Introduction

This easy apple oatmeal cake is a wholesome and comforting dessert perfect for cozy afternoons. Made with fresh grated apples and a crunchy oat base, it offers a deliciously textured treat that’s naturally sweetened and satisfyingly rustic.

Easy Apple Oatmeal Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper and set aside.
Step 2: If you don’t have oat flour, place 4 cups (360g) of rolled oats in a blender or food processor and blend until coarse flour forms. It’s fine to leave some texture for a layered effect.
Step 3: In a large bowl, mix the oat flour, sugar, and cinnamon until the dry ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 4: Peel and grate the apples using a box grater. Toss the grated apples with the lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside to release some juice.
Step 5: Grate about 2 tablespoons (30g) of cold butter into the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle 3–4 tablespoons of the oat mixture over the butter, pressing gently to form a base layer.
Step 6: Spread one-third of the grated apples (with some juice) evenly over the oats. Repeat the layering two more times: oats, apples, oats, apples. Finish with the remaining oat mixture and grate the remaining 125g of cold butter on top. Sprinkle the final tablespoon of sugar over the surface.
Step 7: Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbling.
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

Combine different oats like rolled oats, quick oats, and oat flour for a pleasing mixture of texture.
Add a handful of chopped nuts or raisins between the layers for extra flavor and crunch.
Use water or apple juice to lightly moisten the oat mixture if it feels too dry before layering.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.

Storage

Store the apple oatmeal cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to enjoy it warm. It also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Fuji both work well. Mixing apples can add complexity to the flavor.

What can I substitute for lemon juice?

If you don’t have lemon juice, a splash of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can help prevent the apples from browning without affecting the taste much.

Easy Apple Oatmeal Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

This Easy Apple Oatmeal Cake is a wholesome and comforting dessert that combines the natural sweetness of grated apples with a rustic oat flour base. With layers of tender apples, a hint of cinnamon, and a buttery, caramelized crust, this cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy snack. Made with simple ingredients and no refined flour, it offers a delightful texture and warm flavors that everyone will enjoy.

Author: Lena
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

Scale

Apples

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 (360g if using oats to blend)
¾ cup Granulated sugar (plus 1 tablespoon for topping)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients & Topping

2/3 cup Unsalted butter (cold, divided: about 30g for base grated, 125g for topping)

Instructions

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 to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
Make Oat Flour (if needed): If not using store-bought oat flour, measure 4 cups (360g) of rolled oats and blend them in a food processor or blender until a coarse flour forms. A little texture is good for the cake.
Make the Oat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to evenly distribute all dry ingredients for balanced flavor.
Grate the Apples: Peel and grate the apples using a box grater. Place the grated apples into a bowl, sprinkle with freshly squeezed lemon juice to prevent browning, and let them sit to release some juice.
Layer the Cake: Grate about 2 tablespoons (30g) of cold butter into the bottom of the prepared pan. Sprinkle 3–4 tablespoons of the oat mixture over the butter, pressing gently to form the base layer. Spread one-third of the grated apples, including their juice, evenly over the oats. Repeat layering twice more: oat mixture, then apples, finishing with the oat mixture on top. Grate the remaining 125g of cold butter over the top layer. Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of sugar to create a golden, caramelized crust.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbling.
Cool & Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before releasing the springform. Let it cool completely for best texture. Serve warm or at room temperature for a delicious treat.

Notes

You can use a combination of rolled oats, quick oats, and oat flour for texture variety in the cake.
Grating cold butter directly into layers helps create a tender, flaky crust.
Lemon juice on apples prevents browning and adds a subtle tang.
This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is delicious reheated slightly.

Keywords: apple oatmeal cake, easy apple cake, oat flour cake, healthy apple dessert, oatmeal dessert, baked apple cake