If you’re searching for the perfect balance of comfort, simplicity, and natural sweetness, this Baked Apple Yogurt Cake is the answer. Made with wholesome ingredients like yogurt, apples, and just the right touch of cinnamon, this cake is soft, moist, and filled with delicate aromas. It’s the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with warmth, whether you’re baking it for a cozy family gathering or enjoying it as a midweek treat. This recipe is easy to follow, requires no fancy equipment, and delivers outstanding results every time.
The addition of almond flakes and a light dusting of powdered sugar at the end gives it a rustic charm, while the yogurt ensures the crumb stays tender. You’ll love how the apples soften into juicy pockets of flavor with every bite. This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients turned magical in the oven — and it just might become your new favorite!
Cooking Time
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Preparation time: 20 minutes
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Baking time: 45–50 minutes
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Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
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Chill time (optional): None
Ingredients
For the cake batter:
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125g plain yogurt
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1 large egg
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4 tablespoons (80g) granulated sugar
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8g vanilla sugar
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4 tablespoons (40ml) neutral oil (like sunflower or vegetable oil)
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4g baking powder
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370g–380g all-purpose flour
For the apple filling:
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500g apples (approx. 3–4 medium-sized apples)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon (20g) sugar
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¼ teaspoon cinnamon
For topping and decoration:
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Almond flakes, as desired
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Prepare the apples
Wash, peel, and core the apples. Slice them thinly or dice, depending on your preferred texture. Place in a bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside to allow the flavors to develop. -
Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, egg, sugar, and vanilla sugar until smooth. Add the oil and mix until fully incorporated. -
Add dry ingredients
Sift in the baking powder and flour in parts, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. You may need to adjust the flour slightly depending on the moisture of your yogurt and egg size. -
Assemble the cake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 26cm round cake mold with oil or butter and lightly dust with flour.
Divide the dough into two portions. Press the first portion evenly into the bottom of the mold to form a base.
Spread the prepared apple mixture over this base. -
Add the top layer
Take the second portion of the dough and either roll it out to fit over the apples or flatten and patch it gently over them. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect — the rustic look is part of the charm.
Sprinkle generously with almond flakes. -
Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. -
Cool and serve
Let the cake cool slightly before removing it from the mold. Dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information (approximate per slice, 10 slices total)
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Calories: 220
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Fat: 8g
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Carbohydrates: 32g
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Sugar: 14g
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Protein: 4g
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Fiber: 2g
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Apple-based cakes and pastries are beloved across the globe — from French tarte tatin to German apfelkuchen. This version draws inspiration from European yogurt-based desserts, which are known for being moist and not overly sweet. Yogurt cakes have grown in popularity in recent years due to their rich texture and lighter nutritional profile compared to traditional butter cakes. Adding apples and cinnamon makes this a year-round favorite with autumnal vibes.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Easy to make with simple ingredients
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No mixer required — just a bowl and spoon
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Wholesome ingredients like yogurt, apples, and cinnamon
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Perfect for any occasion: tea time, dessert, or brunch
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Kid-friendly and lunchbox safe
Health Benefits
This cake is a lighter dessert option thanks to the use of yogurt instead of cream or butter. Apples add fiber and vitamin C, while almonds provide healthy fats. Yogurt brings probiotics, and using oil instead of butter reduces saturated fat. It’s a guilt-free treat that nourishes as it satisfies.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream
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Drizzle with honey for extra sweetness
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Pair with a cup of spiced chai or herbal tea
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Great warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overmixing the dough can lead to a tough texture
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Using overly juicy apples can make the cake soggy — opt for firm varieties
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Not preheating the oven can result in uneven baking
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Too little flour will make the dough sticky — add gradually
Pairing Recommendations
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Beverages: Hot tea, apple cider, coffee, or a lightly sweet Riesling
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Other dishes: Light soups, roasted chicken, or brunch spreads
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Toppings: Caramel sauce, vanilla glaze, or nut butter drizzle
Cooking Tips
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Chill the dough for 10 minutes if it’s too sticky
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Add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture for a deeper flavor
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Toast the almond flakes before sprinkling for a more pronounced nutty taste
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Swap vanilla sugar for a splash of vanilla extract if needed
Similar Recipes to Try
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Rustic Apple Galette
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Cinnamon Swirl Yogurt Muffins
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Almond-Pear Yogurt Cake
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Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Bars
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Moist Banana Yogurt Bread
Variations to Try
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Use pears or plums instead of apples
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Add raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture
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Make it vegan with dairy-free yogurt and a flax egg
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Top with a crumble for added crunch
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Add orange zest to the batter for a citrus twist
Ingredient Spotlight: Apples
Apples are more than just a fruit — they’re a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, they support digestion, help control blood sugar, and are a heart-healthy addition to any diet. In baking, they bring natural sweetness, moisture, and texture, making them ideal for cakes like this one.
Conclusion
This Baked Apple Yogurt Cake is everything you want in a homemade dessert — easy, delicious, and made with love. It’s a perfect balance of soft crumb, warm spices, and fruity goodness. Whether you’re baking for your family, friends, or just treating yourself, this cake is a guaranteed hit. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?
Yes, but you may need to thin it slightly with milk since Greek yogurt is thicker.
2. What kind of apples work best in this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal as they hold their shape during baking.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! It stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
4. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze slices individually for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently in the oven.
5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
6. What if I don’t have vanilla sugar?
Substitute with ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.
7. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, reduce to your taste. You can also use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.
8. Why is my dough too sticky or dry?
Flour brands vary; add it gradually and adjust as needed until the dough is soft but not wet.
9. What size baking pan should I use?
A 26cm (10-inch) round pan is ideal. You can also use a square or rectangular pan with similar capacity.
10. Can I skip the almonds?
Yes, they’re optional. You can replace them with oats or leave them out for a nut-free version.