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This healthy breakfast oatmeal apple cake started out as my solution for leftover apples and quickly became the go-to make ahead breakfast in my house. It is packed with feel-good ingredients, naturally sweetened, and tastes even better on day three. Whether you have little ones or just want a fuss-free breakfast, this cozy apple cake is as reliable as it is delicious.
I first baked this when my son abandoned yet another half-eaten apple. Now the whole family wakes up excited when they smell this cake warming in the oven.
Ingredients
- Oats: give structure and fiber use rolled or quick oats for best texture
- Fresh apple: adds natural sweetness and moisture go for firm flavorful apples like honeycrisp or gala
- Honey: brings gentle sweetness use real honey for best flavor or swap for dark brown sugar if needed
- Cinnamon: gives a warm cozy aroma always use fresh ground if possible
- Yogurt: makes the crumb tender and protein-rich opt for plain full-fat if you like a richer cake
- Eggs: bind everything together and provide fluffiness pick large fresh eggs for best results
- Butter or coconut oil: gives richness select high quality for a clean buttery finish
- Vanilla: brightens flavors pure extract is worth it for that sweet bakery note
- Baking powder and baking soda: ensure the perfect rise use fresh for reliable lift
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan and Oven:
- Line a small baking pan with parchment paper for easy lifting and minimal sticking. Preheat your oven to 180C or 350F so it is hot and ready for baking.
- Blend Most Ingredients:
- Place all the ingredients except about one quarter of the oats into a blender or a large bowl. If using a hand blender process everything until completely smooth. This gives the cake a soft even crumb.
- Add Remaining Oats:
- Stir in the leftover oats gently to add just a little chew and hearty texture to the batter.
- Pour and Decorate:
- Pour the smooth batter into your prepared baking pan. For an extra touch layer thin slices of apple or sprinkle a few extra oats over the top.
- Bake:
- Place the pan in your hot oven and bake for twenty to thirty minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top looks lightly golden.
- Cool and Store:
- Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing. For the best texture refrigerate covered for at least an hour. This helps flavors develop and makes slicing easier.
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My favorite part is scooping up those golden corners that get a little chewy from the oats. One time my son helped sprinkle cinnamon on top and the whole kitchen smelled like a cozy fall morning.
Storage Tips
This cake gets even better with time. Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze individual pieces tightly wrapped for two months. Let them thaw in the fridge overnight or warm gently in the oven for a freshly baked taste.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use dark brown sugar or maple syrup in place of honey for a different twist. Coconut oil makes this cake dairy-free if you need. Feel free to swap in a dairy-free yogurt or Greek yogurt based on your tastes and dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Slice this apple cake and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter. It doubles as a satisfying snack with tea or a naturally sweet dessert for the whole family.
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Apple Cake Traditions
Apples and oats are a classic combination across countless cultures for breakfast and treats. The hint of cinnamon in this recipe is a nod to cozy European apple cakes that fill the kitchen with warmth. If you have apples getting soft in the fruit bowl, this is a delicious way to use them up instead of letting them go to waste.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of oats work best for this cake?
Rolled oats are ideal as they blend smoothly and provide a tender texture without needing additional flour.
- → Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, maple syrup or dark brown sugar can be used to maintain sweetness and moisture in the cake.
- → How do I ensure the cake stays moist?
Including yogurt and apples keeps the cake moist naturally, and avoiding overbaking helps maintain tenderness.
- → Is it necessary to use a blender for the batter?
A hand blender or regular blender simplifies combining ingredients, but thorough mixing by hand can also work.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep sliced cake in an airtight container refrigerated for up to several days to preserve freshness and flavor.
- → Can I add toppings before baking?
Yes, sprinkling oats or thin apple slices on top before baking adds texture and visual appeal.