Name: Easy Oatmeal Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 37 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup rolled oats (makes 1 ½ cup + 2 tablespoons oat flour); ½ cup white whole wheat flour; 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 eggs, room temperature; ⅓ cup butter, melted and slightly cooled; ½ cup maple syrup (or brown sugar); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature (or ½ cup milk plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar); 2 apples, grated (about 1 ½ cups); 1/3 cup rolled oats; ¼ cup white whole wheat flour; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice; ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped; 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 4 reviews

If you’ve been hunting for a cozy, wholesome dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Easy Oatmeal Apple Cake Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Combining the natural sweetness and tender juiciness of grated apples with the hearty texture of oats and the spicy warmth of pumpkin pie spice, this cake delights every bite with comfort and charm. It’s simple enough to make any day special, yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, containing two main layers inside. The bottom layer is a bright yellow soft mixture with a slightly grainy texture. On top, there is a heap of shredded pieces that are pale beige with reddish edges, spread mostly on one side. A metal whisk with a black handle rests inside the bowl, touching both layers. Nearby, two brown eggshells are cracked open and placed on the marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Easy Oatmeal Apple Cake Recipe plays a key role in building its unique flavor and texture, from the nutty oats that give it heartiness to the spices that bring seasonal warmth. Let’s take a look at the simple pantry staples and fresh additions that come together to make this dessert shine.

Rolled oats: Blended into fine oat flour, they provide a wholesome base and a naturally nutty flavor.
White whole wheat flour: Adds delicate structure and a subtle sweetness without overpowering the oats.
Pumpkin pie spice: A cozy blend that delivers warming notes reminiscent of autumn comfort food.
Baking powder: Gives the cake a soft rise for a tender crumb.
Baking soda: Works alongside baking powder to ensure perfect texture and lightness.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide moisture while lending richness.
Butter: Melted and slightly cooled, it adds buttery depth and moistness.
Maple syrup: Offers natural sweetness with a subtle, earthy complexity—brown sugar can substitute.
Vanilla extract: Brings a floral sweetness that complements the apples and spices.
Buttermilk: Contributes a gentle tang and helps the cake stay tender—can be made by adding lemon juice or vinegar to milk.
Apples: Grated fresh for juicy bursts of flavor and moisture throughout the cake.
Extra rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice: Combined as a crunchy streusel topping.
Pecans: Roughly chopped to add a delightful nutty crunch and contrast.
Additional melted butter: Binds the streusel and enhances its richness.

How to Make Easy Oatmeal Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing an 8×8-inch cake pan. Greasing the pan is essential to prevent sticking, and I like to line it with parchment paper, leaving an inch overhang on the sides. This handy trick ensures the cake lifts out effortlessly when it’s time to serve.

Step 2: Mix the Streusel Topping

The streusel is where the magic of texture happens. Combine oats, flour, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and chopped pecans in a medium bowl. Drizzle melted butter over the mixture, then stir or press it with your hands until it clumps into small clusters. Setting this aside will allow you to add a buttery, crisp topping that contrasts wonderfully with the soft cake.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Transform rolled oats into fine oat flour using a high-powered blender or food processor. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, white whole wheat flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture forms the foundation of your cake’s texture and flavor.

Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine eggs, melted butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and buttermilk, whisking until fully blended. Grate your apples directly into this wet mix—no need to drain the juices, as they add natural moisture and sweetness that keep the cake wonderfully moist.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently fold everything together with a spatula, mixing just until combined, so your cake stays tender and soft without becoming dense. Pour this batter into your prepared pan and evenly crumble the streusel topping over it, gently pressing it down to adhere.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pop the cake into your preheated oven and bake for 37 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with cozy spices and buttery sweetness. Allow the cake to cool for 15 minutes before removing it from the pan. For an extra touch, drizzle with a cream cheese glaze or almond butter if you’re feeling indulgent.

How to Serve Easy Oatmeal Apple Cake Recipe

A white parchment-lined tray holds nine square oat bars arranged in a close grid, each topped with a golden-brown oat crumble layer that is rough and textured with visible oats and nuts. A light beige creamy drizzle is spread loosely over each bar in thin, uneven lines that add a soft contrast to the crisp oat topping. One oat bar in the lower-left corner is slightly pulled out, showing a dense, crumbly middle layer beneath the oats. Around the tray are small crumbs and a round glass bowl filled with the same beige cream positioned at the top left, and a spoon with a bit of cream on it near the bottom left. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a bit of a red apple visible at the top right corner, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Topping this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of creamy glaze takes it to the next level. Toasted pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon offer added texture and spice, perfectly complementing the warm apple and oatmeal flavors. A light dusting of powdered sugar also adds a pretty, festive finish.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. If serving brunch, a side of fresh fruit or Greek yogurt balances the richness and rounds out the meal with brightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering this cake in a trifle with whipped cream and spiced apples for eye-catching dessert parfaits. Alternatively, cut it into small bars for a grab-and-go snack or gift wrapped in parchment paper tied with twine for a thoughtful homemade present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Easy Oatmeal Apple Cake Recipe stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep it away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain its moist, tender crumb and prevent the streusel from becoming soggy.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place it in an airtight freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for an easy, make-ahead treat.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or reheat in a preheated 350-degree oven for 10 minutes, loosely covered with foil to prevent drying. Adding a spread of butter or cream cheese glaze after warming makes it feel freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use different apples in this recipe?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work well to balance sweetness, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will create a more mellow flavor. Just be sure to grate them fresh for the best moisture and texture.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, simply mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade buttermilk substitute will give your cake the same tender crumb and slight tang.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by using certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend in place of white whole wheat flour, you can enjoy this cake without gluten. Just keep in mind the texture might vary slightly.

What can I use if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

You can easily mix your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This blend will still give you that warm, spiced flavor essential to the cake’s character.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Definitely! Use a 9×13-inch pan if doubling and increase the baking time slightly, checking doneness with a toothpick. The Easy Oatmeal Apple Cake Recipe scales well for larger gatherings or meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Oatmeal Apple Cake Recipe is one of those gems that makes baking feel like pure joy. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a comfort-food result that delivers every time, it’s perfect for cozy mornings or sharing at special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes your go-to apple cake!