That image looks absolutely delicious—and seriously healthy, which is a rare, wonderful combination! Since you’ve already laid out the core ingredients, here is a complete recipe based on what you provided and similar popular no-sugar, no-flour oatmeal cake recipes.
Yields: 1 cake (approx. 7-8 inch/18-20 cm round)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 45-50 minutes
Oven temp: 360°F / 180°C
Ingredients
- Dry:
- 2 cups (200 g) rolled oats, finely chopped in a blender (this is your ‘flour’)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- A pinch of salt (optional, but highly recommended to enhance flavor)
- Wet:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
- A splash of vanilla extract (optional, 1/2 tsp)
- 2-3 tablespoons of a neutral oil, like olive or vegetable oil (optional, for moisture)
- Fruit & Veg:
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1 large apple, grated
- 9 dried apricots, rinsed with hot water and chopped
- 4 tablespoons raisins, rinsed with hot water
- Optional Enhancements (since you use no sugar):
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Zest of half an orange or lemon (for brightness)
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 360^{\circ}\text{F} (180^{\circ}\text{C}). Grease and lightly flour (using a bit of the oat flour) a 7 or 8-inch round baking pan.
- Make the Oat Flour: In a blender or food processor, pulse the 2 cups of rolled oats until they reach a fine, flour-like consistency. Don’t over-process into a paste.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the oat flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the 3 eggs and the milk together. Add the optional oil and vanilla extract.
- Mix Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix!
- Add Ins: Gently fold in the grated carrot, grated apple, chopped apricots, and raisins. If using, fold in the nuts and zest now too.
- Rest (The Secret Step): Let the batter rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the oat flour to absorb the liquid, ensuring a moister cake.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro-Tip for Zero Added Sugar: The cake will rely entirely on the sweetness from the apple and dried fruits (apricots and raisins). Make sure your apple is a naturally sweet variety like Gala or Fuji, and use plump, moist dried fruit for the best result.
