Cranberry and Oat Cake

This delicious cranberry and oat cake is a delightful treat that combines the tangy flavor of cranberries with the hearty texture of oats. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a warm dessert, this cake is both rustic and satisfying. The citrusy hint from the lemon adds a refreshing twist, while the muscovado sugar provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness. It's a great recipe for those who enjoy the contrasting flavors of sweet and tart. Using both fresh and dried cranberries ensures bursts of flavor in every bite. Whether served with a dollop of whipped cream or simply on its own, this cake is sure to please. Ideal for holiday gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. Its moist, tender crumb makes it a crowd favorite. Plus, it's straightforward to make, ensuring a no-fuss baking experience.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 220 g plain white yogurt
• 140 g melted butter
• 220 g all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of sea salt
• 110 g light muscovado sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
• 40 g rolled oats
• 70 g frozen cranberries
• 50 g dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp light muscovado sugar for sprinkling

Preparation Time

60 minutes total

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F), ensuring it's properly heated before placing the cake inside.
2. Line a rectangular baking tin, approximately 10 x 30 cm in size, with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, 30 g of the oats (reserving the rest), baking powder, baking soda, salt, and muscovado sugar. Stir until well mixed.
4. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs and yogurt until smooth. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and melted butter to the mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixtures together until no dry flour remains.
6. Add the frozen cranberries and dried cranberries to the batter. Carefully fold them in to ensure even distribution without crushing them too much.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking tin. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
8. Sprinkle the remaining 10 g of oats and the 2 tablespoons of light muscovado sugar over the top for a slightly crispy finish.
9. Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

• Use fresh lemon for the best zest and juice flavors.
• If you prefer a more cake-like texture, substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole-wheat flour.
• Ensure the butter is fully melted before adding to the wet ingredients for a smoother consistency.

Nutrition

This cake contains approximately 250 calories per serving, 5g of protein, 11g of fat, and 32g of carbohydrates.

Variations

• For a nutty twist, add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds to the batter.
• Substitute coconut sugar for muscovado sugar for a slightly different taste.
• For a dairy-free version, use plant-based yogurt and butter alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of cranberry and oat cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It's also delightful with a cup of tea or coffee.

Best Places

• The Cranberry Cafe - Cozy cafe known for its variety of cranberry-based dishes. Location: 123 Berry St., Boston, USA.
• Oat & Bean Corner - Quaint spot offering wholesome bakes and brews. Location: 456 Healthy Ave., London, UK.
• Sweet Aroma Bakery - Local bakery with an array of freshly baked goodies. Location: 789 Delight Rd., Toronto, Canada.
• Rustic Treats Bistro - Serves comfort foods with a sophisticated twist. Location: 101 Down Home Lane, Sydney, Australia.
• Bakehouse & Co. - Modern bakery highlighting creative flavors. Location: 202 Bake St., Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Leaf & Berry - Offers light meals and unique desserts. Location: 303 Green Way, Auckland, New Zealand.
• Crete Delights - Rustic cafe serving Mediterranean flavors. Location: 404 Sun Ave., Heraklion, Greece.
• Nordic Nibbles - Scandinavian-style cafe with an emphasis on natural ingredients. Location: 505 Frost Ave., Stockholm, Sweden.
• Tart & Comfort - Known for its sweet and savory pastries. Location: 606 Sweetview Rd., Dublin, Ireland.
• Florentine Bakes - Authentic Italian bakery delights. Location: 707 Italian Way, Florence, Italy.