Ingredients
Here is everything you need for one small cake in a standard baking dish:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 large apples, grated or finely chopped
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
That is the entire list. No flour, no butter, and no sugar of any kind.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Letting the oven come fully to temperature before the cake goes in helps it rise evenly and bake through to the center.
Grate or finely chop the apples and place them in a large mixing bowl. Grated apples blend into the batter and keep the cake very moist, while finely chopped apples leave small tender pieces in every bite. You can leave the peel on for extra fiber and a little color, or peel the apples if you prefer a smoother texture.
Add the eggs, milk, olive oil, and vanilla extract to the apples. Mix until everything is well combined. The eggs should be fully broken up and no streaks of oil should remain.
Stir in the rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Let the mixture rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This short pause is important. It gives the oats time to absorb some of the liquid from the eggs, milk, and apples, which softens them and gives the finished cake a tender, cohesive crumb instead of a loose, chewy one.
Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Pour in the batter and smooth the top with a spoon or spatula.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Baking time varies depending on the size and material of your dish and how juicy your apples are.
Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it hold together and makes cutting cleaner.
Serve warm or chilled, for breakfast or as a wholesome snack.