Name: Easy Apple Yogurt Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup plain yogurt (whole-milk or Greek); ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; Optional: 1 tsp ground cinnamon or ¼ cup chopped nuts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this cake blends simplicity and flavor into one bowl. It’s incredibly soft thanks to yogurt, and the juicy apple bits keep every bite interesting. It’s just sweet enough without being over the top—great with coffee, tea, or even on its own.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup plain yogurt (whole-milk or Greek)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or a handful of chopped nuts

directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease and flour an 8-inch round or square baking pan.

In a medium bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, I beat together the sugar, yogurt, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

Then, I add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined—being careful not to overmix.

I fold in the diced apples, along with cinnamon or nuts if using, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

I bake it for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

After letting it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, I transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8. It takes 15 minutes to prep, 35 minutes to bake, and the total time is 50 minutes. Each serving has about 260 kcal.

Variations

I sometimes add cinnamon or chopped walnuts for extra flavor and crunch. A dusting of powdered sugar or a spoonful of yogurt on top makes it feel more indulgent.

storage/reheating

I store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, I warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt in this cake?

Yes, I often use Greek yogurt and it gives a slightly denser but very moist texture.

Can I use applesauce instead of oil?

I’ve used half applesauce and half oil before to lighten it up—it works well.

What type of apples should I use?

I like crisp, sweet apples like Fuji or Gala, but any variety that holds up when baked is great.

Can I make this into muffins?

Absolutely. I divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for about 20–25 minutes.

Is this cake very sweet?

It’s moderately sweet—just enough to enjoy as a treat without overwhelming the apple flavor.

Conclusion

This apple yogurt cake is the kind of cozy bake I keep coming back to. It’s easy, versatile, and always hits the spot whether I’m having it for breakfast, dessert, or sneaking a slice as a snack.