This is the easiest Apple Oatmeal Cake you'll ever make! It has apples, cinnamon, and oats in every bite. It's the perfect treat for any time of the day.
After making my Easy Apple Cake last week, I know I had to make an oatmeal version soon enough.
The combination of apple cinnamon is the best. This cake has this flavour throughout.
Ingredients Notes
Scroll through this section to view certain key ingredients we’re using!
- Apples – I used 2 large Granny Smith apples. Any apples work. I enjoy using tart apples as it compliments well with the sweetness. I chopped them with the skin off, but you can keep it on too.
- Applesauce – I used unsweetened applesauce, but sweetened applesauce works as well.
- Cornstarch – This adds more texture into the cake.
- Eggs – Must be at room temperature.
- Flour – All-purpose flour is used in this recipe.
Step by step instructions
Here is how to bake this easy apple oatmeal cake. You will need a lined 9×9 baking pan, 3 mixing bowls, a spatula, and a whisk.
Step 1 – Prep. Peel and cut one of the apples into small cubes and shred the other one. Add 1/4 tsp of cinnamon into the bowl and evenly coat the apples in it. Set aside.
Step 2 – Mix dry ingredients. In a medium sized bowl, add in the dry ingredients. Stir to combine and set aside.
Step 3 – Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, add the wet ingredients. Whisk for 2-3 minutes until well combined. Make sure to scrap the sides of the bowl.
Step 4 - Add the dry ingredients. Mix together with a spatula until just combined and no flour streaks appear. Do not over-mix!
Step 5 - Add the apples. Continue to mix until just combined and the apples are evenly distributed. It's so important not to over-mix!
Step 6 – Bake. Spread the batter into the prepared pan evenly. In a small cup, mix together 3 tsps sugar and 1/4 tsp cinnamon. Sprinkle it on top.
Bake this apple cake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. It took me 47 minutes exactly in my oven, but ovens do vary so keep an eye on it after 40 minutes.
FAQ
How do I store this cake?
This easy apple oatmeal cake is best served fresh or next day. It stays good on the counter for 2 days, and in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 5 days!
Can I use sweetened applesauce?
Yes. If you use sweetened applesauce, I recommend using tart apples to balance the sweet and sour.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes, bake it in a 9×13 pan and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Do I have to add applesauce?
No, you may substitute with room temperature yogurt, buttermilk, or kefir.
Can I bake this in an 8×8 pan?
Yes, but the cake will be taller.
Do I have to add oats?
Check out Easy Apple Cake for an oat-less version!
PS : If you enjoyed this recipe, please make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW down below! I'd love to stay connected on Instagram @taffeybakery! To get more recipes follow me on TikTok @taffeybakery!
Easy Apple Oatmeal Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cups rolled oats or large flake oats
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp for dusting apples
- Dash of allspice optional
- Dash of cloves optional
- Dash of nutmeg optional
- 1/2 cup oil
- 3/4 cups unsweetened applesauce* room temperature
- 3/4 cups light brown sugar room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 medium-sized Granny Smith apple* shredded
- 1 medium-sized Granny Smith apple cut in cubes
For the topping
- 3 tsp white sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350℉/180℃. Line the pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Peel the apples. Cut one of the apples into small cubes, and shred the other one. I like to do both as it brings more texture to the cake, but you can also just cut them or shred them both. Add 1/4 tsp on top and mix around to evenly coat them and set aside.1 medium-sized Granny Smith apple*, 1 medium-sized Granny Smith apple
For the cake
- In a medium sized bowl, add in the dry ingredients. Stir to combine and set aside.1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cups rolled oats, 3/4 tsp baking powder, 3/4 tsp baking soda, 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, Dash of allspice, Dash of cloves, Dash of nutmeg
- In a large bowl, add the wet ingredients. Whisk for 2-3 minutes until well combined. Make sure to scrap the sides of the bowl when needed.1/2 cup oil, 3/4 cups unsweetened applesauce*, 3/4 cups light brown sugar, 1 tbsp vanilla, 2 large eggs
- Add the dry ingredients. With a spatula, gently fold until a batter forms. Do not over-mix!
- Add the apples into the bowl. Gently mix until JUST combined, it's so important not to over-mix!1 medium-sized Granny Smith apple*, 1 medium-sized Granny Smith apple
- Spread the batter into the prepared pan. In a small cup, add white sugar and cinnamon and mix together. Then sprinkle on top evenly. This will give you a sweet crunchy top.3 tsp white sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, depending on your oven. A toothpick inserted will come out clean when it is ready.
Karen says
I made this apple cake and it is so delicious! This is my new apple cake recipe for sure! I used unsweetened applesauce for the 1/2 cup of oil and for the 3/4 cup of applesauce I used 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce and 1/4 cup of apple butter. I also used 3 peeled and cored sweet tango Washington apples, 1 grated, 2 diced. I used 1 cup of all purpose flour and 1/2 cup of almond flour instead of 1/2 cup all purpose flour. Mine baked in a 9" square stone baking dish. I did not use parchment and greased the pan and served it from pan. 40 minutes was perfect on convection bake of 350 degrees. Thank you for this very delicious recipe!
Ania says
Hi Karen! I am so happy to hear you loved this cake! Thank you for sharing all of your substitutes, it's great to know we can use them. Have a wonderful day 🙂
Ania says
Hi Petra! Instant oats won't work, I have an Easy Apple Cake you can try instead. Here's a link https://taffeybakery.com/easy-apple-cake/
MP says
This cake is SO moist and yummy! We are vegan, so I switched out the eggs for "flax eggs". I used melted coconut oil (refined) for my oil. It took exactly 45 minutes in my convection oven. I keep finding excuses to take another nibble! I will definitely be making this again.
Ania says
Hi MP! thank you so much for your sweet comment, it made my day! I'm really happy to hear this cake is a hit, it's one of my favourites too! Enjoy 🙂