Indulge your taste buds with these delightful Passion Fruit Oatmeal Cakes that whisk you away to a tropical paradise. Not only do they tantalize your palate, but they're also packed with fiber and antioxidants, making them a wholesome choice for any snack or breakfast. Forget about gluten; these cakes rely on the chewy texture of rolled oats, ensuring a tender and moist experience.

Ingredients

- 2 large eggs

- 3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats

- 1 cup low-fat milk

- ½ cup thawed frozen passion fruit (approximately 4 ounces)

- ½ cup mashed very ripe banana

- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar

- 2 teaspoons grated lime zest

- 1 teaspoon baking powder

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- ¾ teaspoon salt

- ¾ cup chopped unsalted roasted almonds, divided

- ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut plus 1 tablespoon, divided

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs lightly before adding oats, milk, thawed passion fruit, mashed banana, brown sugar, lime zest, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix until well combined.

3. Gently fold in ½ cup of chopped almonds and ¼ cup of coconut until evenly mixed.

4. Distribute the mixture evenly into the prepared muffin tins, approximately ⅓ cup each. Top with the remaining chopped almonds and the additional tablespoon of coconut.

5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before transferring the cakes from the pan.

Nutritional Notes

These oatmeal cakes are not just a treat for your taste buds; they're also a nutritious powerhouse. Each serving delivers about 5 grams of dietary fiber, which is 16% of your daily fiber needs.

- **Oats**: Renowned for their gut-friendly properties, oats can help lower cholesterol levels thanks to their high fiber content.

- **Passion Fruit**: Besides adding incredible flavor, passion fruit is loaded with vitamin C and fiber, contributing to gut health and immune support. This exotic fruit is among the highest fiber-content fruits, making it a surprising superstar in this recipe.

- **Bananas**: They provide natural sweetness and energy, while also boosting the fiber content—keeping you full longer and stabilizing your blood sugar levels.

- **Almonds**: These add a delightful crunch, along with extra fiber and vitamin E, which is beneficial for skin health. The healthy fats in almonds are great for both heart and brain function.

Storage Tips

These Passion Fruit Oatmeal Cakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days or frozen for up to three months. For a quick warm-up, simply microwave each cake in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQs

- **Can I substitute the ingredients?** Absolutely! Feel free to swap out lime zest for lemon zest or use slivered almonds instead of chopped.

- **Should I toast the coconut?** While you could toast the coconut for added flavor, it's best to leave the topping un-toasted as it will crisp up nicely during baking.

Say goodbye to boring snacks and hello to these vibrant, healthy Passion Fruit Oatmeal Cakes that offer a burst of flavor and nutrition in every bite! Enjoy them warm or at room temperature for a true tropical experience anytime.