Mediterranean Diet Cake with Oats, Apple and Carrot
Moist, wholesome, and naturally sweet — perfect for breakfast or snacking.
This simple Mediterranean-style cake leans on everyday pantry staples and fresh produce. Oats add a hearty texture, apples bring moisture and natural sweetness, and carrots round everything out with warm, earthy flavor. It’s the kind of cake you make when you want something comforting but still nourishing. No frosting, no fuss — just a clean, satisfying slice that pairs well with tea, coffee, or a quick breakfast on the go.
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 35–40 minutes
Total: 50–55 minutes
Ingredients
1 ½ cups rolled oats (or quick oats)
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of salt
2 large eggs
⅓ cup olive oil
½ cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup grated apple (packed)
1 cup grated carrot (packed)
½ cup Greek yogurt
Zest of 1 lemon
⅓ cup raisins or chopped dates (optional)
¼ cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)
Instructions
Heat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a small cake pan with parchment.
Pulse the oats in a blender until they turn into coarse oat flour.
In a bowl, combine oats, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, olive oil, honey, vanilla, and Greek yogurt.
Stir the grated apple and carrot into the wet mixture.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet bowl and fold until everything is just combined.
Stir in raisins or nuts if you’re using them.
Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before slicing so the crumb sets properly.
Tips
Use sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala for the best flavor.
Don’t squeeze the moisture out of the apple or carrot; it helps keep the cake tender.
Olive oil gives a Mediterranean touch and keeps the cake soft.
Greek yogurt adds protein and replaces heavier dairy.
Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before baking; the oats hydrate and improve texture.
Avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added.
Use the middle rack for even baking.
Cover the cake with foil in the last 10 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
Cool for at least 20 minutes to prevent the cake from crumbling.
Store airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days; the flavor gets better overnight.
Variations
Citrus version: Add orange zest instead of lemon.
Date-sweetened version: Soak chopped dates in hot water and blend into the wet ingredients.
Spice-heavy version: Add cardamom and extra cinnamon.
Nut-free version: Skip nuts and add sunflower seeds.
Gluten-free version: Use certified gluten-free oats and oat flour only; omit wheat flour and add 1 more egg.
Chocolate twist: Add ¼ cup dark chocolate chips.
Tropical version: Swap apple for pineapple and add shredded coconut.
High-protein version: Add 2 tablespoons chia seeds or hemp seeds.
Sugar-free version: Replace honey with mashed banana.
Mini loaves: Bake in muffin tins or mini pans; reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes.
Q&A
Can I use all-purpose flour? Yes, it works fine.
Can I replace the honey? Maple syrup or date syrup both work.
Do I need a food processor for the oats? No; you can use store-bought oat flour.
Can I make it vegan? Use flax eggs, plant yogurt, and maple syrup.
Can I freeze it? Yes, slices freeze for up to three months.
Is it sweet? It’s mildly sweet; add 2–3 tablespoons extra honey if you prefer.
Can I add more fruit? Keep total grated apples and carrots to about two cups so the cake doesn’t become wet.
Can I use only carrots? Yes, increase carrots to 2 cups and skip the apple.
Can I use steel-cut oats? No, they won’t soften enough.
Why is my cake dense? Usually from overmixing or too much moisture from extra fruit.
Nutrition
(per slice, 10 slices — approximate)
Calories: 210–230
Protein: 5–6 g
Carbs: 30–32 g
Fiber: 3–4 g
Fat: 8–10 g
Sugar: 12–14 g
Sodium: 150–170 mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean-inspired oat, apple, and carrot cake is a simple way to bring wholesome flavor into your daily routine. It’s soft, lightly sweet, and packed with nourishing ingredients that fit easily into a balanced diet. The combination of apples, carrots, oats, olive oil, and yogurt creates a moist crumb without relying on heavy butter or refined sugar. It holds together well, slices neatly, and works for breakfast just as easily as an afternoon treat. With plenty of room for variations, you can adjust the spices, fruit, or add-ins to match your taste. It’s an easy, reliable cake to keep in your weekly rotation.