If you love the cozy flavors of warm oats, sweet apples, and spices, this Nutritious Apple Oat Breakfast Cake is about to become your go-to breakfast bake. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, dairy-free, and made with wholesome rolled oats and fresh apples, it’s the kind of feel-good recipe you can enjoy guilt-free.
Whether you’re meal prepping for busy mornings, looking for a healthy snack, or just craving a slice of comfort, this breakfast cake checks all the boxes. It’s moist, fluffy, subtly spiced, and best of all—it’s super simple to make.
If you’re into my Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or Chewy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars, this one will slide into your favorite cookie recipes with ease.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Wholesome Ingredients: Oats, apples, almond milk, and maple syrup.
- Naturally Sweetened: No refined sugar—just pure maple goodness.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Make ahead and enjoy all week.
- Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Perfect for many dietary needs (use certified gluten-free oats).
- Blender-Friendly: Quick, mess-free prep.
What you will need + Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and how you can tailor them to your taste or pantry:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Substitution Options |
|---|---|---|
| 🍎 Apples (peeled, chopped) | 2 cups | Pears, peaches, or berries |
| 🥣 Rolled Oats | 2 cups | Quick oats (less chewy), oat flour (dense texture) |
| 🥚 Large Eggs | 2 | Flax eggs (2 tbsp flax + 6 tbsp water) |
| 🥛 Almond Milk | 1 cup | Any milk: oat, soy, dairy |
| 🍬 Maple Syrup | ¼ cup | Honey, agave, or date syrup |
| 🌰 Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp | Pumpkin spice or apple pie spice |
| 🧂 Baking Powder | ½ tsp | Add ¼ tsp baking soda if needed |
| 🧂 Salt | ¼ tsp | Sea salt, pink salt |
| 🌰 Ground Nutmeg | ¼ tsp | Allspice or omit if unavailable |
| 🌿 Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | Almond extract or maple extract |
Step-by-Step Instructions (with Pro Tips)
Prep the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or coconut oil.
Tip: For easier removal, line the dish with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 2 cups rolled oats
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Mix to distribute the spices evenly.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup almond milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and foamy.
Blend & Fold
Combine wet and dry ingredients in a blender or food processor. Pulse 5–10 times until combined but still slightly textured. Then fold in:
- 2 cups chopped apples
Tip: Don’t over-blend—leave some oat texture for chewiness.
Pour & Smooth
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tip: Let it rest 10 minutes before slicing to avoid crumbling.
Topping Ideas
Upgrade your breakfast cake with these tasty toppings:
- Chopped walnuts or pecans – add before baking for a crunchy top.
- Extra apple slices – layer on top for a rustic look.
- Coconut flakes – toast up beautifully in the oven.
- Drizzle – maple glaze or almond butter for extra indulgence.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 kcal |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Total Fat | 5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 130 mg |
Based on 6 servings with almond milk and maple syrup.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
- Store slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer:
- Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then freeze in a zip bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat:
- Microwave: 15–20 seconds per slice.
- Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Tip: Serve warm with a dollop of yogurt or nut butter.
What to Serve with Nutritious Apple Oat Breakfast Cake
- Greek Yogurt: Plain or vanilla for a creamy side.
- Fresh Berries: Blueberries or raspberries for tartness.
- Coffee: A bold brew to complement the sweetness.
- Herbal Tea: Chamomile or apple-cinnamon for warmth.
- Smoothie: Banana or berry for a nutrient boost.
Ingredient Substitutions Recap
- Apples → Pears: Sweet, juicy alternative.
- Rolled Oats → Quick Oats: Softer texture, similar fiber.
- Eggs → Flax Eggs: Vegan binding substitute.
- Almond Milk → Oat Milk: Creamy, plant-based swap.
- Maple Syrup → Honey: Natural, sweet alternative.
FAQs
Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples ?
Yes! Replace 1 cup of chopped apples with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce for a smoother texture.
What’s the best apple variety to use in cake?
Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala hold their shape well during baking.
Can I skip the blender?
Yes—just mix everything by hand for a more rustic, chunky texture.
Can I use unpeeled apples in cake?
Yes! Keep the peel for added fiber and texture, but chop finely to ensure even baking.
Nutritious Apple Oat Breakfast Cake
Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk (for mixing wet ingredients)
- Spatula (for stirring and spreading)
- Blender (for blending mixture)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Optional: Peeler and knife (for apples)
Ingredients
- 2 cups apples peeled and chopped
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup almond milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, almond milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and put all in blender, then fold in the chopped apples.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean; let cool before slicing.
This Nutritious Apple Oat Breakfast Cake is the kind of recipe that makes healthy eating feel like a treat. It’s easy to make, loaded with good-for-you ingredients, and flexible enough to fit your pantry and preferences. Whether you’re prepping breakfast for the week or need a wholesome midday snack, this cake is your answer.
It’s sweet, satisfying, and nourishing—perfect for kids, adults, and anyone who wants to enjoy real food with real flavor. Make it once, and you’ll be hooked. 🍏✨
