There are some cakes that feel like they were made for cozy afternoons, and this Oat, Apple, and Carrot Cake is one of them. It’s moist, naturally sweet, and wholesome enough that you can enjoy a slice without a hint of guilt. Think of it as the happy marriage between a soft carrot cake and a fruity apple loaf, with oats adding that hearty texture that makes each bite satisfying.
I love making this cake when I want something homemade and comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s one of those desserts that tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have settled in.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Wholesome ingredients: Rolled oats, apples, and carrots make it fiber-rich and nourishing.
- Naturally sweet: Apples and carrots bring in their own sweetness, so you don’t need loads of sugar.
- Moist and tender: Thanks to the apple and carrot combo, the crumb stays soft without feeling heavy.
- Beginner-friendly: You don’t need fancy equipment—just a blender and a mixing bowl.
Tip: If you’ve ever had trouble baking cakes that come out dry, this recipe will be your new favorite. The apples and carrots practically guarantee moisture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- A pinch of salt
- 200 g rolled oats
- 3 eggs
- 2 medium carrots, grated
- 2 medium apples, peeled and grated
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 cup brown sugar (or sweetener of your choice)
- 1 cup flour (whole wheat works beautifully)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)
Tip: If you want a slightly nutty crunch, you can also toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease or line your baking pan with parchment paper.
- Blend the wet mixture: In a blender, combine the apples, eggs, oil, and sugar until smooth. This step keeps the cake tender and evenly sweet.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, stir together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the carrot: Fold the grated carrot into the dry mixture.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the blended mixture over the dry ingredients and mix until everything is just incorporated.
- Bake: Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and slice: Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before removing it. Wait until fully cooled before slicing—it holds together better that way.
Serving and Storage
This cake is wonderful on its own, but if you’re in the mood to dress it up, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze works wonders.
It also keeps really well—store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it if you want it to last a little longer. In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
This Oat, Apple, and Carrot Cake is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. It’s sweet enough to satisfy dessert cravings but wholesome enough to enjoy as an afternoon snack—or even breakfast with a cup of tea or coffee. If you’re looking for a cake that’s both nourishing and indulgent, this one deserves a spot in your kitchen.