This easy apple cake is perfect when you need a quick dessert. Made with simple, everyday ingredients—Greek yoghurt, eggs and butter—and topped with fresh apple slices that caramelise as the cake bakes, this apple yoghurt cake stays moist and full of flavour. Serve it warm or cold for a comforting treat.
Whether you have a bunch of apples to use up or need an impressive dessert without a trip to the store, this easy apple cake delivers. It’s quick to make, uses pantry staples, and looks beautiful on the table.
Why you’ll love this recipe…
- Apple & cinnamon: a classic, comforting pairing.
- Everyday ingredients: no special shopping required.
- Effortlessly impressive: simple to prepare but looks and tastes like a bakery cake.
How to cut apples for the cake
Slicing the apples is straightforward: peel the apples, cut them into quarters, then slice each quarter into thin slices. Arrange the slices on the batter in a decorative pattern before baking so they caramelise nicely.
Ingredients
This cake is very forgiving and quick to mix. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples—Greek yoghurt being the only one you might not always have on hand. Below are the components used in the recipe (full measurements are in the recipe card later in the page):
- Apples
- Greek yoghurt
- Caster sugar
- Eggs
- Butter
- Self-raising flour (if you are in the US, substitute all-purpose flour + baking powder as noted)
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon sugar (mix 3 tbsp granulated sugar with 1½ tsp cinnamon for a homemade version)
How to make Easy Apple Cake — Step by Step
Storage advice
Store the cake in an airtight container. At room temperature in a cool, dark place it will keep for 1–2 days. In a warm kitchen, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature or warm briefly before serving.
To freeze: cool completely, then wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw before serving.
Top tips
- If you’re in the US, avoid store-bought self-raising flour (it often contains added salt). Use 1 cup all-purpose flour plus 2 teaspoons baking powder instead.
- Most apple varieties work well. Pink Lady, Gala or Fuji give a sweeter result; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith will add a tart note.
- Canned apple slices can be used in a pinch, though fresh apples caramelise more attractively.
- Swap apples for other fruit—sliced pears or peaches work beautifully with the same base.
Recipe
Easy Apple Cake
This easy apple cake is made with everyday ingredients and topped with apple slices that caramelise while baking. It’s moist, flavoursome and delicious warm or cold.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yoghurt
- 2 eggs, lightly whisked
- 1 cup caster sugar
- 125g (4.4oz) butter, melted
- 1 cup self-raising flour, sifted (see note for US substitution)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Topping
- 2 apples, peeled, quartered and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cinnamon sugar
To serve (optional)
- Cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Custard
- Greek yoghurt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Mix eggs, sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, vanilla and yoghurt in a large bowl.
- Fold in the flour gradually until just combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 22cm (9 inch) springform or round tin.
- Arrange apple slices on top and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Bake 45 minutes or until golden and a skewer comes out clean. Cool slightly, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, with optional cream, ice cream, custard or yoghurt.
Notes
Sugar: Caster sugar is also called superfine or baker’s sugar.
Flour: In the US, use all-purpose flour with 2 tsp baking powder instead of self-raising flour.
Apples: Choose apples to suit your taste—sweet varieties like Pink Lady or Fuji, or tart ones like Granny Smith. Canned apples can be used if needed.
Cinnamon sugar: Make your own by mixing 3 tbsp granulated sugar with 1½ tsp cinnamon; store leftovers airtight.
Variations: Try pears or peaches instead of apples for a different flavour.
Storing: Keep airtight for 1–2 days at room temperature or up to 5 days refrigerated. Freeze for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 8. Amount per serving: Calories: 333; Saturated fat: 9g; Cholesterol: 76mg; Sodium: 140mg; Carbohydrates: 45g; Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 32g; Protein: 6g.
If you try this Easy Apple Cake, leave a comment and rating to share how it turned out — I’d love to hear your feedback!