Apple oatmeal cake has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially on crisp autumn mornings. I remember my mom baking this cake when I was little, filling our kitchen with the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon and baked apples. The texture is just divine – so wonderfully moist thanks to the oats, and the apples provide this perfect natural sweetness. It’s truly one of the best apple oatmeal cake recipes I’ve ever tried, and it’s so simple to whip up. Forget complicated desserts; this cake is pure, cozy goodness. Let’s get baking!
You’re going to adore this Apple Oatmeal Cake! It’s the perfect treat for so many occasions.
- It’s incredibly moist apple oatmeal cake thanks to the rolled oats.
- The natural sweetness from the apples means less added sugar.
- It’s a versatile dish, great for breakfast or dessert.
- The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg make it incredibly comforting.
- This easy apple and oatmeal cake comes together quickly with minimal fuss.
- It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
- The texture is absolutely delightful – tender cake with soft apple chunks.
- It’s simple enough for a weeknight treat but special enough for guests.
Ingredients for Apple Oatmeal Cake
Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delightful apple oatmeal cake. You’ll find most of them are pantry staples, making this a go-to recipe anytime!
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats – these are key for that wonderful, moist texture
- 1 cup boiling water – used to soften the oats before mixing
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour – the base for our cake structure
- 1 tsp baking soda – helps the cake rise
- 1 tsp baking powder – also contributes to a lighter cake
- ½ tsp salt – balances the sweetness and enhances flavors
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon – essential for that warm, apple-cinnamon flavor
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg – a little goes a long way to complement the cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – for richness and tenderness
- ½ cup brown sugar – adds moisture and a caramel note
- ½ cup granulated sugar – provides sweetness and helps with browning
- 2 large eggs – bind the ingredients together
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a hint of tartness
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – for a lovely crunch

How to Make Apple Oatmeal Cake
Let’s get this simple apple oatmeal cake into the oven! It’s a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
- Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your baking dish. I like to grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish, or you can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats with 1 cup boiling water. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial for softening the oats and creating that wonderfully moist texture in your apple oat crumble cake.
- Step 3: While the oats are softening, grab another bowl. Whisk together the 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1½ tsp ground cinnamon, and ¼ tsp ground nutmeg. This dry mix ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Step 4: Now, in a large bowl, cream together the ½ cup unsalted butter, softened, with the ½ cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy – you’ll see it change in color and texture.
- Step 5: Add the 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the 1 tsp vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined.
- Step 6: Gently stir the soaked oats into the butter and sugar mixture. Make sure they are fully incorporated into the batter.
- Step 7: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 3 to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; a few streaks of flour are okay.
- Step 8: Now for the stars of the show! Fold in the 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped. If you’re using nuts, now’s the time to add the optional ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch.
- Step 9: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want for this cake.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible!
- Step 11: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Step 12: If desired, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce. Enjoy your delicious homemade apple oatmeal cake!

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Oatmeal Cake
Making this cake is already simple, but a few tricks can elevate it from good to absolutely spectacular. Follow these tips for a perfect bake every time!
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not instant or steel-cut, for the ideal chewy texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour; this keeps the cake tender.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Chop your apples to a consistent size so they bake evenly throughout the cake.
What’s the secret to perfect Apple Oatmeal Cake?
The secret lies in soaking the oats in boiling water. This step is crucial for achieving that incredibly moist apple oatmeal cake texture and ensuring the oats are tender, not tough. For more baking science insights, you can explore resources on ingredient properties.
Can I make Apple Oatmeal Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This homemade apple oatmeal cake is fantastic made a day in advance. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Just store it at room temperature, covered. You can find more tips on meal prep and storage on our latest recipes page.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Oatmeal Cake?
Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added, as this can lead to a dense cake. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate; too hot and the outside might burn before the inside is cooked. For more on oven calibration, check out this guide.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Oatmeal Cake
This comforting apple oatmeal cake is wonderfully versatile, perfect dressed up or down. For a delightful breakfast, I love serving a warm slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for added crunch. If you’re enjoying it as a dessert, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is pure magic. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or a soothing mug of apple cider, creating a cozy experience that truly highlights the flavors of this easy apple and oatmeal cake.
Nutrition Facts for Apple Oatmeal Cake
This delightful cake offers a balance of comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving (based on 12 servings):
- Calories: 285
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 26g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your apple oatmeal cake. For more information on nutritional tracking, you can visit our about page.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Oatmeal Cake
One of the best things about this apple oatmeal cake is how well it keeps! Once your cake has cooled completely on a wire rack (this is important to prevent sogginess!), you can store it at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container or well-wrapped in plastic wrap. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze portions for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply unwrap and warm a slice gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds until just warmed through. This makes enjoying leftover apple oat crumble cake a breeze!
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Oatmeal Cake
Can I use different types of apples in this apple oatmeal cake?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are fantastic for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to use other varieties. Fuji, Gala, or even a mix can work wonderfully. Just ensure they are chopped into relatively uniform pieces for even baking in your homemade apple oatmeal cake.
What makes this apple oatmeal cake recipe so moist?
The magic behind the incredibly moist apple oatmeal cake texture comes from two main ingredients: the old-fashioned rolled oats that soak up moisture, and the combination of softened butter and brown sugar, which contributes to a tender crumb. It’s a simple technique that yields fantastic results!
Can I make this a vegan apple oatmeal cake?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan! Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or a neutral oil like canola or melted coconut oil. For the eggs, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or a commercial egg replacer. The result will still be a delicious, comforting cake. For more on vegan baking, check out resources on vegan baking.
How do I store leftover apple oatmeal cake without it getting dry?
To keep your leftover apple oatmeal cake wonderfully moist, store it at room temperature in an airtight container or well-wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days. If it seems a little dry upon reheating, a splash of milk or a drizzle of caramel can help revive it.
Variations of Apple Oatmeal Cake You Can Try
This basic apple oatmeal cake recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to customize it to your liking or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started!
- Gluten-Free Apple Oatmeal Cake: Simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free too, as regular oats can be cross-contaminated.
- Vegan Apple Oatmeal Cake: As mentioned in the FAQs, swapping the butter for plant-based butter or oil and using flax eggs instead of regular eggs makes this cake entirely vegan. It’s a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Apple Oat Crumble Cake: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, top the batter with a simple crumble topping before baking. Mix ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup oats, and ¼ cup cold butter until crumbly, then sprinkle over the cake batter.
- Spiced Apple Oatmeal Cake: Amp up the spice by adding an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of cloves, and a pinch of ginger to the dry ingredients. This creates a wonderfully fragrant and deeply flavored cake perfect for chilly days.
Apple Oatmeal Cake: Moist & Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting Apple Oatmeal Cake, perfect for breakfast or dessert. This cake features a moist texture from oats and natural sweetness from apples, with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s simple to make with common pantry ingredients and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional toppings: cinnamon sugar, caramel drizzle, or powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Combine oats and boiling water in a bowl. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to soften.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the soaked oats until fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, stirring until combined.
- Fold in chopped apples and nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before serving.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel, if desired.
Notes
- Old-fashioned rolled oats provide the best texture.
- Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples add great flavor.
- The cake keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
- Serve warm with coffee, caramel drizzle, or whipped cream.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute oil or plant-based butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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