This healthy oatmeal apple cake is a wholesome, delicious option for breakfast or a snack. Packed with rolled oats, fresh apples, and warm spices, it combines natural sweetness with nutritious ingredients to fuel your day in a satisfying way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a nutritious blend of whole grains and fruit that keeps you energized.
- The cake offers a delightful mix of textures with soft apples and crunchy nuts.
- Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a comforting, aromatic flavor.
- It’s versatile enough for breakfast, a mid-morning treat, or an afternoon snack.
- The recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), unsweetened applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until well combined. Fold in the diced apples and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving
Variations
- Substitute maple syrup with honey for a slightly different natural sweetness.
- Use a mix of apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for a varied apple flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure that the rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
- Add raisins or dried cranberries for an extra burst of sweetness and texture.
- Mix in a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: The cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Reheating: Enjoy it at room temperature or warm it slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds per slice to enhance its comforting flavor.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk along with maple syrup instead of honey.
Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats?
It’s best to use rolled oats for texture. Instant oats may result in a denser, less chewy cake.
What type of apples work best?
A tart apple variety like Granny Smith is ideal, but you can experiment with sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the peel on if you prefer extra fiber and a rustic look.
Can I add extra spices?
Absolutely—you can add a pinch of cloves or ginger to enhance the flavor profile if you enjoy spicier notes.
What if I don’t have a 9-inch pan?
You can use any similarly sized baking pan; just keep an eye on the cake as baking times might vary slightly with pan shape and thickness.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, the cake can be made a day in advance and stored properly. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Is it possible to reduce the sweetness?
You can reduce the maple syrup or honey by 1-2 tablespoons if you prefer a less sweet cake, but note that it may affect moisture and texture slightly.
Can I serve this cake warm or cold?
Both options work well. It is delicious served at room temperature or slightly warmed, depending on your preference.
Conclusion
Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal Apple Cake is a versatile and nourishing treat that is perfect for kickstarting your day or as a wholesome snack. With its delightful blend of oats, apples, and warming spices, this cake offers both comfort and nutrition in every bite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a slice of health and flavor any time of day!
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Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal Apple Cake
This Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal Apple Cake is a wholesome, fiber-rich treat perfect for breakfast or a nutritious snack. Made with rolled oats, fresh apples, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this naturally sweetened cake is easy to make and packed with flavor. Enjoy it warm or cold for a satisfying, energy-boosting start to your day!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup maple syrup or honey
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven & Prep Pan – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9-inch round or square baking pan.
2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3️⃣ Mix Wet Ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together eggs, maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.
4️⃣ Combine & Fold in Apples – Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until fully combined. Fold in diced apples and chopped nuts if using.
5️⃣ Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool & Serve – Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, add raisins or dried cranberries.
- For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.
- For a tropical twist, mix in shredded coconut.
- For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg).
- For a nut-free option, skip the walnuts/pecans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian