Effortless Apple Yogurt Cake

Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating the most delightful and incredibly Easy Apple Cake you’ll ever bake! This recipe is your go-to solution when you need a show-stopping dessert without the fuss. Crafted from staple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry – including wholesome yogurt, fresh eggs, and rich butter – this cake promises an unparalleled moistness and depth of flavor. Topped with thinly sliced fresh apples that beautifully caramelize as they bake, this apple yogurt cake is a true masterpiece of simplicity and taste. It’s wonderfully versatile, perfect served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoyed chilled as a refreshing treat. Prepare to impress your family and friends with what many call the best apple cake recipe out there!

Whether you find yourself with an abundance of crisp apples waiting to be used, or you need an elegant dessert for an unexpected gathering without a trip to the grocery store, this Easy Apple Cake recipe is truly here to rescue your day. It’s a celebration of simple baking, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Imagine the comforting aroma filling your kitchen as this golden-brown cake bakes, promising a slice of pure bliss.

Why This Easy Apple Cake Will Become Your Favorite

This isn’t just another apple cake recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed for ease, flavor, and visual appeal. Here’s why this particular apple cake stands out and will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

• A Timeless Duo: Apple & Cinnamon – There’s a reason this pairing is a classic! The sweet, crisp notes of apples blend harmoniously with the warm, aromatic spice of cinnamon, creating an irresistible flavor profile that evokes comfort and nostalgia. Each bite offers a perfect balance, making it a beloved dessert for any season, especially autumn. The cinnamon sugar sprinkled on top not only adds a beautiful crust but intensifies the aromatic experience.
• Crafted from Everyday Pantry Staples – Forget about hunting for obscure ingredients. This recipe prides itself on using components you likely already have on hand: flour, sugar, eggs, butter, yogurt, and of course, apples. This convenience means you can whip up this delicious cake whenever the craving strikes, without the need for a special shopping trip. It’s budget-friendly and stress-free baking at its best.
• Effortlessly Impressive Presentation – Don’t let the “easy” in the title fool you; this cake looks incredibly sophisticated and complex. The artful arrangement of thinly sliced apples on top creates a stunning, caramelized surface that is both appetizing and elegant. It requires minimal effort to achieve this beautiful finish, making it an ideal dessert to impress guests or simply treat yourself and your family to something visually appealing and utterly delicious.
• Remarkably Moist and Flavorful – Thanks to the inclusion of Greek yogurt, this apple cake boasts an exceptional moistness that lasts for days. The yogurt adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the apples and sugar, resulting in a perfectly balanced and incredibly flavorful crumb. It’s a cake that truly melts in your mouth.
• Versatility for Any Occasion – Whether you serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of custard, or even just a spoonful of extra Greek yogurt, this cake adapts to your preference. It’s equally delicious at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks, brunches, or an afternoon tea treat.

Mastering the Art of Apple Slicing for Your Cake

The visual appeal of this cake largely comes from the beautifully arranged apple slices on top, which caramelize to perfection during baking. Achieving these perfect slices is straightforward, and with a few tips, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to preparing your apples for this stunning topping:

1. Peel Your Apples: Begin by thoroughly peeling your chosen apples. While leaving the skin on is an option for some recipes, peeling ensures a more tender texture and allows the apple slices to meld seamlessly into the cake batter, creating that desirable caramelized top. Use a sharp vegetable peeler for efficiency.
2. Quarter and Core: Once peeled, carefully cut each apple into quarters. Then, remove the core and any seeds from each quarter. A small paring knife works well for this. Discard the cores.
3. Slice Thinly and Uniformly: The key to a beautiful presentation and even cooking is thin, uniform slices. Hold a quartered apple flat on your cutting board and slice it thinly, aiming for about ⅛-inch (3-4mm) thickness. Thinner slices will soften and caramelize better, while also being easier to arrange decoratively. Repeat this process for all apple quarters.
4. Prevent Browning (Optional but Recommended): To prevent your apple slices from browning while you prepare the batter, you can toss them lightly in a bowl with a tablespoon of lemon juice or a mixture of water and a pinch of salt. Just remember to pat them dry before arranging them on the cake to avoid introducing excess moisture.

Practice makes perfect, but even imperfectly sliced apples will still result in a delicious cake! The rustic charm of homemade baking is always appreciated.

Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Apple Cake

I truly cannot overstate the simplicity and accessibility of the ingredients needed for this apple cake. Aside from Greek yogurt, which you might occasionally run out of, most of these items are likely staples in your kitchen. This makes whipping up this delightful dessert incredibly convenient. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this moist and flavorful cake:

• Apples (2 large or 3 medium): The star of our show! While most apples work well, choose varieties that hold their shape when baked and offer a good balance of sweetness and tartness. Popular choices include Pink Lady, Gala, Fuji (sweeter), or Granny Smith, Honeycrisp (tarter, which balances the cake’s sweetness nicely). Their natural sugars will caramelize beautifully on top.
• Greek Yogurt (1 cup / 250g): This is the secret to our cake’s incredible moistness and tender crumb. The acidity in the yogurt reacts with the leavening agent, resulting in a light and airy texture, while also adding a subtle, pleasant tang. Full-fat Greek yogurt is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but plain regular yogurt can also be used. Ensure it’s unflavored and unsweetened.
• Caster Sugar (1 cup / 200g): Also known as superfine sugar, baker’s sugar, or bar sugar in some regions. Its fine granules dissolve quickly into the batter, ensuring a smooth and evenly sweet cake. If you only have granulated sugar, you can use that; just ensure you cream it well with the butter and eggs.
• Eggs (2 large): Eggs bind the ingredients together, provide structure, and contribute to the cake’s richness. For best results, use large eggs at room temperature, as they emulsify more easily with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a finer crumb.
• Unsalted Butter, Melted (125g / 4.4oz / ½ cup + 1 tbsp): Melted butter adds a rich, delicate flavor and moisture to the cake. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of the recipe. Ensure it’s melted and slightly cooled before adding to the mixture to avoid cooking the eggs.
• Self-Raising Flour (1 cup / 125g), sifted: This flour contains a leavening agent (baking powder) and salt already mixed in, simplifying the baking process. IMPORTANT NOTE FOR AMERICAN BAKERS: Store-bought self-raising flour in America often contains a higher proportion of salt (as it’s commonly used for biscuits). If you are in America, it’s best to substitute with 1 cup of All-Purpose Flour (Plain Flour) mixed with 2 teaspoons of baking powder. This will give you the desired rise and texture without over-salting the cake. Sifting the flour helps prevent lumps and incorporates air, leading to a lighter cake.
• Vanilla Extract (½ teaspoon): A touch of good quality vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the cake, adding a layer of warmth and sweetness. Pure vanilla extract offers the best taste.
• Cinnamon Sugar (1 tablespoon): This magical blend is sprinkled over the apple topping before baking, creating a beautifully spiced, caramelized crust. You can buy pre-made cinnamon sugar from the spice aisle of most supermarkets, or easily make your own by mixing 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar with 1½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for future use.

Having these ingredients at room temperature (except for the melted butter) can significantly improve the texture of your cake, resulting in a more uniform and tender crumb.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Easy Apple Cake

Creating this delicious apple cake is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect bake every time, complete with a beautifully moist interior and a gorgeously caramelized apple topping.

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 160°C (320°F). While the oven heats, lightly grease and flour (or line with parchment paper) a 22cm (9-inch) springform pan or a round cake tin. A springform pan is particularly useful for easy removal of the cake once baked, preserving the delicate apple topping.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lightly whisked eggs, caster sugar, melted and slightly cooled butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and Greek yogurt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well combined. This ensures all the liquid and sugar elements are evenly distributed.
3. Gently Fold in the Flour: Gradually add the sifted self-raising flour (or your all-purpose flour and baking powder mixture if using) to the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the flour into the mixture until it is *just* combined. Be careful not to overmix, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, denser cake. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and often result in a tender cake.
4. Transfer to Pan: Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into your greased springform pan or round cake tin. Gently spread the batter to the edges with your spatula, ensuring an even layer.
5. Arrange Apples and Sprinkle: Now for the artistic touch! Arrange your thinly sliced apples in a decorative pattern over the top of the batter. You can create concentric circles, overlapping rows, or any design you prefer. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it will still look beautiful. Once the apples are arranged, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the entire apple topping. This will create that irresistible caramelized crust and add a wonderful spice aroma as it bakes.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The exact baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven. The cake is ready when it is beautifully golden brown on top, and a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter attached. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the baking pan for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling period helps the cake to set and prevents it from crumbling when removed. After 10-15 minutes, carefully release the sides of the springform pan or invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool fully before slicing results in cleaner cuts and a more stable structure. However, this cake is also incredibly delicious served slightly warm!

Serve this versatile Easy Apple Cake as is, at room temperature, or warm, with your favorite accompaniments. The aroma alone will have everyone eager for a slice!

Storage and Freezing Advice for Your Apple Cake

Ensuring your delicious Easy Apple Cake stays fresh and delightful for as long as possible is key to enjoying every last crumb. Here’s comprehensive advice on how to store and even freeze your cake:

Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature or Refrigerator)

• At Room Temperature: If your kitchen is cool and not overly humid, this apple cake can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 2 days. The airtight container is crucial to prevent the cake from drying out and to protect it from ambient odors.
• In the Refrigerator: For extended freshness, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, it’s best to store the apple cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When stored correctly, it will remain fresh and moist for up to 5 days. Remember to bring refrigerated cake to room temperature, or warm it slightly in the microwave, before serving to fully enjoy its flavor and texture.

Long-Term Storage (Freezing)

This apple cake freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping desserts or saving leftovers for a future craving. Here’s how to freeze it effectively:

• Cool Completely: Before freezing, it is absolutely essential that the cake has cooled completely to room temperature. Freezing a warm cake can lead to condensation and ice crystals forming, which can make the cake soggy upon thawing.
• Wrap Properly:
• Whole Cake: If freezing the entire cake, wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, ensuring no air gaps, then wrap it again in aluminum foil. This double layer of protection guards against freezer burn.
• Individual Slices: For convenient portioning, cut the cake into individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe airtight container or a freezer bag. This allows you to thaw only what you need.
• Freeze Duration: The apple cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Beyond this, while still safe to eat, its quality and texture may start to diminish.
• Thawing Before Serving: To enjoy your frozen apple cake, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw completely at room temperature, still wrapped, for several hours or overnight. Once thawed, you can warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer it warm, or serve it at room temperature.

Proper storage ensures that each slice of your Easy Apple Cake is as delicious as the first, whenever you decide to enjoy it!

Expert Tips for Baking the Best Easy Apple Cake

While this recipe is incredibly forgiving and simple, a few expert tips can elevate your Easy Apple Cake from great to absolutely exceptional. These insights will help you achieve perfect results every time and even inspire you to experiment with variations.

• Flour Savvy for American Bakers: As noted in the ingredients, if you’re baking in America, **do NOT use store-bought self-raising flour** for this recipe. American self-raising flour typically contains added salt, primarily formulated for biscuits, which can result in an overly salty cake. Instead, easily create your own: combine 1 cup of all-purpose (plain) flour with 2 teaspoons of baking powder. This homemade blend will provide the perfect lift and texture without compromising flavor.
• Choosing Your Apples: The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability to various apple types. You have the freedom to choose your favorite!
  • For a sweeter cake, I often use Pink Lady, known for its crisp texture and delightful sweetness. Gala or Fuji are also excellent choices for a similar sweet profile.
  • If you prefer a cake with a bit more tartness to balance the sweetness of the batter, Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples are fantastic options. They hold their shape well during baking and add a refreshing zest.
  • Consider the texture too: firm apples like those mentioned above will retain some bite even after baking, adding lovely contrast to the soft cake.
• Canned Apples as an Alternative: In a pinch, or for a different texture, you can absolutely use canned apple slices to top this cake. Ensure you drain them very well and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before arranging them on the batter. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy.
• Experiment with Other Fruits: This versatile yogurt cake base isn’t just for apples! It provides a fantastic foundation for other fruits.
  • Pears: Thinly sliced pears (like Bosc or Anjou) would be a sublime substitute, offering a delicate sweetness and soft texture.
  • Peaches: For a summer twist, use fresh peach slices. The juiciness of peaches can be balanced by lightly tossing them with a teaspoon of flour before placing them on the batter.
  • Berries: While not ideal for the top, berries could be gently folded into the batter for a different flavor profile.
• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: For the best emulsion and a smooth, consistent batter, ensure your eggs and Greek yogurt are at room temperature before mixing. This allows them to combine more easily with the melted butter and sugar, resulting in a finer crumb and more even baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once the flour is added, mix the batter only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated. Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough and rubbery cake. A few small lumps in the batter are perfectly normal and preferred over an overmixed, smooth batter.
• Patience During Cooling: Resist the urge to cut into the cake immediately after it comes out of the oven. Allowing it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, allows the cake’s structure to set fully. This results in cleaner slices and prevents the cake from collapsing or tearing.

Armed with these tips, you’re now ready to bake an Easy Apple Cake that will truly impress and delight!

More Delicious Desserts to Explore

If you’ve enjoyed baking this Easy Apple Cake, you might be eager to try more delightful sweet treats. Here are some other fantastic dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and expand your baking repertoire:

• Easy Banana Cake
• Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
• Oreo Cheesecake Balls
• Apple Crumble Muffins
• Buttermilk Banana Bread
• Flourless Orange and Almond Cakes
• Carrot Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Snickers Nice Cream
• Mini Apple Crisps
• OR see all Dessert Recipes

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📋 RECIPE: Easy Apple Cake

Easy Apple Cake

Yield:
8 people

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
45 minutes

Total Time:
55 minutes

This Easy Apple Cake recipe is great for when you need a dessert in a pinch. Made with easy everyday ingredients including yogurt, eggs and butter, and topped with fresh apple slices that caramelize during baking. This apple yogurt cake is moist and flavorful and great served warm or cold. The best apple cake recipe you’ll ever try!

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt
• 2 Eggs, lightly whisked
• 1 cup Caster Sugar
• 125g / 4.4oz Butter, melted
• 1 cup Self Raising Flour, sifted (SEE NOTE for America)
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon

Topping

• 2 Apples, peeled, quartered and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon Cinnamon Sugar

To Serve (Optional)

• Cream
• Vanilla Ice Cream
• Custard
• Greek Yogurt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven 160°C / 320°F.
2. Mix eggs, sugar, butter, cinnamon, vanilla & yogurt together in a large bowl.
3. Gradually fold in the self-raising flour and mix until just combined.
4. Pour into a greased springform pan (22cm / 9 inch) or round cake tin.
5. Arrange apple slices on top in a decorative pattern. Sprinkle apple slices with cinnamon sugar.
6. Pop in oven for 45 mins, or until golden and a skewer comes out clean. Allow to cool.
7. Serve as is, warm or room temperature, or with cream, ice cream, custard or yogurt.

Notes

SUGAR: Caster Sugar is known as superfine sugar, baker’s sugar or bar sugar in America.

FLOUR: If you are in America, don’t use Self Raising Flour (as your store-bought kind has added salt). Instead, use all-purpose / plain flour mixed with 2 teaspoons of baking powder.

APPLES: Most apples will work well in this recipe. I like to use Pink Lady as I prefer a sweeter apple. Fuji or Gala would also work well. Or if you like a more tart apple – Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. You could even use tinned apples.

CINNAMON SUGAR: You can buy pre-made cinnamon sugar from the spice section of your supermarket or just make your own. Simply mix 3 tbsps of granulated sugar with 1 & ½ tsps of cinnamon. Store leftovers in an airtight container.

OTHER VARIATIONS: Try different fruits instead of apple – peach or pear would work well – YUM!

STORING: Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 1 month.

INSPIRATION: Adapted from this recipe from Baby Mac.

NUTRITION: Apple Cake is an indulgence. Nutrition information only added to keep the Google overloads and the calorie police happy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 333Saturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 76mgSodium: 140mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 2gSugar: 32gProtein: 6g