There’s something about a slice of warm apple cake that feels like a small celebration on an otherwise ordinary day. I remember the first time I made this layered protein apple cake—my kitchen smelled like cinnamon and baked apples, the kind of scent that pulls you in and makes you forget whatever you were supposed to be doing. I was halfway through slicing apples when the phone rang, and I got distracted, leaving some slices a bit thicker than I intended. It didn’t matter though because the layers baked up beautifully, each bite moist and subtly sweet with a hint of spice. The texture was tender but had just enough heft from the protein powder to keep me feeling full until dinner. And honestly, it was the perfect excuse to linger over coffee, savoring the cake’s warmth while watching the light shift through the window.
- Combines wholesome oats and protein powder, making it a satisfying snack or dessert.
- The layered apple slices create a beautiful, rustic look without fuss.
- Balancing natural sweetness from honey and applesauce keeps it from feeling overly sweet—it’s simple, and that’s kind of the point.
- Moist texture that’s not too dense, which means it’s easy to share or pack for later.
If you’re worried about the cake being too dry or heavy because of the protein powder, don’t be. The apples and yogurt keep it tender, and the spices give it a cozy, inviting flavor that’s hard to resist.
PrintLayered Protein Apple Cake
A moist and flavorful layered apple cake enriched with protein powder, perfect for a healthy dessert or snack.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8
Ingredients
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups oat flour
1/2 cup vanilla whey protein powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together oat flour, vanilla whey protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large bowl, beat the eggs. Add applesauce, honey, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil. Mix well until combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Spread a thin layer of batter evenly on the bottom of the prepared cake pan.
Arrange a layer of apple slices over the batter, covering the surface.
Pour half of the remaining batter over the apple layer and spread evenly.
Add another layer of apple slices over the batter.
Pour the remaining batter over the apple slices and spread evenly.
Finish with a final layer of apple slices on top, pressing them lightly into the batter.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Transfer the cake to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing and serving.
For this cake, a simple round pan works best, and you don’t need any fancy gadgets—just a good knife for the apples and a mixing bowl. Serving it slightly warm with a cup of tea or coffee feels just right, especially when you want to slow down and enjoy a moment. You can try swapping the vanilla whey protein for another flavor if you want to experiment, though I haven’t tested all options thoroughly. Using different apple varieties can change the sweetness and texture a bit, so feel free to get creative there. Also, a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking might add a nice crunch, but that’s just a suggestion from my last trial run.
FAQ
Can I make this cake dairy-free? You could try swapping Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative, but the texture may be a bit different. I haven’t tried it myself.
How should I store leftovers? Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerate if you want it to last longer.
Is it okay to freeze this cake? Yes, wrapping it well and thawing overnight in the fridge works fine.
When you want a treat that feels like a little moment of calm, this layered protein apple cake fits the bill. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable, and that’s a kind of comfort all on its own.