With simple, flavorful ingredients and the yummiest apple flavor, this Apple Oatmeal Cake is such a yummy snack or dessert to share. (The Cream cheese Frosting is optional, but recommended!)
I love a cake that’s as good for dessert as it is for a toddler snack (or breakfast), and this Apple Oatmeal Cake is perfect. It’s easy to make and full of double apple goodness.
Quick Look: Apple Oatmeal Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Flavor Profile: Fresh apple flavor with a hint of vanilla and cream cheese frosting
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for everyday baking and holidays
- Why This Works: You can quickly transform pantry staples into yummy cake.
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Table of Contents
We love my Applesauce Cake and Zucchini Cake, and this recipe has a similar nutrient-dense ingredient list with the addition of oats. I love how tender the final cake is—and that it is yummy plain or topped with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Why this Recipe Works
With affordable, yet wholesome ingredients, we can make a cake with fresh apples to share with the kids—without any fussy methods or cooking tools.
(You may like my Apple Oatmeal Cookies and Apple Oatmeal Muffins, too.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make this Apple Oatmeal Cake so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- Applesauce and fresh apple: Using both of these together adds tenderness and flavor to the cake.
- Milk: I keep whole milk in my house, so that’s what I use here, but you can use lower fat milk if that’s what you have. Nondairy milk also works.
- Butter: I bake with unsalted butter, so that’s what I prefer to use in this recipe.
- Eggs: Plan to use large eggs for this cake so the volume of wet ingredients to dry is correct.
- Vanilla: You can use pure or artificial vanilla extract here, according to your preference and budget.
- All-purpose flour: I use this flour to keep the cake light, especially with oatmeal in the mix. You can use a gluten-free all purpose flour blend if you prefer.
- Rolled oats: Use rolled oats, which are sometimes called “old-fashioned oats” in this recipe.
- Baking powder and soda: Using a combination of these (double check to make sure they are both fresh and active, ensures the cake bakes through and rises nicely.
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How to Make Apple Oatmeal Cake
Here’s a preview of how to make this Apple Oatmeal Cake so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Shred the apple on a handheld or box grater. You can leave the peel on.
Step 2. Add all ingredients to a medium bowl. Stir well to combine thoroughly.
Step 3. Pour into a prepared pan, smoothing evenly.
Step 4. Bake until firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges. Let cool, then top with frosting, if using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sure, you can add 1 teaspoon to the batter. You can even add a little nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, or allspice for more flavor, too.
You can use Granny Smith, Fuji, Cosmic Crisp, Honeycrisp, or any other firm apple. If the apple is super juicy, lightly squeeze the apple shreds to remove a little of the juice before adding the apple to the batter. (You can drink the juice!)
Sure, you can add finely minced walnuts into the batter or sprinkle them on top of the frosting for extra texture.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Enjoy cold or warmed slightly.
Best Tips for Success
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Enjoy cold or warmed slightly.
- Use certified gluten-free oats to make this gluten-free.
- Use ¼ cup honey or maple syrup instead of the brown sugar if desired.
- Pair with Cream Cheese Frosting or Yogurt Frosting.
More Easy Apple Recipes
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Apple Oatmeal Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup applesauce
- ½ cup shredded apple (squeezed dry of juice; from about 1 medium apple)
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degree F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and line with parchment paper. (A metal baking pan works best here.)
- Add all ingredients to a medium bowl. Stir well to combine thoroughly.
- Pour into the prepared pan, smoothing evenly.
- Bake for 20-24 minutes, or until firm to the touch and lightly golden around the edges. Let cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a wire rack to cool fully.
- Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting (if using), then slice, and serve.
Equipment
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 6 months. Enjoy cold or warmed slightly.
- Use certified gluten-free oats to make this gluten-free.
- Use ¼ cup honey or maple syrup instead of the brown sugar if desired.
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