Name: Healthy Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485659H30M18S
Total time: PT-485659H30M18S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups rolled oats; 1/2 cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free); 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional); Pinch of salt; 2 eggs; 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey; 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/2 cup milk (any kind—dairy or plant-based); 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups finely chopped apple (peeled if preferred); Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; Optional: 1 tbsp chia or flax seeds; Optional: Sprinkle of oats + cinnamon on top before baking

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I love starting my day with this Healthy Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Cake because it’s a wholesome, delicious, and easy-to-make treat. Packed with oats, warm spices, and fresh apples, it’s naturally sweetened and perfect for a cozy morning. Plus, it works great as a make-ahead breakfast or snack!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ cups rolled oats

½ cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for GF)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Pinch of salt

2 eggs

⅓ cup maple syrup or honey

⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce

½ cup milk (any kind—dairy or plant-based)

2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups finely chopped apple (peeled if preferred)

Optional add-ins:

¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

1 tablespoon chia or flax seeds

Sprinkle of oats + cinnamon on top before baking

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.

Fold in the chopped apples and any optional add-ins like nuts or seeds.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.

If desired, sprinkle extra oats and cinnamon on top for added texture and flavor.

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool slightly before serving warm, or allow it to cool completely and slice into bars for easy breakfasts on the go.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 9 servings, depending on how large I slice the cake. The preparation takes around 10 minutes, with baking time of 30 to 35 minutes. Overall, it’s a quick and convenient recipe for busy mornings.

Variations

I often change up the recipe based on what I have on hand or my mood:

For a gluten-free version, I substitute whole wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.

I add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or sprinkle chia or flax seeds for an omega-3 boost.

Sometimes, I swap apples for pears or add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a different twist.

To make it vegan, I replace the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk.

Adding a handful of shredded carrot or zucchini works well for extra moisture and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

I store this breakfast cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, which keeps it fresh and moist. If I want to keep it longer, I freeze the sliced bars wrapped individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper for up to 2 months. To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm it in a toaster oven until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! I like using sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala, but tart apples like Granny Smith work well too. Just keep the texture preference in mind.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just substitute the whole wheat flour with almond flour or any gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) and use any plant-based milk to keep it vegan.

How sweet is the cake?

The cake has a mild, natural sweetness from the maple syrup or honey and the applesauce. If I want it sweeter, I add a bit more syrup or sprinkle a little brown sugar on top before baking.

Can I add other mix-ins?

Definitely! Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or even shredded vegetables like carrots or zucchini can be folded in for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

I find this Healthy Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Cake to be a fantastic way to fuel my mornings with wholesome ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and perfect for busy days or relaxing weekends alike. Whether I eat it warm fresh from the oven or slice it up for a quick snack later, it never disappoints. I hope you enjoy making and savoring it as much as I do!

Recipe:

Healthy Oatmeal Apple Breakfast Cake

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 9 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A wholesome and delicious breakfast cake made with oats, fresh apples, warm spices, and natural sweeteners, perfect for a cozy morning or a make-ahead snack.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8x8-inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, maple syrup (or honey), applesauce, milk, and vanilla extract.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
Fold in the chopped apples and any optional add-ins like nuts or seeds.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
If desired, sprinkle extra oats and cinnamon on top for added texture and flavor.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool slightly before serving warm, or allow it to cool completely and slice into bars for easy breakfasts on the go.