Healthy Apple and Cinnamon Chia Cake (Wholesome & Moist Dessert Recipe)

Thank you for being here, my sweet kitchen friend! There’s something so comforting about the scent of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven — it takes me right back to chilly autumn mornings when my nonna would fill the house with the smell of spice and love. Today, I’m sharing a treat that’s not just delicious but nourishing too: Healthy Apple and Cinnamon Chia Cake.

This tender, fiber-rich cake is made with old-fashioned oats, juicy apple chunks, and chia seeds that give it a delightful texture and a nutritional boost. It’s the kind of dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth and your desire to eat well.

If you love wholesome bakes like this, make sure to subscribe to my Poulef newsletter so you never miss a cozy recipe straight from my kitchen.

Overview of Recipe Content

This Apple and Cinnamon Chia Cake is the perfect balance of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. It fits right in at brunch, as a light dessert, or as a mid-afternoon snack with tea.

Why You’ll Love It

• Naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber
• Moist, tender, and warmly spiced
• Perfectly sweetened with apple and a touch of natural sugar
• Great for breakfast or dessert

What It Tastes Like

Think of a cross between warm apple oatmeal and a soft coffee cake — tender, aromatic, and comforting with every bite. The chia seeds add a subtle crunch and help the cake stay moist for days.

Health Benefits

Oats and chia seeds are full of soluble fiber, which supports digestion and keeps you satisfied longer. Apples add natural sweetness and vitamin C, while cinnamon brings that cozy flavor that makes every bite feel like a hug.

Ingredients

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For the Cake:

• 2 cups (180 g) old-fashioned rolled oats
• 2 tbsp (20 g) chia seeds
• 2 tsp (6 g) ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp (5 g) baking powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) baking soda
• ¼ tsp (1.5 g) salt
• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pure maple syrup
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) milk of choice (almond, oat, or dairy)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• Thin apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon

Tools Needed

• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowls
• 8-inch round or square baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Substitutions

• Swap apples with pears for a different twist
• Use flaxseeds instead of chia
• Substitute maple syrup with honey or coconut sugar
• Make it vegan: replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water each)

How to Make Healthy Apple and Cinnamon Chia Cake

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1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Blend the oats into flour using a food processor. Don’t worry if it’s a little coarse — it adds texture.
3. Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine oat flour, chia seeds, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. Whisk wet ingredients. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, applesauce, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla.
5. Combine and fold. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and gently stir until combined. Fold in diced apples.
6. Bake. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before adding the topping. Mix Greek yogurt and maple syrup, spread gently over the cooled cake, and decorate with apple slices and cinnamon.

The smell as this cake bakes is pure heaven — cinnamon, apple, and nutty oats filling your kitchen with warmth.

What to Serve with Healthy Apple and Cinnamon Chia Cake

• A cup of hot coffee or spiced chai
• A dollop of vanilla yogurt on the side
• Fresh fruit or a drizzle of caramel for dessert lovers

For a cozy fall brunch, serve it with my Pumpkin Oat Pancakes or Banana Bread Overnight Oats.

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overmix the batter — it should be just combined.
• Let the chia seeds sit for a few minutes to thicken the mixture.
• Always cool before frosting or topping.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for the best texture.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Up to 2 days in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate: Up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Slice and wrap individually for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight or warm in the oven before serving.

General Information

This cake is inspired by cozy American fall baking traditions — apples, cinnamon, and oats come together in a naturally sweet, wholesome dessert. It’s perfect for autumn gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or as a make-ahead breakfast cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this without a blender?
Yes! Just use oat flour instead of rolled oats.

2. Can I use steel-cut oats?
Not in this recipe — they’ll make the texture too coarse.

3. How do I make it vegan?
Replace eggs with flax eggs and use non-dairy milk and yogurt.

4. Can I add nuts?
Absolutely — chopped walnuts or pecans are wonderful here.

5. How do I prevent sogginess?
Use firm apples (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) and don’t overmix.

Conclusion

There’s magic in simple ingredients — oats, apples, chia, and cinnamon — coming together to create something wholesome and comforting. This Healthy Apple and Cinnamon Chia Cake is proof that dessert can be both good-for-you and delicious.

If you loved this one, try my Apple Oatmeal Muffins or Maple Walnut Energy Bites.

Thank you for baking with me today — I’d love to see your creation!

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Interactive Elements

If you make this cake, please leave a review below and share your photo on Pinterest — tag @PoulefRecipe so I can feature your bake!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	220 kcal
Protein	6 g
Fat	7 g
Carbohydrates	34 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	120 mg

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