjust the types of dried fruit and nuts based on your preferences. You can even add fresh berries to the batter for an extra burst of freshness.
– **Make it gluten-free**: If you’re avoiding gluten, simply use certified gluten-free oats. The rest of the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
– **Storage**: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze slices of the cake for up to 3 months—just wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.

### Why This Healthy Oatmeal and Fruit Cake is a Winner

This cake isn’t just healthy; it’s delicious too! With **oats** providing fiber, **dried fruits** offering natural sweetness and antioxidants, and **Greek yogurt** adding protein, it’s a nutritious dessert that can also double as a wholesome breakfast or snack. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite fruits, nuts, and spices.

**Healthy Oatmeal and Fruit Cake** is perfect for anyone who loves a balance of flavor and nutrition. It’s ideal for meal prep, feeding the family, or even serving at a gathering. And because it’s naturally sweetened and loaded with whole grains, you can feel good about enjoying it any time of day.

### Final Thoughts

Next time you’re craving something sweet but want to stick to healthier ingredients, give this **Healthy Oatmeal and Fruit Cake** a try. It’s an easy-to-make, nutritious treat that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its comforting texture and delightful flavors, it’s a cake that everyone will love—whether they’re health-conscious or just looking for a delicious dessert. Enjoy!