Naturally Sweet Apple, Carrot & Oatmeal Cake (No Sugar, No Flour)
If you’re looking for a wholesome, nourishing treat that feels like dessert but is packed with goodness, this cake is for you. It’s soft, moist, full of natural sweetness from fruit, and contains no added sugar or refined flour — just simple, real ingredients. Whether you’re avoiding sugar entirely or just trying to make healthier choices, this cake makes a deliciously guilt-free option for breakfast, snack time, or even a light dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• No sugar at all! All the sweetness comes from dried fruit and fresh produce.
• No flour. Oats provide texture, fiber, and a rich, hearty taste.
• Naturally sweet and perfectly spiced.
• Easy to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly.
• Great for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients (Makes 8–10 slices):
Dry ingredients:
• 2 cups (200 g) rolled oats
Use traditional old-fashioned oats. Blend them for a few seconds in a food processor or blender — just enough to create a coarse oat flour. This gives the cake structure without needing any regular flour.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
Helps the cake rise slightly and prevents it from being too dense.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with apples and carrots.
Wet ingredients and add-ins:
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk of your choice
This recipe works beautifully with dairy milk, but almond, oat, soy, or any other plant-based milk will do just as well.
• 3 large eggs
These are essential for binding everything together and giving the cake a light, soft texture.
• 1 medium carrot, finely grated
Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and color. You won’t taste it strongly — it blends right into the cake.
• 1 medium apple, grated
Choose a naturally sweet variety like Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady. Leave the skin on for extra fiber, especially if the apple is organic.
• 9 dried apricots
Rinse them under hot water to remove any surface sugar or preservatives, then chop them into small pieces. They bring natural sweetness and a chewy bite.
• 4 tablespoons raisins
Also rinsed in hot water to plump them up. These pair beautifully with the apple and carrot flavors.
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Optional Additions (for variety):
• A pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra spice.
• A handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• A splash of vanilla extract.
• A tablespoon of chia seeds or ground flax for extra nutrition.
• Coconut flakes for texture and flavor.
Instructions:
- Preheat and prepare your baking dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 20 cm (8-inch) round or square baking dish with parchment paper, or lightly grease it with oil or butter.
- Make the oat base:
Place the rolled oats in a blender or food processor and pulse a few times until they resemble coarse flour. Don’t over-blend; you want texture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Stir to distribute the baking powder evenly.
- Prep the fruits and veggies:
Grate the carrot and apple. If the apple is particularly juicy, you can lightly squeeze out excess liquid to avoid making the batter too wet.
Rinse the dried apricots and raisins with hot water, then chop the apricots into small pieces.
- Mix everything together:
To the dry mixture, add the grated carrot, grated apple, apricot pieces, and raisins. Stir to coat everything evenly with the oat flour mixture — this helps keep the fruits from sinking during baking.
In a separate bowl or directly into the same one, add the eggs and milk. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The batter will be thick and moist.
Let the mixture rest for 5–10 minutes to allow the oats to absorb some of the moisture. This will help the cake bake more evenly and improve its texture.
- Bake the cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the surface with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps it firm up a bit more and makes slicing easier.
Serving Ideas:
• Enjoy a slice warm with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or unsweetened coconut yogurt on top.
• Add a drizzle of almond or peanut butter for extra richness.
• Pair with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy snack.
• Freeze individual slices and thaw as needed — they make a perfect grab-and-go breakfast!