Healthy Oatmeal and Fruit Cake

### 👩‍🍳 Instructions

#### 1. **Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:**
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
– Lightly grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

#### 2. **Mix Wet Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and milk. Stir until well combined.

#### 3. **Add Dry Ingredients:**
– To the same bowl, add the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together, ensuring the oats are evenly mixed into the wet ingredients.
– Fold in your chosen fruit (mashed bananas, berries, or chopped apples) and any optional add-ins like nuts or seeds.

#### 4. **Bake the Cake:**
– Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
– Bake in the preheated oven for **35-40 minutes**, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

#### 5. **Cool and Serve:**
– Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
– Optionally, top with a drizzle of honey, yogurt, or additional fresh fruit for added flavor.

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### 🧡 Why You’ll Love Healthy Oatmeal and Fruit Cake

– **Packed with Nutrients**: This cake is full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, thanks to the fruit and oats.
– **Naturally Sweetened**: Instead of using refined sugar, this recipe relies on natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, making it a healthier alternative.
– **Versatile and Customizable**: You can switch up the fruits based on the season or what you have on hand. Whether you prefer bananas, berries, or apples, each variation offers a delicious twist.
– **Quick and Easy**: With minimal prep time and just one bowl, this cake is a breeze to make — even for beginners in the kitchen.
– **Great for Meal Prep**: It’s perfect for meal prepping, as you can bake it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for several days. It’s great as a grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

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### 🍽 Serving Suggestions

– **For breakfast**: Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a handful of fresh berries for added protein and flavor.
– **For dessert**: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of dark chocolate for a treat that feels indulgent but is still healthy.
– **For snacks**: Enjoy a slice with a cup of herbal tea or a coffee for a satisfying midday treat.

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

– **Choose ripe fruit**: Ripe bananas or apples will give you the best flavor and sweetness. If you’re using berries, fresh or frozen work equally well.
– **Add extra spices**: For even more flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger.
– **Use old-fashioned oats**: For the best texture, stick with rolled oats instead of instant oats, which can become too mushy.
– **Make it gluten-free**: Simply swap the rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats to accommodate dietary restrictions.

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### 🍓 Customization Ideas

– **Add-ins**: You can mix in raisins, dried cranberries, or coconut flakes for added texture and sweetness.
– **Change the flavor**: For a tropical twist, try adding shredded coconut and pineapple. Or go citrusy with orange zest and fresh orange segments.
– **Top it off**: Add a drizzle of almond butter or peanut butter on top for a protein boost.

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### 🥄 Final Thoughts

This **Healthy Oatmeal and Fruit Cake** is more than just a sweet treat — it’s a wholesome, feel-good dessert that’s perfect for any time of day. With its simple ingredients and customizable flavors, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily fit into any meal plan. So whether you’re looking for a healthier way to enjoy cake or need a nutritious breakfast option that’s both filling and delicious, this oatmeal and fruit cake is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Baked to golden perfection with a hint of natural sweetness, it’s the perfect combination of comfort and health. Get baking, and enjoy every bite! 🍎🍯🍰