Apple yogurt cake: Looking for a delicious dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or complicated techniques? This light and fast apple cake made with oil and yogurt is the perfect solution for busy days when you crave something sweet but don’t want to spend too much time baking. The combination of yogurt and oil creates an incredibly moist texture that stays soft for days, while the apples add natural sweetness and a pleasant fruity flavor. This everyday dessert requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction, making it ideal for impromptu gatherings, afternoon tea, or a simple family treat that everyone will love.

The Perfect Balance of Simplicity and Flavor in Your Apple Yogurt Cake
What makes this apple yogurt cake stand out is its perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Unlike traditional butter-based cakes that require creaming and precise temperature control, this oil-based recipe is much more forgiving and easier to prepare. The yogurt adds a subtle tanginess that complements the sweetness of the apples while also contributing to the cake’s tender crumb structure. The moisture from both the yogurt and apples ensures the cake remains fresh and soft even after several days, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy households. This effortless recipe proves that delicious homemade desserts don’t need to be complicated or time-consuming.
Essential Ingredients for Your Light Apple Yogurt Cake
The beauty of this apple yogurt cake lies in its simple, accessible ingredients that most people already have in their pantry and refrigerator. The oil replaces butter, eliminating the need for softening or creaming, while plain yogurt adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the overall flavor profile. Fresh apples are the star ingredient, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and a delightful texture contrast to the soft cake. Here’s what you’ll need to create this effortless dessert:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Function | Possible Substitutions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vegetable Oil | 120ml | Moisture | Sunflower or Canola Oil | Use neutral-flavored oils |
| Plain Yogurt | 200g | Tenderness | Greek Yogurt (thinned) | Room temperature works best |
| Eggs | 3 large | Structure | None recommended | Room temperature |
| Sugar | 180g | Sweetness | Brown sugar or honey | Adjust to taste |
| Flour | 300g | Structure | Part whole wheat | All-purpose works best |
| Apples | 3 medium | Flavor/Moisture | Pears | Sweet-tart varieties preferred |
| Baking Powder | 16g | Leavening | None | Ensure it’s fresh |
Step-by-Step Process for Making Your Apple Yogurt Cake
Creating this light and fast apple cake is remarkably straightforward, requiring minimal equipment and technical skill. The oil-based batter comes together quickly without the need for an electric mixer, making this truly an effortless recipe. The process follows a simple wet-into-dry method, with the apples folded in at the end for even distribution throughout the cake. Here’s how to prepare this soft, everyday dessert:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a 24cm round cake pan with parchment paper.
- Peel, core, and dice two of the apples into small cubes, then slice the remaining apple into thin wedges for decoration.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, yogurt, eggs, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples, being careful not to overmix the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, arrange the apple slices on top, and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Tips for Perfecting Your Light Apple Yogurt Cake Every Time
While this apple yogurt cake recipe is quite forgiving, a few simple techniques can help ensure perfect results every time. The key to maintaining the cake’s light texture is to avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is added, as this can develop gluten and result in a tougher cake. When incorporating the diced apples, a gentle folding motion preserves the air bubbles in the batter, contributing to the cake’s soft texture. The type of apple you choose also matters – varieties with a balance of sweetness and tartness like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work particularly well, adding flavor complexity without excessive moisture that could make the cake soggy.
FAQs
Q: How long does this cake stay fresh?
A: 3-4 days
Q: Can I use flavored yogurt?
A: Yes
Q: Is this cake freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely
Q: Best apples for this recipe?
A: Gala or Honeycrisp
Q: Can I add cinnamon?
A: Definitely
