You know that feeling when you wake up and want something that tastes good but also actually fuels your body? That’s exactly what this breakfast cake does. It’s got tender apples, hearty oats, and warm cinnamon all mixed together into something moist and satisfying. And here’s the best part—it feels like a treat but it’s genuinely good for you.
Make it once on Sunday. Eat it all week. Seriously. This cake stays fresh, pairs beautifully with your morning coffee, and your family will actually be excited about breakfast.
Why You’ll Actually Love This Recipe
Here’s what makes this cake different:
Naturally sweetened. Honey and fresh apples do the sweetening here. No refined sugar overload.
Actually wholesome. The oats aren’t just filler—they add real fiber and keep you full until lunch.
Perfect for meal prep. Bake once. Enjoy breakfast all week. Done.
Your kids will eat it. The mild sweetness and soft texture? Even picky eaters go for it.
Works any way you serve it. Warm, cold, plain, or piled with yogurt. Your call.
Let’s Talk Details
How long does this take?
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Baking: 45 minutes
- Total: About 1 hour
How many pieces? One 9-inch cake serves 8-10 slices. Perfect for a family breakfast or a full week of mornings.
Is it hard to make? Nope. Beginner-friendly. Just basic mixing and baking.
What You’ll Need in Your Kitchen
- 9-inch round or square baking pan
- 2 mixing bowls
- A whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A grater or sharp knife (for the apples)
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
The Ingredients
This cake uses simple, everyday stuff. Nothing fancy. Nothing you can’t find at your regular grocery store.
Oats: Use the old-fashioned rolled kind. They give you the best texture and really shine through in every bite.
Apples: Fresh ones. They add moisture and natural sweetness. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great—anything firm and slightly tart.
Honey: Your natural sweetener. It keeps everything moist.
Vanilla Extract: Adds that warm, cozy sweetness.
Cinnamon: The magic ingredient. It pairs perfectly with apples and makes your kitchen smell incredible.
Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These do the heavy lifting—they help the cake rise and stay light and fluffy.
Yogurt: Adds moisture and creates a tender crumb. Greek yogurt is your friend here.
Eggs: They bind everything together and give the cake structure.
Butter or Coconut Oil: For richness and moisture.
Want to Mix It Up? Try This
Add some crunch: Fold in walnuts or pecans.
Different fruit: Swap the apples for pears or throw in some blueberries.
More spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger with the cinnamon.
Going dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt and coconut oil instead.
Fancy it up: Top with a streusel (oats, butter, and honey) before baking.
Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get Your Pan Ready
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab that 9-inch pan and grease it up with butter or line it with parchment paper. This part matters—nobody wants cake stuck to the pan.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Stuff
In a big bowl, combine your oats, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon. Grab a whisk and mix it all together until it looks even. No lumps.
Step 3: Make Your Wet Mixture
In another bowl, crack your eggs and whisk them together with yogurt, honey, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla. Keep going until it’s smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Bring It Together
Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Here’s the important part—stir gently. You just want everything combined. Overmixing makes the cake tough, and we don’t want that.
Now fold in your chopped or grated apples. Make sure they’re spread throughout the batter.
Step 5: Into the Oven
Pour everything into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Slide it into that 350°F oven for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs).
Step 6: Let It Cool
Pull it out and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack. Serve it warm or let it cool completely. Your choice.
How to Eat This Cake
Honestly? You’ve got options.
Monday morning breakfast: Slice it up and add a dollop of Greek yogurt and some fresh berries on top.
Afternoon snack: Grab a slice with your coffee or tea.
Dessert mood: Warm a slice and top it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Rushing out the door: Wrap individual slices and take them with you.
Brunch spread: Slice it nice and arrange it on a platter with fresh fruit. Looks fancy, tastes even better.
How to Store It (The Right Way)
On the counter: Keep it covered for up to 2 days.
In the fridge: Pop it in an airtight container and it’ll last up to 5 days. It actually stays more moist the next day.
Freezing it: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then toss them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm it up in the microwave.
Pro Tips to Make It Perfect
Grate, don’t chop: When you grate your apples instead of chopping them, they blend better into the batter and add moisture throughout. Trust me on this one.
Don’t overmix: This keeps the cake tender. Stir until combined, then stop.
Check early: Ovens vary. Start checking at 40 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Room temperature matters: Let your ingredients warm up a bit before mixing. Everything blends smoother.
Apple on top: Before baking, lay thin apple slices on top of the batter. It looks gorgeous and tastes even better.
What’s Actually in This?
| Nutrient | Per Slice (1 of 10) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 5g |
These numbers are approximate and can shift depending on what specific ingredients you use.
Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal Apple Cake
Course: Breakfasts8-10
slices15
minutes45
minutes185
kcalIngredients
2 cups (180g) old-fashioned rolled oats
2 medium apples, peeled and grated or finely chopped (about 2 cups)
1/3 cup (113g) honey
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ cup (120g) plain Greek yogurt
2 large eggs, at room temperature
¼ cup (57g) melted butter or coconut oil
¼ teaspoon salt
Directions
- Preheat that oven: Set it to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9-inch pan (round or square) and grease it with butter or parchment paper.
- Dry ingredients first: Combine oats, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Whisk until everything is mixed evenly.
- Wet ingredients next: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, yogurt, honey, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla until smooth.
- Mix them together: Pour the wet stuff into the dry stuff. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix—the batter should look a little lumpy.
- Add the apples: Fold in your grated or chopped apples. Make sure they’re spread throughout.
- Bake it: Pour the batter into your pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and slice: Let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Questions You Might Have
Can I use quick oats instead? Old-fashioned oats are better, but quick oats will work. The texture will just be a bit softer.
Do I have to peel the apples? Peeling is nicer for a smoother texture. But if you leave the peels on, you get extra fiber and nutrition.
Can I make this vegan? Absolutely. Use flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water) instead of regular eggs, swap in coconut yogurt, and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Why did mine turn out dense? Usually it’s because you overmixed the batter. Or your baking soda and powder might be old. Check those expiration dates.
Can I double this? Yes. Use a 9×13 inch pan and add 10-15 minutes to your baking time.
The Bottom Line
This Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal Apple Cake proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Wholesome oats, fresh apples, and warm cinnamon come together into something that tastes incredible and actually fuels your body. Whether you pull a warm slice straight from the oven or grab one on a rushed Tuesday morning, this cake delivers exactly what you need to start your day right.
