One apple, one bowl, one cozy September treat—tasting like fall in every bite! This soft and tender cake is naturally sweetened, made with wholesome ingredients (like collagen for an extra boost), and topped with caramelized apples + an optional maple cream cheese glaze for the ultimate glow-up.
Perfect for back-to-school mornings, weekend baking, or any cozy fall moment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Fall flavors in every bite 🍂 cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple bring all the cozy vibes.
- Wholesome & nourishing ✨ made with oat flour, applesauce, and collagen powder.
- One bowl, easy clean-up 🥣 minimal effort, max flavor.
- Customizable 🍎 enjoy it plain, with glaze, with caramelized apples… or all three!
Ingredients:
🍯 Wet Ingredients:
-1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
-2 eggs
-⅓ cup maple syrup
-¼ cup coconut oil, melted
-1 tsp vanilla extract
🌾 Dry Ingredients:
-1 ½ cups oat flour
-½ cup collagen powder
-1 ½ tsp baking powder
-½ tsp baking soda
-1 tsp cinnamon
-½ tsp nutmeg
-¼ tsp salt
🍁 Maple Cream Cheese Glaze (optional):
-4 oz cream cheese, softened
-2–3 tbsp maple syrup
-½ tsp vanilla extract
-1–2 tbsp milk (to thin, if needed)
🍎 Caramelized Apples (optional):
-1 apple, chopped
-1 tsp coconut oil, melted
-1–2 tsp maple syrup
-pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
🥣 1. Prep Your Pan & Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line or lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking pan.
🍯 2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, eggs, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla until smooth.
🌾 3. Add the Dry Ingredients:
Stir in oat flour, collagen powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix!
🍽️ 4. Bake the Cake:
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 28–32 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely.
🥛 5. Make the Glaze (optional):
Whisk cream cheese, maple syrup, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drop dollops of glaze onto the cooled cake and smooth out with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
🍎 6. Caramelize the Apples (optional):
In a skillet, cook chopped apples with coconut oil, maple syrup, and cinnamon until softened and glossy. The liquid will thicken into a caramel-like syrup. Spoon a few tablespoons of this syrup over the glaze and swirl it in with a toothpick before topping with the apples.
✨ 7. Cool & Slice:
Let everything set before slicing. Serve plain, glazed, or topped with apples for the coziest fall treat!
Tips & Variations:
- 🥄 No collagen? Swap with extra oat flour (about ½ cup).
- 🍏 Try pears! Sub apples with ripe pears for a delicate twist.
- 🧁 Bake as cupcakes. Pour into a lined muffin tin and bake 18–20 minutes for portable coziness.
Pro Tips:
- 🧊 Storage made simple: Keep leftovers covered at room temp for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4–5 days.
- 🔥 Reheat for the glow-up: Warm slices in the oven or toaster oven for that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.
- 🍽️ Serving idea: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or an extra drizzle of maple syrup for an elevated snack or dessert.
- 🥳 Make ahead: This cake actually tastes even better the next day as the spices deepen—perfect for prepping before a cozy gathering.
Final Thoughts
This autumn-spiced applesauce cake is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day — simple, nourishing, and just sweet enough. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a swirl of maple cream cheese glaze, or topped with caramelized apples, it’s sure to bring a little glow to your fall season.
So brew a cup of tea, slice into this cozy treat, and savor the flavors of September. 🍎🍂✨ If you give this a try, I’d love to see your creation — tag me on Instagram @theglowgirlwellness so I can cheer you on! 📸💖