Apple Oatmeal Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is a celebration of simplicity and warmth. The oats give it a delightful chew and keep it moist, while the apples add natural sweetness and texture. It’s not overly sweet, making it versatile enough to serve as breakfast or dessert. Plus, it’s easy to make with pantry staples and tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend together.

Ingredients

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

• Old-fashioned rolled oats
• Boiling water
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and chopped)

Optional toppings:

• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar
• Caramel drizzle or powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine oats and boiling water. Let sit for 10–15 minutes until the oats are softened.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
6. Stir in the soaked oats and mix well.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
8. Fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using).
9. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
10. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Let cool slightly before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Cooling time: 15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Maple Apple Oat Cake: Replace part of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
• Cranberry Apple Version: Add dried cranberries for a tart pop of flavor.
• Glazed Oat Cake: Drizzle with a simple vanilla or brown sugar glaze once cooled.
• Nut-Free Option: Skip the nuts for a softer texture or replace them with sunflower seeds.
• Apple Spice Version: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave individual slices for 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, but the texture will be slightly softer. Old-fashioned oats give a heartier crumb.

What type of apples work best?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, or sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, work perfectly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified gluten-free oats.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, substitute an equal amount of vegetable oil or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! It keeps well and tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup without affecting the texture too much.

Can I use applesauce instead of some butter or oil?

Yes, replace up to half of the butter with applesauce for a lighter version.

Can I bake this as muffins instead?

Definitely! Pour batter into muffin tins and bake for about 20–25 minutes.

What toppings go well with this cake?

Try a dusting of powdered sugar, caramel drizzle, or a dollop of whipped cream.

How do I know when it’s done?

Insert a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Conclusion

Apple Oatmeal Cake is the perfect blend of hearty oats, tender apples, and warm spices — a comforting treat that’s equally at home at breakfast or dessert. With its moist texture, wholesome ingredients, and cozy fall flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Serve it warm with coffee or topped with caramel sauce for an irresistible homemade delight.

Apple Oatmeal Cake

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Apple Oatmeal Cake is a moist, comforting treat made with tender apples, hearty oats, and warm spices. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy-to-make cake delivers cozy fall flavors in every bite and stays moist for days.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Yield: 12 servings
• Category: Breakfast, Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• Optional toppings: cinnamon sugar, caramel drizzle, or powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Combine oats and boiling water in a bowl. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to soften.
3. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
6. Stir in the soaked oats until fully incorporated.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
8. Fold in chopped apples and nuts if using.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
10. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool slightly before serving. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel, if desired.

Notes

• Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture — quick oats will yield a softer cake.
• Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples add great flavor and hold their shape during baking.
• The cake keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
• Serve warm with coffee, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream.
• To make it dairy-free, substitute oil or plant-based butter.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 285
• Sugar: 26g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg