Easy Apple Oatmeal Cake Recipe

I’ve always loved oatmeal for breakfast, but one day I thought, “Why not turn it into a cake with some apples and call it dessert?” That’s how this Apple Oatmeal Cake came to be—simple, wholesome, and packed with cozy apple-cinnamon vibes.

After a few batches, it’s now my go-to for a sweet treat that feels healthy too. If you’re into easy, feel-good baking, this one’s for you. Let’s get it started!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Oatmeal Cake

• Moist
• Simple
• Baby-Friendly
• Healthy

Easy Apple Oatmeal Cake Recipe

For this delicious and healthy breakfast cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Cinnamon	1 teaspoon
Old-fashioned oats	1 1/4 cups
Medium egg	1
Medium apple	1
Coconut oil	1 tablespoon
Dates	5
Honey	1 1/2 tablespoons
Baking powder	1 teaspoon

Optional Add-ons

• Chopped walnuts – Tosses in a nutty crunch for extra bite.
• Raisins – Adds chewy pops of sweetness if you’re into it.
• Vanilla extract – Boosts the flavor with a classic warm note.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up—about 10 minutes ‘til it’s ready. Grab a baking dish and lightly grease it with a dab of coconut oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Prep the Apple

Take your medium apple—peel it if you want (I keep the skin for texture)—and cut it into quarters, removing the core. Chop it roughly into chunks so it’s ready to process—doesn’t need to be perfect.

Step 3: Load the Food Processor

Toss everything into your food processor: the apple chunks, 1 1/4 cups old-fashioned oats, 1 medium egg, 1 tbsp coconut oil (melt it if solid), 5 pitted dates, 1 1/2 tbsp honey, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1 tsp cinnamon. No need to be fussy—just dump it all in there.

Step 4: Process the Mixture

Pulse the food processor a few times to break things down—then blend on medium for 20-30 seconds ‘til it’s a thick, sticky batter. Stop and scrape the sides with a spatula if stuff sticks—aim for a chunky-smooth mix, not a puree.

Step 5: Check the Texture

Give the batter a quick peek—it should be wet and cohesive but still have some oat and apple bits for texture. If it’s too dry, drizzle in a tsp of water or extra honey—blend again for a few seconds.

Step 6: Fill the Dish

Scoop the batter from the processor into the greased 8×8 baking dish—use a spatula to spread it out evenly, pressing it down lightly. It’ll be thick, so smooth it as best you can—no stress if it’s rustic.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pop the dish into the oven on the middle rack—bake for 30-35 minutes ‘til the top’s golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few crumbs are okay). Check at 30 minutes to avoid overcooking—should smell warm and spiced.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Pull it out with oven mitts—let it cool in the dish for 10 minutes to set up nice and firm. Slice into squares and serve warm or at room temp—great plain or with a little something extra if you’re feeling it.

Storage and Serving

Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for a week—freeze for up to 2 months. Serve solo, warm it up for a cozy treat, or pair with a cup of tea.

Tips for Success

• Use old-fashioned oats—quick oats get too mushy.
• Chop apples small—big chunks don’t cook through.
• Don’t skip the coconut oil—keeps it from drying out.
• Let it cool a bit—cuts cleaner that way.

Substitutes and Variations

• Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness.
• Use a pear instead of an apple for a twist.
• Try melted butter if you’re out of coconut oil.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon for spice.

Nutritional Breakdown

Nutrient	Per Serving (9 servings total)
Calories	140 kcal
Fat	4g
Protein	3g
Total Carbs	23g
Fiber	2g
Net Carbs	21g

Note: Values are approximate and vary by brands.

Pairing Suggestions

• Serve with a hot chai tea for cozy vibes.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert mode.
• Add a drizzle of almond butter for richness.
• Enjoy with a glass of cold milk.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learned these the hard way:

• Dry Cake: Skimp on honey or oil, and it’s a brick—use it all.
• Flat Bake: Skip baking powder, and it’s dense—don’t forget it.
• No Cool: Cut too hot, and it crumbles—wait 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead?

Sure, but it’ll be softer—old-fashioned oats hold up better.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yep, freeze after baking—thaw and warm it up later.

No dates?

Sub 1-2 tbsp more honey or a mashed banana—still sweet.

Wrapping it Up

There you have it—my Apple Oatmeal Cake, the simple, cozy treat that’s kept me happy on chilly days. It’s moist, spiced, and just sweet enough to feel like a hug without the fuss.

Hope it brings some warmth to your kitchen—let me know if you give it a whirl. Now grab that apple and get baking—you’ve earned this one!