The Perfect Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Cake: A Wholesome Start to Your Day (4 Servings)

Ready in 45 minutes | Prep: 15 min | Bake: 30 min

• Make it ahead for busy mornings – stays fresh for 3 days
• Naturally sweetened with apples and a touch of maple syrup
• One bowl recipe – minimal cleanup required
• Perfect balance of protein, fiber, and healthy carbs

You want a nutritious breakfast that feels like a treat but won’t leave you hungry an hour later. This Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Cake hits all the marks – it’s satisfying, wholesome, and something the whole family will love.

Nutrition Per Serving

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	285
Protein	8g
Fiber	6g
Fat	12g
Carbs	42g

Equipment & Ingredients

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 8-inch square baking pan (metal or glass both work)
• Large mixing bowl (at least 2.5 quarts)
• Measuring cups (both dry and liquid measures)
• Measuring spoons
• Box grater (the standard kind with multiple grating sizes)
• Whisk
• Rubber or silicone spatula
• Clean kitchen towel
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Toothpick for testing doneness

Ingredients

Amount	Ingredient	Notes
2 cups	Rolled oats	Not instant oats
2	Large eggs	Room temperature
1 cup	Milk	Any kind, room temperature
¼ cup	Maple syrup	Pure, not pancake syrup
¼ cup	Melted butter	Or coconut oil
2	Medium apples	About 2 cups when grated
1 tsp	Cinnamon	Ground
1 tsp	Baking powder	Check expiration date
¼ tsp	Salt	Regular table salt
1 tsp	Vanilla extract	Pure or imitation both work

Ingredient Substitutions

• Rolled oats: Quick oats work too (texture will be denser)
• Eggs: 2 flax eggs for vegan version (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water)
• Maple syrup: Honey or agave nectar (same amount)
• Butter: Coconut oil or applesauce (same amount)
• Apples: Pears or grated carrots (same amount)

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners

Before You Start (5 minutes)

1. Read through the entire recipe twice
2. Get all ingredients and tools out
3. Place eggs and milk on counter to reach room temperature (if cold)
4. Clear and clean your workspace
5. Wash your hands thoroughly

Kitchen Setup (5 minutes)

1. Position your oven rack in the middle
2. Turn on oven to 350°F (175°C)

• Let it preheat while you prepare ingredients
• Most ovens need 10-15 minutes to heat fully

1. Prepare your baking pan:

• Coat bottom and sides with butter or oil
• Use a paper towel to spread evenly
• Make sure to get into corners

Ingredient Preparation (10 minutes)

1. Prepare the apples:

• Wash apples under cool water
• Cut apples in half
• Remove cores with knife (no need to peel)
• Hold box grater over large bowl
• Grate apples using large holes
• You should get about 2 cups grated apple

1. Melt the butter:

• Place butter in microwave-safe bowl
• Heat 20-30 seconds
• Stir and check – should be fully melted
• Let cool slightly while preparing other ingredients

1. Measure all ingredients:

• Use dry measuring cups for oats
• Use liquid measuring cup for milk
• Level off dry ingredients with knife
• Place each ingredient in separate bowls

Mixing the Batter (10 minutes)

1. Start with wet ingredients in large bowl:

• Crack eggs one at a time into bowl
• Check for shell pieces
• Whisk eggs until bubbly (about 30 seconds)

1. Add remaining wet ingredients:

• Pour in milk
• Add maple syrup
• Add melted butter (should be warm, not hot)
• Add vanilla extract
• Whisk until well combined (about 1 minute)

1. Add grated apples:

• Squeeze grated apples in clean towel to remove excess liquid
• Add to wet ingredients
• Stir with spatula until mixed

1. Add dry ingredients:

• Add oats
• Sprinkle cinnamon, baking powder, and salt evenly
• Fold gently with spatula
• Stop mixing as soon as no dry oats are visible
• Batter will be thick but wet

Baking Phase (30-35 minutes)

1. Transfer batter to pan:

• Scrape bowl with spatula
• Pour batter into prepared pan
• Spread evenly with spatula
• Smooth top

1. Place in oven:

• Confirm oven is at 350°F
• Put pan in center of middle rack
• Set timer for 25 minutes

1. Check for doneness at 25 minutes:

• Cake should be golden brown
• Insert toothpick in center
• Should come out mostly clean
• Center should spring back when lightly pressed
• If needed, bake 3-5 minutes more

Cooling & Serving (15 minutes)

1. Remove from oven:

• Use oven mitts
• Place pan on wire rack or heat-safe surface
• Set timer for 10 minutes

1. Cut and serve:

• After 10 minutes, cut into 4 squares
• Use spatula to remove pieces
• Serve warm or room temperature

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Batter too wet:
• Cause: Extra liquid from apples
• Fix: Squeeze grated apple more thoroughly in towel
• Add 2-3 extra tablespoons oats
• Cake too dry:
• Cause: Overbaking or too much oats
• Fix: Add 2-3 tablespoons milk to batter
• Check oven temperature with thermometer
• Reduce baking time by 3-5 minutes
• Not sweet enough:
• Cause: Tart apples or personal preference
• Fix: Use sweeter apple varieties (Gala, Honeycrisp)
• Add 1-2 tablespoons extra maple syrup
• Top with drizzle of honey when serving
• Doesn’t hold together:
• Cause: Not cooled enough or undermixed
• Fix: Let cool completely before cutting
• Make sure eggs were well beaten
• Check that baking powder isn’t expired

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storage Options:

• Counter:
• Up to 2 days
• Use airtight container
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Refrigerator:
• Up to 5 days
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap
• Place in sealed container
• Freezer:
• Up to 3 months
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic
• Place in freezer bag
• Remove air before sealing

Reheating Methods:

• From room temperature:
• Microwave: 20 seconds
• Oven: 5 minutes at 350°F
• From refrigerated:
• Microwave: 30 seconds
• Oven: 8 minutes at 350°F
• From frozen:
• Thaw overnight in fridge
• Then reheat using above methods

Safety Notes & Tips

Food Safety:

• Wash hands before and during preparation
• Clean all surfaces and tools
• Check egg freshness before using
• Keep dairy products refrigerated until use
• Let eggs reach room temperature naturally (30 minutes)

Kitchen Safety:

• Use oven mitts for hot pans
• Keep pot holders nearby
• Turn pan handles away from edge
• Use caution with box grater
• Clean spills immediately to prevent slips

Recipe Success Tips:

• Don’t skip squeezing excess liquid from apples
• Check oven temperature with thermometer
• Use room temperature ingredients for even baking
• Don’t overmix – tough cake results
• Keep edge pieces for those who like crispier texture
• Double batch freezes well for future meals

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Recipe serves 4. Perfect for meal prep or weekend brunch. Customize with your favorite toppings like yogurt, nut butter, or fresh fruit. Always check ingredient labels for allergens.