Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal Apple Cake (Flourless) Recipe

I love my take on an Oat Apple Cake that brings together wholesome ingredients like 2 cups of rolled oats, unsweetened applesauce, grated apples, and mashed bananas to create a meal prep gem. With a hint of maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it promises a delightful twist for breakfast or dessert.

I recently stumbled upon this Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal Apple Cake (Flourless) recipe while browsing for some creative twists on baked oat breakfast bars and instantly knew it was something special. Combining 2 cups rolled oats, 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce, 2 medium apples (peeled and grated), and 2 mashed bananas with 3 eggs, I figured this was the perfect way to reinvent a sugar free breakfast bar that doubles as a healthy family dessert.

I mix in a bit of maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg along with baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt for that extra kick. Oh and don’t forget the optional walnuts and raisins if you like some crunch.

This is one of those recipes that fits effortlessly into meal prep for the week, so even if you’re after a healthy breakfast loaf or an easy kid friendly breakfast idea, it’s sure to please.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe cause it uses mostly ingredients I already have at home. I love how it’s a healthy option with loads of fruit like apples, bananas, and applesauce that give it natural sweetness without being too sugary. I like that I can mix in walnuts and raisins if I want a bit more texture and flavor, which makes it feel customizable. And honestly, it’s awesome for any time of the day, whether im having it for breakfast or as a treat later on—it really hits the spot every time.

Ingredients

• Rolled oats: provide fiber, complex carbs and protein for lasting energy and steady fullness.
• Unsweetened applesauce: naturally sweet, adds moisture, and helps keep extra sugars low.
• Grated apples: deliver vitamins, fiber and a tangy burst that lightens the overall flavor.
• Mashed bananas: add natural sweetness, moisture and a healthy potassium boost in every bite.
• Eggs: act as a binder and supply protein, making the cake firmer and more filling.
• Maple syrup: brings a rich, natural sweetness without overwhelming the healthy profile.
• Walnuts and raisins (optional): offer crunch, antioxidants and extra fiber to boost texture and taste.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 2 medium apples, peeled and grated
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• A pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups rolled oats, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.

3. In a separate bowl, beat 3 large eggs then add 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce, 2 mashed ripe bananas, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

4. Peel and grate 2 medium apples and stir them into the wet mixture.

5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix or you may end up with a dense cake.

6. If you’re using them, fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts and 1/2 cup raisins here.

7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly.

8. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Slice it up and enjoy it either warm or cold, perfect for breakfast or even as a yummy dessert throughout the week!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – Preheat to 350°F
2. 9-inch baking pan – Either lightly greased or lined with parchment paper
3. Large mixing bowl – For dry ingredients
4. Medium mixing bowl – For wet ingredients
5. Measuring cups and spoons – To get exact amounts
6. Whisk or fork – To beat the eggs
7. Grater – To peel and grate the apples
8. Spatula – To stir and fold ingredients without overmixing
9. Wire cooling rack – To cool the cake evenly
10. Toothpick – To check if the cake is done

These items are essential to create a balanced dessert or breakfast treat that is easy to portion and share.

FAQ

Healthy Breakfast Oatmeal Apple Cake (Flourless) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Rolled oats: if you don’t have them you can blend oats into a coarse flour and use that instead. It works good and keeps the recipe gluten-free.
• Unsweetened applesauce: sometimes you might use pumpkin puree instead which gives a similar moisture and a hint of fall flavor.
• Eggs: if you’re looking for an eggless version try using flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) to help bind the cake.
• Chopped walnuts: if you aren’t a fan or if they cause allergies, you can swap them for pecans or almonds, or even just skip them entirely.
• Maple syrup: if you run out you can also use honey or agave nectar though the flavor might change a bit.

Pro Tips

1. Try letting the mashed bananas and applesauce sit with the oats for about 10 minutes before mixing with the rest. This gives the oats time to soak up the moisture and makes for a softer texture.

2. When stirring everything together, don’t overdo it. Overmixing can make the cake really dense and heavy, so mix just until everything is combined.

3. If you’re using walnuts and raisins, fold them in gently at the end. This way they stay evenly distributed and don’t get crushed up too much.

4. Make sure to check your oven temperature on a real thermometer if you have one. Lots of ovens run a bit hot or too cool, so you dont want to underbake or overbake your cake by accident.