Food

Apple Oatmeal Cake {an easy, anti-inflammatory dessert}

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On 5 April 2025

Living in Seattle, WA, I get to enjoy apples all year long—whether it’s picking them fresh from the orchards, as a snack (with peanut butter!), or enjoying them in baked goods during the colder months. Apples are a high-fiber, naturally sweet addition to baking, and this Apple Oatmeal Cake recipe is so delicious – I just had to share it with you. It’s not only really delicious, but it’s also packed with ingredients that are great for your health – packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here’s how (and why!) you should make it.

Fresh Apples vs. Canned Apples in Baking

When it comes to baking with apples, I always recommend using fresh apples. While canned apples may seem convenient, they often come with added sugars and preservatives. Fresh apples are packed with fiber and antioxidants and their natural sweetness shines through. By using fresh apples in this cake, you get all the health benefits of apples. They’re absolutely a ‘superfood’ – rich in vitamin C, fiber, and quercetin.

Choosing the Right Apples for Your Apple Oatmeal Cake

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. For this recipe, I recommend using firm apples that hold up well during baking. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work wonderfully because they offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness while retaining their texture. The sweetness of the apples will naturally enhance the flavor of the cake, so choosing a variety you enjoy is key.

Health Benefits of Apples

Apples aren’t just delicious—they have so many health benefits. Rich in fiber, apples help support healthy digestion and contribute to a balanced gut microbiome. A healthy gut supports your immune system and helps to reduce inflammation. The fiber in apples also helps regulate blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full longer, making this apple cake a satisfying (and nutritious) treat.

In addition to fiber, apples are packed with antioxidants like quercetin and flavonoids, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants have been shown to protect against cell damage and may even help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer. One medium apple provides about 10% of your daily vitamin C needs, which supports immune health and helps the body repair tissues and cells.

A Heart-Healthy, Anti-Inflammatory Cake

The ingredients in this Apple Cake are an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. Whole rolled oats, avocado oil, and walnuts add healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Avocado oil is known for its heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and support brain health.

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best things about this Apple Oatmeal Cake is how well it stores. If you’re looking for something easy to prep ahead for the week, this cake is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week and can even be frozen for longer storage. Slice it up and pack it for snacks, or enjoy it as a dessert after a healthy meal. The added fiber from the apples and oats, combined with the healthy fats from the oil and walnuts, makes this a satisfying option for any time of day.

Making the Apple Oatmeal Cake

This Apple Oatmeal Cake isn’t just delicious; it’s a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness and nutrition of apples in a comforting dessert. Packed with fiber from the apples and whole rolled oats, it’s a dessert that provides a little more substance than your typical cake. The healthy fats from avocado or grapeseed oil, along with the optional walnuts, bring in heart-healthy omega-3s, making this a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers some nutritional benefits. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack or dessert, this cake delivers flavor and a little extra goodness with every bite.

Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating the oven to 300°F. Prepare your pan by greasing it with oil or butter and lining the bottom with parchment paper. I recommend using a 10-inch springform pan or a 13×9-inch baking dish, but any similar size will work. Just make sure to grease the sides well to avoid any sticking.

Prepare the Batter

While your oven is warming up, get your dry ingredients ready. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. The spices really bring out a cozy flavor.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the oil, sugar, and eggs for about 2 minutes until the mixture is slightly thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract and fresh lemon juice for added brightness.

Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your cake might be too dense. Now, fold in the apples (and walnuts, if you’re using them). The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly how it should be!

Bake the Apple Cake

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and smooth it out. Place it in the center of the oven and bake for about 55–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly firm to the touch. If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover it with foil for the last 5–10 minutes.

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack before serving. The flavors continue to develop as it cools, so be patient—you’ll be rewarded with a perfectly spiced, tender cake.

Apple Cake FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. I like Bob’s Red Mill.

What type of apples should I use?

Go for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Easily – swap the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).

How should I store the Apple Cake?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Bonus: They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.

I hope you’re inspired to start baking more with apples and also to make this gorgeous Apple Cake! Definitely drop me a comment below if you try it!

Like this recipe? Try my Almond Raspberry Cake, Mandarin Cranberry Bundt Cake, or Tequila Glazed Lemon Olive Oil Bundt Cake.

Preheat oven to 300°. Line the bottom of a 10-inch springform pan or a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, then grease the parchment.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and the rolled oats in a large mixing bowl.
In a separate mixing bowl beat the oil, sugar, and eggs until they’re slightly thick, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla and lemon juice.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until moistened. Fold in the chopped apples and optional walnuts. The batter will be thick.
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 55–60 minutes. Cool the cake in the pan on a rack.

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