Rustic Apple Yogurt Cake with Cinnamon & Vanilla
A light, tender cake bursting with apple flavor and warm spices.
There’s something undeniably comforting about a simple apple cake — the kind that fills your kitchen with the sweet aroma of baked fruit, cinnamon, and vanilla. This rustic apple yogurt cake combines everyday pantry staples with seasonal apples to create a moist, subtly spiced treat that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
The yogurt in the batter keeps the crumb exceptionally soft and tender, while the cinnamon adds a whisper of warmth in every bite. With chunks of apple baked right into the cake and delicate slices fanned across the top, it’s both visually charming and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients (for a 16 cm / 6.3-inch round pan)
- 3 large eggs
- 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 200 g (approximately 1/3 cup) plain yogurt (use whole milk or Greek-style for best texture)
- 280 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
- 16 g (2 tablespoons) baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 apples (firm and slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith work best)
- 30 g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan & Oven
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Line the bottom and sides of a 16 cm round baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
2. Whisk the Eggs, Sugar & Vanilla
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer or a hand whisk. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and frothy — about 3-5 minutes. This step helps to incorporate air, giving the cake a light and fluffy texture.
3. Add the Yogurt
Stir in the yogurt and whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. The yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness of the apples.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift the flour, then whisk it together with the baking powder and cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed and the flour remains lump-free.
5. Mix the Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together until you have a smooth, lump-free batter. Be careful not to overmix — just until combined is perfect.
6. Fold in the Apples
Peel and core one apple, then cut it into small cubes. Gently fold the apple pieces into the batter. These chunks will melt into the cake as it bakes, giving it that wonderful apple-studded texture.
7. Assemble the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Peel, core, and thinly slice the second apple. Arrange the slices in a decorative fan or spiral pattern over the top of the batter — not only does it look beautiful, but it gives the cake a naturally sweet finish.
8. Finish with Butter & Bake
Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the apple slices. This helps them caramelize beautifully and adds a rich finish to the top crust.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Start checking around the 1 hour 15 minute mark — the top should be golden brown, and a skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
9. Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15–20 minutes, then gently lift it out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
Storage
This cake keeps well at room temperature for 2–3 days, covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap. You can also refrigerate it for longer shelf life — simply bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.
Baking Notes
- Yogurt Substitution: If you don’t have plain yogurt, sour cream or Greek yogurt will also work.
- Flavor Variations: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or swapping the vanilla extract with almond for a twist.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Enjoy your meal — or as the French say, Bon appétit!
This humble apple yogurt cake is proof that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most memorable bakes.
