At 99th Monkey, we believe that treating yourself shouldn't mean compromising on your well-being. We're always on the hunt for recipes that are as nourishing as they are delicious, and today, we’ve struck gold! Get ready to fall in love with this Choc Orange Oat Cake – a versatile, flavour-packed creation that perfectly embodies our philosophy.
Imagine this: a warm, scoop-able, and undeniably cozy cake infused with rich chocolate and bright, zesty orange, perfect for a chilly evening. Or, picture a cool, satisfying, low-calorie dessert, with those same incredible choc-orange vibes, ideal for a warm afternoon. Whether you're craving comfort or a refreshing chilled treat, this Choc Orange Oat Cake truly hits both cravings with remarkable precision.
We're particularly thrilled with this recipe because it showcases how simple, wholesome ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. And, of course, it beautifully incorporates our 99th Monkey goodness, proving that healthy eating can be an absolute delight.
Let's talk about those incredible macros too! This isn't just a treat; it’s a smart choice that delivers a substantial protein punch to keep you feeling full and satisfied. It's the kind of dessert (or breakfast, or snack) that supports your goals without sacrificing an ounce of flavour.
Ready to dive into the magic? Let's get baking (or rather, whisking and chilling).
The Secret Behind the Sensational Flavour & Texture
What makes this Choc Orange Oat Cake so utterly irresistible? It’s a harmonious blend of carefully chosen ingredients that work together to create something truly special.
The star of our base is a chocolate protein smoothie. We specifically designed this recipe around our 99th Monkey almond butter-based chocolate smoothies because they bring a creamy texture and a rich, authentic chocolate flavour without being overly sweet. This sets a fantastic foundation for the entire dish.
Blended rolled oats are crucial for giving this "cake" its substantial, comforting texture. When blended and cooked, they create a soft, pudding-like consistency that's incredibly satisfying. They also bring a healthy dose of fibre, aiding digestion and promoting satiety.
Corn flour acts as our thickening agent, ensuring that rich, pudding-like consistency we're after. It helps the mixture set beautifully, whether you prefer it warm and soft or chilled and firm.
The flavour enhancers truly make this dish sing. A generous 2 teaspoons of orange zest is where the magic happens, infusing the cake with a vibrant, citrusy aroma and taste that perfectly cuts through the richness of the chocolate. Cinnamon adds a warm, subtly spicy note, while vanilla extract deepens the overall flavour profile. A pinch of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness and making all the other flavours pop. And, of course, sweetener to taste allows you to customise it to your personal preference, ensuring it’s perfectly sweet for you.
For the frosting, we keep it simple yet effective. Salted caramel or vanilla protein yoghurt provides a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the rich cake. The protein in the yoghurt further boosts the protein content of the entire dish, making it even more satisfying. And for that quintessential chocolate drizzle, a quick and easy dark chocolate sauce made from melted 85% dark chocolate and a touch of water delivers an intense cocoa hit with minimal added sugar.
Why You’ll Adore This Choc Orange Oat Cake
- Customisable Comfort: Enjoy it warm and gooey like a pudding, or chilled and firm like a true cake. It caters to every craving!
- Macro-Friendly Indulgence: With a great amount of protein and controlled calories, you can enjoy this treat without derailing your health goals.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with oats, protein, and the goodness of our 99th Monkey smoothie.
- Flavour Explosion: The classic pairing of chocolate and orange is elevated by the creamy texture and subtle spices.
- Easy to Make: No complicated baking techniques here! Just blend, cook, and chill.
Ready to Create Your Own Choc Orange Masterpiece?
Let’s get to the recipe that will change your dessert game!
RECIPE:
Ingredients:
- 350ml 99th Monkey Choc protein smoothie
- 20g blended rolled oats (simply blend regular rolled oats into a fine flour consistency)
- 20g corn flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Sweetener to taste (or a touch of maple syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp orange zest (from approximately 1 medium orange)
- Pinch salt
Frosting:
- 100g salted caramel or vanilla yoghurt
- Dark choc sauce: 10g 85% melted dark chocolate + 1 tbsp water
METHOD:
- Prepare Your Base: In a blender, combine the 99th Monkey Choc protein smoothie, blended rolled oats, corn flour, sweetener to taste, vanilla extract, orange zest, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and no oat lumps remain.
- Cook to Perfection: Pour the blended mixture into a medium-sized pot. Place the pot over medium heat, and begin to whisk continuously. Keep whisking! This is important to prevent lumps and ensure even cooking.
- Watch It Thicken: The mixture will gradually start to thicken. Continue whisking until it reaches a consistency resembling a soft pudding or custard. This usually takes a few minutes, depending on your heat and whisking intensity. As soon as it reaches this consistency, remove it from the heat immediately. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools, so don't overcook it.
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Cool & Choose Your Adventure: Transfer the thickened mixture to a round glass dish (a small, heat-proof bowl or ramekin works perfectly). Let it cool slightly on the counter. At this point, you have a choice:
- Warm & Cozy: You can enjoy it warm, right away, for a comforting, scoop-able treat. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
- Chilled & Firm: For a firmer, more cake-like texture, cover the dish with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours, or until completely set. This is ideal if you want to flip it out onto a plate.
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Prepare the Frosting & Sauce:
- Once the oat cake is chilled (or just before serving if you're having it warm), prepare your dark choc sauce. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the 10g of 85% dark chocolate (chopped for easier melting) and 1 tablespoon of water. Microwave on high for 20 seconds. Remove and stir vigorously until the chocolate has melted and formed a creamy, pourable sauce. If needed, microwave for another 5-10 seconds, but be careful not to burn it.
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Assemble & Enjoy!
- If serving chilled, carefully flip the set oat cake onto a serving plate.
- Spoon or spread the yoghurt generously over the top of the oat cake.
- Drizzle liberally with your freshly made dark choc sauce.
- For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, consider adding some fresh berries (raspberries or blueberries work beautifully) on top.
- Slice, scoop, and savour every delicious bite!
This Choc Orange Oat Cake truly exemplifies how healthy eating can be exciting, satisfying, and bursting with flavour. It's a testament to the versatility of wholesome ingredients and the joy of creating something delicious for yourself. Give this recipe a try, and let us know whether you prefer it warm and cozy or chilled and firm! We’d love to see your creations.
