🍰 A dessert that feels indulgent, looks elegant, and yet – it’s secretly good for you! No flour, no butter, no guilt – just a warm, chocolatey, banana-kissed delight with a surprise crunch from pecans. From the first spoonful, you’ll feel like you’re enjoying something decadent in a boutique café – but you made it yourself in just minutes. It’s moist, naturally sweet, rich in cocoa and oats, and filled with gooey chocolate pockets. The best part? It’s made in one bowl and doesn’t even need a mixer. 🌀
💞 Who says healthy can’t feel like dessert? This cake is rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey — yet made with just oats, banana, cocoa, and a touch of honey. It’s what happens when your favourite brownie meets a wholesome banana bake. No flour, no butter, no white sugar — but every bite is decadent and satisfying. You don’t need a mixer, fancy tools or complicated steps. Just soak, blend, bake — and you’re done in under half an hour.⏱️ It’s perfect for those slow mornings or when you need a sweet fix without the guilt.🍫🍌
Serve it warm for a spoonable treat, or chilled for a firm, brownie-like texture. Kids love it, grown-ups adore it — and your kitchen will smell divine. Whether you’re craving comfort or creating a quick dessert for guests, this cake delivers. It’s naturally gluten-free, can be dairy-free, and it’s sweetened by nature itself. Every ingredient serves a purpose — no fillers, no fluff. Top it with chocolate and pecans, or make it your own with whatever’s in the cupboard. It’s one of those “repeat bakes” — the kind of recipe you come back to again and again.
Close your eyes and imagine the aroma of banana bread meeting molten chocolate cake. This recipe is a cross between comfort and elegance, a morning boost or an evening reward. Whether you’re baking for guests, children, or just yourself – this is the kind of cake that sparks joy without regret. And yes, it’s the kind of thing you’d proudly serve at a brunch table or sneak in as a bedtime treat with a spoon. Let’s make something beautiful – with just oats, banana and a little cocoa magic ✨
🎬 You’ll finish baking it before the cooking video ends 📽️
⏱ Quick Overview
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Difficulty: Easy
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍫 Chocolate fix without the guilt – rich in cocoa, sweetened naturally with banana and honey
🌾 No flour, no fuss – gluten-free and pantry-friendly
🍌 Banana bread meets brownie – soft, moist, and deeply satisfying
👩🍳 Beginner-friendly – 1 bowl, no mixer, no stress
💪 Energy-boosting – packed with complex carbs, fibre, and antioxidants
🍯 Refined sugar-free – sweetened with honey and fruit
🌱 Customisable – swap toppings, mix-ins, or even bake as muffins!
📅 Nutrition Per Serving (entire recipe yields 6)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 4.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Sugars: 11 g (natural)
- Fat: 9.5 g
- Fibre: 3.1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 80 mg
👨🍳 How to Make It (Step-by-step)
✔️ Step 1: Soak the oats
In a small bowl, soak the oats in milk for about 10 minutes to soften.
💡 Softened oats give the cake a smooth, pudding-like texture.
✔️ Step 2: Prepare the banana base
Mash the ripe banana until smooth and creamy.
💡 Riper bananas make the cake sweeter and easier to mix.
✔️ Step 3: Blend the batter
Add cocoa powder, honey, and baking powder to the oats and banana mixture. Blend everything until fully combined.
💡 Use a hand blender for a smoother texture or mix by hand for a more rustic bite.
✔️ Step 4: Grease the dish
Lightly brush your baking dish with extra virgin olive oil.
💡 Olive oil adds flavour and prevents sticking without needing butter.
✔️ Step 5: Layer the batter
Pour half the batter into the dish, sprinkle chocolate chunks, then add the remaining batter on top.
💡 This creates gooey, molten chocolate pockets inside the cake.
✔️ Step 6: Add toppings
Sprinkle more chocolate and pecans over the top before baking.
💡 Press the toppings slightly into the batter to avoid burning.
✔️ Step 7: Bake the cake
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (360°F) for 25–30 minutes.
💡 Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out mostly clean.
✔️ Step 8: Cool slightly
Let the cake rest for 10 minutes before slicing or spooning out.
💡 This helps the flavours settle and the texture firm up.
✔️ Step 9: Serve warm or cold
Enjoy it warm for a fudgy texture, or chilled for a dense cake-like bite.
💡 Pairs beautifully with Greek yoghurt or fresh berries.
✔️ Step 10: Store and enjoy
Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container.
💡 Tastes even better the next day once flavours meld together.
🛒 Ingredients:
🥣 1/2 cup (50 g) rolled oats
🥛 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk (dairy or plant-based)
🍫 2 tbsp cocoa powder
🧁 1/2 tsp baking powder
🍯 2 tbsp honey
🍌 1 ripe banana
🫒 Olive oil (for greasing the dish)
🍬 Chocolate chunks or chips
🌰 Chopped pecans
🎂 Let’s turn a handful of pantry ingredients into something warm, rich and joyful.✨
🧊 Storage & Freshness Tips
❄️ Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
🍽️ Reheat slices in the microwave for 15 seconds for a gooey texture
🧊 Freeze individual portions for up to 1 month
🌡️ Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavour
🏡 Can also be served cold like a breakfast bar the next day
🍽️ Kitchen Tools and 🛠️ Equipment Needed 🔪
🥣 Mixing bowl
🍌 Fork or potato masher
🌀 Hand blender (optional)
🥓 Baking dish or ramekins
🍣 Silicone brush (for greasing)
🔥 Oven (preheated to 180°C)
⚙️ Rubber spatula for scraping batter
📅 Nutritional Benefits
🍌 Bananas are rich in potassium, helping regulate blood pressure
🌾 Oats provide slow-release energy and fibre
🐝 Honey is a natural sweetener with antibacterial properties
🍫 Cocoa powder is full of antioxidants and iron
🧆 Pecans support heart health with healthy fats
🥛 Milk adds calcium for strong bones
🫒 Olive oil is a source of healthy monounsaturated fats
🧃 Low sodium content – suitable for those watching salt intake
♨️ No refined flour keeps it gluten-free and light on digestion
🌱 Plant-based options easily available for vegan swaps
🌿 Health Benefits of the Ingredients
🍌 Bananas support digestion and stabilise blood sugar levels
🌾 Oats improve cholesterol levels and keep you full longer
🍫 Cocoa promotes better mood and cognitive function
🧆 Pecans reduce inflammation and support brain health
🐝 Honey soothes the throat and may ease seasonal allergies
💧 Olive oil aids nutrient absorption and skin health
🥛 Milk (or alternatives) add protein and hydration
💖 No processed flour – easier on the gut and lower GI
🍫 Dark chocolate has antioxidants that benefit heart health
🍃 Naturally sweet – a smart swap for sugary desserts
📅 Serving Suggestions
🍨 Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yoghurt and a drizzle of honey for a protein-packed dessert
☕ Pair with a strong espresso or cappuccino for a cosy afternoon treat
🍓 Top with fresh berries and a mint leaf for a refreshing, summery version
🍽️ Slice into squares and serve as a healthy snack at brunch or on-the-go
🍫 Dust lightly with cocoa powder before serving to enhance the rich chocolate notes
🍦 Add a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream on top for an indulgent contrast
♨️ Enjoy straight from the dish while still warm for a pudding-like texture
🎂 Decorate with whipped cream and pecan halves for a special occasion presentation
🥥 Sprinkle with shredded coconut and cinnamon for a tropical twist
🐝 Drizzle with tahini and honey for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavour boost
💥 Bake it once, crave it forever 💥
💡Top 20 Tips
💡 Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness
💡 Oats absorb moisture — soaking them in milk softens the texture beautifully
💡 Don’t over-blend if you want a bit of oat texture left in the cake
💡 Add a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate
💡 Mix the chocolate chunks into the batter for even distribution, not just the centre
💡 Use silicone bakeware for easier removal and cleanup
💡 For dairy-free versions, use oat, almond, or soy milk
💡 Greasing with olive oil instead of butter keeps the recipe heart-healthy
💡 Let the cake rest after baking – it continues to firm up as it cools
💡 Toast the pecans briefly before using to intensify their flavour
💡 Make individual portions in muffin tins — reduce baking time to 15–18 minutes
💡 Add a dash of vanilla extract to deepen the flavour profile
💡 Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a light, crispy crust
💡 Bake in a water bath for an extra-moist texture (especially in ramekins)
💡 Blend ingredients until just combined — overmixing makes it dense
💡 Use a ceramic baking dish to retain even heat and a soft centre
💡 Test for doneness by gently shaking the dish — centre should wobble slightly
💡 Stir in a teaspoon of instant coffee powder to intensify the chocolate
💡 A few chopped dried figs or dates can add natural caramel notes
💡 Always preheat the oven fully — it helps the cake rise properly
♻️ 20 Professional Secrets
♻️ Blending soaked oats mimics the effect of flour, giving structure without gluten
♻️ A touch of acidity (ripe banana + baking powder) helps the cake rise gently
♻️ Honey caramelises slightly during baking, giving a golden surface
♻️ Leaving some chocolate chunks unblended creates lava-like bites
♻️ Baking for slightly less time gives a fondant-like centre
♻️ Pecan oil naturally enhances cocoa flavour — don’t skip the nuts
♻️ Cooling for 10–15 minutes before slicing prevents crumbling
♻️ The batter can be prepped the night before and baked fresh in the morning
♻️ A ceramic ramekin bakes more evenly than glass
♻️ Use a scale for precise oat and cocoa measurements — texture matters
♻️ Folding in chocolate rather than mixing vigorously keeps it intact
♻️ Brushing the dish with oil, not spraying, ensures even coating
♻️ Lightly sifting the cocoa removes lumps for a smoother batter
♻️ Room temperature ingredients create a more cohesive bake
♻️ Adding toppings mid-bake avoids sinking and keeps them crisp
♻️ Bake on the middle rack for consistent texture
♻️ Let banana and milk come to room temp for better blending
♻️ A dash of cinnamon subtly lifts the cocoa’s richness
♻️ Slightly underbaking keeps the cake fudgy rather than dry
♻️ Resting the cake overnight deepens its flavour profile noticeably
🎨 Creative Variations to Try
🎨 Berry Bliss: Swap banana for mashed strawberries and top with blueberries
🎨 Nutty Delight: Add chopped hazelnuts, swap pecans, and swirl in almond butter
🎨 Coconut Dream: Use coconut milk and top with desiccated coconut and lime zest
🎨 Mocha Morning: Stir in a teaspoon of espresso powder and add white chocolate chunks
🎨 Tropical Sunset: Mix in diced mango and shredded coconut, top with passionfruit pulp
❓ FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
❓ Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
✅ Yes, but reduce soaking time to 5 minutes — they absorb faster and break down easier
❓ Is it sweet enough without extra sugar?
✅ Definitely! The banana and honey give all the sweetness you need
❓ Can I make this vegan?
✅ Absolutely — use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey
❓ Does it work in muffin tins?
✅ Yes — just reduce baking time to 15–18 minutes and fill each cup 3/4 full
❓ Can I use frozen bananas?
✅ Yes, thaw and drain them first — too much liquid will alter the texture
❓ How do I know when it’s done?
✅ Gently shake the dish — the centre should jiggle slightly, but not be liquid
❓ What if I don’t have cocoa powder?
✅ Use melted dark chocolate (around 40 g) as a substitute — it will be richer
❓ Can kids eat this?
✅ Definitely! It’s naturally sweetened and has no refined sugar
❓ Can I freeze it?
✅ Yes — slice into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze up to 1 month
❓ Can I double the recipe?
✅ Yes, but increase baking time slightly and use a larger dish for even cooking
🥰 There’s something magical about baking with banana, oats and cocoa — it’s like comfort and nourishment in one warm bite.🍫This isn’t just another quick cake — it’s a little celebration of flavour, texture, and simplicity. Perfect for sharing, or for those quiet evenings when you want something sweet and wholesome. It satisfies your chocolate craving without weighing you down. Every spoonful feels like a reward — yet it’s made with nourishing, honest ingredients. Pop a slice in a lunchbox, enjoy it with coffee, or sneak a bite before bed.☕
💞 There’s no wrong way to love this cake — and no wrong time to enjoy it. It’s proof that a few good ingredients can create something truly beautiful. Whether you bake it for others or just for you, it always feels like a small act of self-care. Let it cool, take your time, savour each bite. It’s deliciously simple — and simply delicious. Even better the next day, if it lasts that long! A keeper, a pleaser, and a feel-good favourite for all seasons.🌤️ Bake it once, and you’ll want to bake it every week.🗓️ Because this isn’t just a cake — it’s happiness, by the spoonful.🍰
🍰This warm, chocolatey cake is the kind of dessert you wish every café had – nourishing, simple, and made with love. It’s ideal for lazy Sunday mornings, or as a sweet midweek treat that doesn’t undo your healthy eating. Every bite tastes like comfort, but every ingredient works in your favour. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or to share, this cake always sparks surprise – “Wait, there’s no flour?!” Yes. Just oats, banana, cocoa, and joy. No mixer, no drama. Just a spoon, a bowl, and a warm oven. So treat yourself, slow down, and dig in. You’ve earned this.💯
