Healthy Apple Cake is the ultimate fall treat. Dense, moist, and evenly spiced! Just blend up the batter, pour it into the pan, and bake. It’s that straightforward!
author’s note
The Cake That’s Just as Good for Breakfast as Dessert!
Every fall, I find myself testing more apple desserts than anything else. My kids love apples in any form: fresh slices dipped in caramel, apple nachos, or warm apple pie.
Last year, after a trip to the apple orchard, we had way more apples than we could eat fresh. I wanted to create something cozy that felt like dessert but was also made with wholesome ingredients. That’s how this Healthy Apple Cake came to life.
The best part? My family loved it so much that I had to make it two days in a row. My daughter asked if she could have it for breakfast, which I took as the biggest compliment. It really does taste like apple pie in cake form, but with good-for-you ingredients that keep you satisfied.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps or Tips |
|---|---|
| Cashews | Swap with almonds or walnuts, but cashews give the best texture. |
| Old-Fashioned Oats | Don’t use quick oats since they will make the cake gummy. |
| Honey or Maple Syrup | Use maple syrup for a vegan option. |
| Unsweetened Applesauce | Make from-scratch applesauce for fresher flavor. |
| Coconut Oil | Melt before measuring. Swap with avocado oil if preferred. |
| Eggs | Flax eggs can work, but the texture will be denser. |
| Warm Spices | Adjust cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves to taste. |
Quick Tip
Want to frost this Healthy Apple Cake? Try Cream Cheese Frosting and finish with coarsely chopped nuts or Bare dried Apple Chips. Or top slices with a spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt.
How To Make Healthy Apple Cake
- Prep Pan: Heat oven to 350°F. Line and grease an 8×8 pan.
- Blend: Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Bake: Pour into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35-40 minutes, until set.
- Cool & Serve: Cool on a rack, dust with powdered sugar if desired, then slice and enjoy!
chelsea’s recipe tip
Use a light-colored 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper. The cake is ready when the top isn’t shiny, edges are golden, and it pulls away from the sides. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Storage
Leftover Healthy Apple Cake
- Store: Keep in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
More Gluten-Free Baked Goods:
Breakfast
Gluten Free Zucchini Muffins
Desserts
Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Recipe
Desserts
Gluten Free Monster Cookies
Desserts
Gluten-Free Brownies Recipe
