Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake: A Moist & Wholesome Treat

Table of Contents

Discover the ultimate Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake, a treat that perfectly balances wholesome ingredients with decadent flavor. If you’re searching for a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without the guilt, you’ve found it. This cake is incredibly moist, packed with warm spices, and features tender chunks of fresh apple in every bite. It’s the perfect companion for a morning coffee or a cozy evening snack.

We developed this recipe to be straightforward and forgiving, making it ideal for the enthusiastic home cook. Using simple pantry staples like rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and apples, this cake comes together in no time. It’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

A close-up shot of the apple and oat cake batter in a bowl before baking, showing diced apples mixed in.
The simple, wholesome ingredients are the secret to this amazing cake.

Why This Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake Recipe Works


You are going to absolutely love this Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake. It’s not just another dessert; it’s a wholesome experience that proves healthy eating can be delicious. Here’s why this recipe stands out from the rest:

  • Incredibly Moist Texture: Many oat-based cakes can be dry, but this recipe uses a combination of applesauce and yogurt to ensure a tender, moist crumb that stays fresh for days.
  • Wholesome Ingredients: We skip refined sugars and flours. Instead, this cake gets its subtle sweetness from maple syrup and its hearty structure from whole wheat flour and rolled oats, packing in fiber and nutrients.
  • Perfectly Spiced: A warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice complements the sweet-tart apples, making your kitchen smell absolutely divine as it bakes.
  • Simple & Quick to Make: With no complicated steps, you can whip up the batter in about 15 minutes. It’s the perfect recipe for a last-minute craving or a healthy breakfast treat. For another quick and satisfying breakfast, you might love our easy breakfast burrito recipe.

Ingredients for Your Apple Oat Cake

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients you might already have. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake Batter

  • Whole Wheat Flour: Provides a nutty flavor and boosts the fiber content.
  • Rolled Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture.
  • Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Our leavening agents to give the cake a beautiful lift.
  • Spices: A classic combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of allspice.
  • Salt: To balance all the flavors.
  • Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Greek Yogurt: Contributes to a tender crumb. You can use a dairy-free version if needed.
  • Maple Syrup: Our natural sweetener of choice. Honey also works well.
  • Eggs: To bind the cake together.
  • Vanilla Extract: For a touch of aromatic flavor.
  • Coconut Oil: Melted, for richness.
  • Apples: Two medium apples, peeled and diced. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best for their firm texture.

For the Oat Topping (Optional)

  • Rolled Oats
  • Coconut Sugar
  • Cinnamon
  • Melted Coconut Oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake is as easy as mix, pour, and bake. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

An overhead view of the entire wholesome apple cake in a baking dish, with a slice already cut out to show the inside.
Baked to perfection and ready to share.

1. Prepare Your Pan and Ingredients

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8 inch square baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. This ensures the spices and leaveners are evenly distributed.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined.

3. Combine and Fold

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Gently fold in the diced apples.

4. Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. If you’re using the optional oat topping, mix its ingredients in a small bowl and sprinkle it evenly over the batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Apple Cake

Want to ensure your Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake is a showstopper? Here are a few expert tips:

  • Choosing Apples: Use a firm, crisp apple variety like Granny Smith for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite. These hold their shape well during baking.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear.
  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It tastes amazing slightly warmed up!
  • Customizations: Feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Raisins or dried cranberries are also a great addition. If you enjoy wholesome desserts, our 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies are another must-try.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is incredibly versatile. Enjoy a slice on its own, or dress it up for a more decadent dessert. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of maple syrup makes for a perfect pairing. For a richer treat, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream is divine. It’s a wonderful alternative to classic desserts, much like these amazing bakery-style chocolate chip cookies.

Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free. Simply substitute the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.


Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. It tastes delicious when gently reheated in the microwave for a few seconds.


Absolutely. Honey or agave nectar are great alternatives to maple syrup and can be substituted in equal amounts. For a lower-sugar option, a granulated sweetener like erythritol could also work, though it may slightly alter the texture.


Firm, crisp apples are best as they hold their shape and don’t become mushy during baking. We recommend using Granny Smith for a tarter flavor or Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for a sweeter cake.


Yes! This cake is very versatile. Feel free to fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor. You could also add raisins or dried cranberries for more texture and sweetness.


Enjoy Your Wholesome Apple Cake!

This Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of simple, nutritious ingredients coming together to create something truly special. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. We hope you and your loved ones enjoy every last bite of this delicious cake.

If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a picture of your beautiful creation on Pinterest. Happy baking!

A slice of healthy oatmeal apple cake on a white plate, showcasing its moist texture and pieces of apple. The cake is topped with a sprinkle of oats.
Enjoy a guilt-free treat with this wholesome and incredibly moist apple cake!

An overhead view of the entire wholesome apple cake in a baking dish, with a slice already cut out to show the inside.
FL Recipes

Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake: A Moist & Wholesome Treat

This Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake is a perfectly moist and wholesome treat. Made with rolled oats, whole wheat flour, and fresh apples, it's a simple, delicious, and guilt-free dessert or breakfast cake packed with warm spices.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 9 slices
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups Whole Wheat Flour
  • 1 cup Rolled Oats Old-fashioned, not instant
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 1.5 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp Ground Nutmeg
  • 0.25 tsp Ground Allspice
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
  • 0.5 cup Greek Yogurt Plain
  • 0.5 cup Maple Syrup
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
  • 0.25 cup Coconut Oil Melted
  • 2 medium Apples Peeled and diced
  • 0.25 cup Rolled Oats
  • 2 tbsp Coconut Sugar
  • 0.5 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp Melted Coconut Oil

Equipment

  • 1 8x8 inch baking pan
  • 2 Mixing Bowls
  • 1 Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch square baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, combine the unsweetened applesauce, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Whisk until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the diced apples.
  5. If using the optional topping, mix its ingredients in a small bowl until combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle the oat topping over the batter.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 210kcalProtein: 6gFat: 8gFiber: 5g

Notes

Tip 1: Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to ensure they don't turn mushy.
Tip 2: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for the best freshness.
Keyword healthy apple cake,moist apple cake,oatmeal apple cake

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!
Pin Recipe

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating