Easy Apple Oatmeal Cake Recipe

Introduction

This easy apple oatmeal cake is a wholesome, comforting treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with fresh grated apples and a hearty oat base, it offers a lovely balance of natural sweetness and warm cinnamon flavor. Its simple layering technique makes it a great recipe for home bakers of all levels.

Ingredients

• 6 large apples (about 1.4 kg, peeled and grated)
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 4 cups rolled oats, quick oats, or oat flour
• 2/3 cup cold unsalted butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (plus 1 tablespoon for topping)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: If you don’t have oat flour, place 4 cups of rolled oats in a blender or food processor and blend until a coarse flour forms. Some texture is good for this cake.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well to distribute everything evenly.
4. Step 4: Peel and grate the apples. Toss the grated apples with lemon juice to prevent browning, then set aside to release some juices.
5. Step 5: Grate about 2 tablespoons of cold butter into the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle 3–4 tablespoons of the oat mixture over the butter and press gently to form the base.
6. Step 6: Spread one-third of the grated apples (including some juice) evenly over the oats. Repeat layering oat mixture then apples two more times. Finish with the remaining oat mixture, grate the remaining butter over the top, and sprinkle with the last tablespoon of sugar.
7. Step 7: Bake for 35–45 minutes until the top is golden and apples are soft and bubbling.
8. Step 8: Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before releasing the springform. Allow it to cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of rolled oats, quick oats, and oat flour for a nice texture contrast in the cake.
• Try adding chopped nuts or raisins between the layers for extra flavor and texture.
• Substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar to add a richer, caramel note.
• For a vegan version, replace butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving to bring out the flavors and soften the cake. This cake also freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use applesauce instead of grated apples?

Using applesauce will change the texture and moisture content. Grated apples give a fresh, slightly chunky texture important to this cake. If you substitute applesauce, reduce any added liquid elsewhere and expect a softer, denser cake.

Do I have to use a springform pan?

A springform pan makes it easier to remove the delicate layers without breaking. If you don’t have one, use a regular cake pan lined with parchment and carefully remove the cake by loosening around the edges once cooled.

Easy Apple Oatmeal Cake Recipe

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4.4 from 139 reviews

This Easy Apple Oatmeal Cake is a wholesome and comforting dessert made with layers of grated apples, oat flour, cinnamon, and a buttery oat topping. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, this cake combines the natural sweetness of apples with the hearty texture of oats, baked to golden perfection.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Fruit

• 6 large Apples (about 1.4 kg, peeled and grated)
• 2–3 tablespoons Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Dry Ingredients

• 4 cups Rolled oats/quick oats/oat flour
• ¾ cup Granulated sugar (plus 1 tablespoon for topping)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Fats

• 2/3 cup Unsalted butter (cold)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Make Oat Flour (if needed): If not using store-bought oat flour, measure 4 cups (360g) of rolled oats and place them in a blender or food processor. Blend until a coarse flour forms; some texture is ideal.
3. Make the Oat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the oat flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
4. Grate the Apples: Peel and grate the apples using a box grater. Toss the grated apples with freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside to release some juices.
5. Layer the Cake: Grate about 2 tablespoons (30g) of cold butter directly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle 3–4 tablespoons of the oat mixture over the butter and press down gently to form the base layer.
6. Add Apple Layers: Spread one-third of the grated apples, including some juice, evenly over the oat layer. Repeat layering with oat mixture then apples two more times, finishing with the oat mixture on top.
7. Top & Bake: Grate the remaining 125g of cold butter on top of the final oat layer. Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of sugar for a caramelized crust. Bake in the oven for 35–45 minutes until the top is golden brown and apples are soft and bubbling.
8. Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before releasing the springform ring. Let it cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

Notes

• You can use a mix of rolled oats, quick oats, and oat flour to add texture to the cake.
• Cold butter grated over the layers helps create a tender, flaky texture.
• Lemon juice prevents the grated apples from browning and adds a subtle tang.
• This cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure using certified gluten-free oats.

Keywords: Apple oatmeal cake, easy apple cake, oat cake, healthy apple dessert, fall dessert, baked apple cake