Sugar-Free Apple Oatmeal Banana Bake

Ingredients

1 cup (100 g) rolled oats or oatmeal

3 medium apples, grated

1/2 cup (120 ml) water

1 ripe banana, mashed

100 g (3.5 oz) dried blueberries

100 g (3.5 oz) raisins

1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, optional

1 teaspoon vanilla extract, optional

Pinch of salt, optional

Equipment

Large mixing bowl

Greater

Fork or potato masher

8-inch square baking dish or similar-sized baking dish

Parchment paper or cooking spray

Mixing spoon or spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line an approximately 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, or lightly grease it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.

Set the prepared dish aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Wash and grate the apples.

You can peel them first if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds colour, texture, and additional fibre.

If your grated apples release a large amount of liquid, you do not need to squeeze them completely dry. Some of that natural moisture is important because it helps keep the oatmeal bake soft.

Remove any large pieces of apple core or seeds.

Step 3: Mash the Banana

Place the ripe banana in a large mixing bowl.

Mash it thoroughly with a fork until mostly smooth.

A very ripe banana works particularly well because it is naturally sweeter and easier to mash.

Step 4: Add the Apples and Water

Add the grated apples to the mashed banana.

Pour in 1/2 cup of water and stir everything together.

The mixture will be quite moist at this stage, which is exactly what you want.

Step 5: Add the Oats

Add the oatmeal to the bowl.

Stir well so the oats become evenly distributed throughout the apple and banana mixture.

Allow the mixture to sit for approximately 5 minutes. This gives the oats a little time to absorb some of the liquid.

Step 6: Add the Dried Fruit and Spices

Add the dried blueberries and raisins.

Sprinkle in cinnamon and nutmeg if using.

You can also add a little vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavour.

Mix gently until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 7: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Use the back of a spoon or spatula to spread the mixture evenly.

Gently press the mixture down so it forms an even layer.

This helps the baker cook consistently from edge to edge.

Step 8: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.

Bake for approximately 30–40 minutes, or until the centre is set and the edges are lightly golden.

Because apples vary in their moisture content, baking time can vary slightly.

If the centre still looks very wet after 30 minutes, continue baking for another 5–10 minutes.

Step 9: Cool

Remove the oatmeal bake from the oven.

Allow it to cool in the baking dish for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing.

The texture will become firmer as it cools.

For the cleanest slices, allow it to cool completely before cutting.

Step 10: Serve

Cut into squares or bars and serve.

The bake is delicious warm, but it can also be enjoyed chilled.

For a simple breakfast, serve a slice with plain Greek yoghurt, fresh berries, or a spoonful of nut butter.

Notes

This recipe contains no added granulated sugar. However, apples, bananas, raisins, and dried blueberries naturally contain sugars, and dried fruit can contain added sugar depending on the brand. If avoiding added sugar is important to you, check the ingredient label on your dried fruit.

Use a ripe banana for the best natural sweetness and binding ability.

Sweet apples such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady work particularly well. Tart apples such as Granny Smith will produce a less-sweet bake.

The amount of moisture released by the apples can vary significantly. If your apples are exceptionally juicy, the baking time may need to be slightly longer.

Rolled oats provide a heartier texture. Quick oats can be used for a softer texture.

Old-fashioned rolled oats are generally preferable for a more substantial bite.

Tips for the Best Apple Oatmeal Bake

Choose sweet apples

If you want a naturally sweeter bake without adding sugar, choose naturally sweet apples.

Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Pink Lady are excellent choices.

Use a ripe banana.

The more ripe the banana, the sweeter and softer it will be. A banana with plenty of brown spots is ideal.

Don’t squeeze all the apple juice away.

The natural juice from the apples contributes moisture to the bake. Only drain excess liquid if your grated apples are extremely watery.