Cinnamon Apple Protein Crumb Cake Recipe

Get ready to elevate your snack game with these apple cinnamon protein squares—because who says a treat can’t be healthy and delicious?

I love uniting the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples in my Cinnamon Apple Protein Crumb Cake. It’s a tasty and delightful treat, packed with the kind of ingredients that make me feel good about baking.

Almond flour, vanilla protein powder, and lots of moisture from unsweetened applesauce and Greek yogurt take this cake—and me, really—to the next level. But even with all that healthiness, this cake is still sweet enough to satisfy.

Coconut sugar, which to my taste is a little caramel-y, and doesn’t brown as much as regular sugar when baked, is what I used to sweeten this cake.

Cinnamon Apple Protein Crumb Cake Recipe Ingredients

• Almond flour: Rich in healthy fats and vitamin E; gluten-free.
• Oat flour: Adds fiber and provides whole grain nutrition.
• Vanilla protein powder: Boosts protein content, subtly sweet.
• Coconut sugar: Natural sweetener with lower glycemic index.
• Apples: Fresh tartness, adds moisture and natural sweetness.
• Greek yogurt: Creamy texture, rich in protein and probiotics.
• Rolled oats: Heart-healthy, adds texture and fiber.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice, adds antioxidant properties.

Cinnamon Apple Protein Crumb Cake Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup oat flour
• 1/4 cup vanilla protein powder
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup diced apples
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)

How to Make this Cinnamon Apple Protein Crumb Cake Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking, and take an 8-inch square pan used for baking; line it with parchment paper.

2. In a big bowl, whisk the almond flour, oat flour, vanilla protein powder, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt together.

3. In a separate bowl, whip the eggs and then blend in with the mixture of applesauce, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and vanilla extract until all is smooth.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until barely combined.

5. Evenly distribute the diced apples throughout the batter by folding them in gently.

6. Evenly spread the batter in the baking pan with a spatula.

7. To prepare the crumb topping, in a small bowl, combine the rolled oats, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix until crumbly.

8. Distribute the crumb topping evenly over the batter in the pan.

9. Preheat the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick stabbed into the center comes out clean.

10. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Cinnamon Apple Protein Crumb Cake Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 8-inch square baking pan
3. Parchment paper
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Medium mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Spatula
8. Small bowl
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Wire rack
12. Knife (for slicing apples)
13. Toothpick

FAQ

• Can I use another type of protein powder?You can substitute the vanilla protein powder with any protein powder you like, and it will work just fine, but the flavor and texture might be just a little bit different.
• Is there a substitute for almond flour?You can attempt to use hazelnut flour or sunflower seed flour as substitutes, but the taste may differ.
• Can I use dairy milk instead of almond milk?For sure, an equal amount of any milk you like can substitute for unsweetened almond milk.
• How do I store the crumb cake?Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for as long as a week and it’s still fine.
• Can I make this cake vegan?You could use flax eggs, a yogurt made from plants, and make sure that the protein powder is plant-based to create a version of this recipe that is vegan.
• What type of apples work best?Firm, crisp, and tangy apples, such as Granny Smith, are ideal, but the recipe works equally well with any type of apple that has some density and structure.
• How should I serve this cake?While the cake is tasty by itself, you might enjoy it even more served with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a dish of vanilla ice cream.

Cinnamon Apple Protein Crumb Cake Recipe Substitutions and Variations

One cup of almond flour. To substitute, use 1 cup of either finely ground oat flour or whole wheat flour.
1/4 cup protein powder, vanilla: If you’re not concerned about protein content, you can just use 1/4 cup more oat flour. For a protein-rich addition that keeps this entirely plant-based, use pea protein or a similar kind.
1/4 cup coconut sugar: Use 1/4 cup of brown sugar or granulated sugar in its place.
1/4 cup Greek yogurt: Replace with 1/4 cup lactose-free yogurt or sour cream to achieve a similar texture.
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping): Substitute with 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice for a varied flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure that your eggs, Greek yogurt, and almond milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter combine more smoothly and results in a more even texture when baking.

2. Prevent Apple Browning To keep the diced apples from browning before they’re folded into the batter, you can toss them with a small amount of lemon juice. This also adds a subtle brightness to the apple flavor.

3. Check Protein Powder Be aware that different brands of protein powder can vary in sweetness and texture. If your protein powder is very sweet, you may want to reduce the coconut sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.

4. Sift Dry Ingredients Consider sifting the almond flour, oat flour, protein powder, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This can aerate the dry ingredients and help prevent lumps, leading to a more tender cake.

5. Adjust Crumb Topping Consistency If the crumb topping seems too dry, add a bit more melted coconut oil, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a crumbly consistency. This will ensure the topping adheres well to the batter and provides a nice texture contrast.