This healthy apple cake is moist, tender, and full of warm cinnamon-spiced apple flavor. And the best part? It’s gluten-free, low in sugar, and high in protein. Made with almond and oat flour, it’s lightly sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar, and boosted with protein powder for a wholesome treat you can enjoy any time of day.

Healthy Apple Cake cut into squares in a wooden serving board.


 

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • It has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to fresh apples baked right into the batter.
  • The nutty almond-oat base gives it a rich flavor and heartier crumb than traditional apple cake.
  • It strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and nourishing, satisfying your sweet tooth while fueling your body.

If you are looking for other healthy recipes, try my No-Yeast Cinnamon Rolls, Protein Pumpkin Muffins, and Baked Apple Fritters.

Healthy Apple Cake topped with glaze on a wooden board.

Ingredients you’ll need:

  • Almond flour – Adds a moist, tender crumb with healthy fats and protein.
  • Oat flour – Provides structure, fiber, and a mild nutty flavor.
  • Protein powder – Boosts nutrition while helping the cake hold together.
  • Baking powder – Gives the cake a light, fluffy rise.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg – Infuse warm, cozy fall spice into every bite.
  • Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
  • Vanilla – Adds depth and sweetness to the flavor profile.
  • Olive or avocado oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
  • Maple syrup and brown sugar – Naturally sweeten the cake while adding moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
  • Eggs – Bind the ingredients, add structure, and provide richness.
  • Apple – Brings natural sweetness, flavor, and moisture to the cake.

How to make healthy apple cake:

(The full written and printable recipe is further below.)

Step #1) In a large mixing bowl, toss together the almond flour, oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, spices, and salt.

Step #2) In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, oil, eggs, and vanilla.

Step #3) Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the apples.

Step #4) Transfer the batter into a 8×8″ pan lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes.

🌟 Expert tips:

  • Protein powder: Use a vanilla or unflavored whey, plant-based, or collagen protein. If you don’t have protein powder, replace with ⅓ cup almond flour + 3 Tbsp oat flour.
  • Apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples work best for a naturally sweet flavor and tender bite.
  • Serving idea: Enjoy warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt, or drizzle with almond butter for extra protein and healthy fat.
A piece of healthy apple cake on a small pottery dessert plate.

Storing & freezing instructions:

  • Room temperature: Store the apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: To keep it fresh for longer, store it covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let slices come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
  • Freezer: Slice the cooled cake into squares, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before enjoying.

If you’ve tried this Healthy Apple Cake Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!

5 from 1 review

Healthy Apple Cake (Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low Sugar)

Yield: 9
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Author: Lily Ernst
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Method: Bake
This healthy apple cake is moist, tender, and full of warm cinnamon-spiced apple flavor. And the best part? It's gluten-free, low in sugar, and high in protein.
Print Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Cake

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • ½ cup oat flour
  • ½ cup protein powder, plain or vanilla flavor
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp olive or avocado oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 medium apple, peeled + diced

Maple Glaze (optional)

  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 2-3 Tbsp powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper and light spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss together the almond flour, oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, spices, and salt.
    1 cup almond flour, ½ cup oat flour, ½ cup protein powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, pinch of salt
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, maple syrup, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
    ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 Tbsp olive or avocado oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the apples. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan.
    1 medium apple
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool and drizzle with glaze if desired.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 2 day at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Calories: 231kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 10g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.003g, Cholesterol: 46mg, Sodium: 75mg, Potassium: 111mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 16g, Vitamin A: 80IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 101mg, Iron: 1mg
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