Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake
This delightful Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake offers a wholesome twist on a classic comfort dessert, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a light treat. Bursting with the natural sweetness of apples and the hearty goodness of oats, it's incredibly moist and subtly spiced. Enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes the body while satisfying your sweet cravings.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
50 minutes
Servings
8 slices
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats and fresh apples.
- Naturally sweetened with honey, reducing reliance on refined sugars.
- Incredibly moist and tender, a delightful texture in every bite.
- Versatile for breakfast, brunch, or a guilt-free dessert.
- Simple and quick to prepare, perfect for busy schedules.
Ingredients
- 200 grams (1 large) baking apple, such as Gala or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
- 90 grams (1 cup) rolled oats, divided
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) baking soda
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) baking powder
- 45 milliliters (3 tablespoons) natural honey, or maple syrup for a vegan option
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
- 45 grams (3 tablespoons) plain Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 15 grams (1 tablespoon) unsalted butter or coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease and flour a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This ensures easy removal and a beautifully presented cake.
- Prepare the apple by peeling, coring, and chopping it into small, uniform pieces. This allows the apple to blend smoothly into the batter and cook evenly throughout the cake, distributing its natural sweetness.
- In a high-speed blender or a large mixing bowl (if using an immersion blender), combine the chopped apple, 65 grams (about 3/4 cup) of the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, honey, vanilla extract, plain yogurt, eggs, and melted butter or coconut oil.
- Process the mixture until it is completely smooth and uniform. Scrape down the sides of the blender or bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated and there are no large lumps of apple or oats remaining. This creates a beautifully moist and consistent cake texture.
- Gently fold in the remaining 25 grams (about 1/4 cup) of rolled oats into the smooth batter using a spatula. This adds a delightful textural contrast and a pleasant chewiness to the final cake, enhancing its rustic appeal.
- Pour the prepared batter into your greased and floured (or parchment-lined) cake pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cake set.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial cooling period prevents the cake from breaking and ensures it retains its moist texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan
- High-speed blender or large mixing bowl with immersion blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Paring knife and cutting board
Essential Success Tips
- Always ensure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for optimal leavening and a perfectly risen cake.
- Use a good quality baking apple that holds its shape and sweetness, like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the batter once the reserved oats are folded in; this can lead to a tougher cake texture.
- Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps it set properly and maintain its moisture.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon to your preference; a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can also be a wonderful addition.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor and aroma, lightly toast the 1/4 cup of oats that are folded in at the end before adding them to the batter. This enhances their nuttiness and provides a more complex taste.
- Consider grating half of the apple and blending it, while finely dicing the other half to fold in. This offers both a smooth apple flavor throughout the cake and delightful small chunks of apple for textural interest.
- To elevate the presentation, dust the cooled cake with a fine layer of powdered erythritol or a light cinnamon-sugar mixture, or drizzle with a thin honey glaze made from honey and a touch of warm water.
Notes
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen, well-wrapped, for up to 1 month.
- Variations: For a dairy-free version, ensure to use coconut oil and a non-dairy plain yogurt. You can also add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats. A dash of ginger or cardamom can also enhance the spice profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats to make this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What kind of apple is best for this cake?
Firm, sweet-tart apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn work wonderfully as they hold their shape and provide excellent flavor when baked. Avoid overly soft or watery apples.
Can I substitute the honey?
Yes, you can substitute honey with an equal amount of maple syrup for a similar natural sweetness. Agave nectar could also work, though it is slightly sweeter, so you might use a touch less.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 220, Protein: 7g, Fat: 9g, Carbs: 30g, Fiber: 4g (per slice, estimated for 8 slices)
Allergy Information
Contains eggs and may contain dairy (if using dairy yogurt and butter). For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil and a plant-based yogurt. This recipe is naturally nut-free, but check your yogurt and oil for cross-contamination if severe allergies are a concern.
No comment