There’s nothing quite like the comforting scent of freshly baked apple dessert wafting through the kitchen. Picture this: a rainy afternoon, a warm cup of tea, and a slice of One Bowl Apple Yogurt Cake resting on your plate, its edges pleasantly crisp and its center moist with the sweetness of ripe apples. I discovered this gem completely by accident when I decided to repurpose some leftover yogurt and apples in my fridge. What emerged was a scrumptious dessert that not only satisfied my cravings but also became a go-to recipe among friends and family.

With minimal effort and just one bowl, you can whip up this delightful cake that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or that mid-afternoon snack. And the beauty of it all? This recipe is versatile enough to cater to various dietary preferences—gluten-free, sugar-free, or vegan options are just a tweak away. So, let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds and bring a little joy back into the kitchen!

Why is Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert a Must-Try?

Simplicity: This recipe comes together in just one bowl, making cleanup a breeze and the baking process incredibly straightforward.
Moist and Flavorful: The combination of yogurt and succulent apples creates a tender cake that’s bursting with flavor.
Diet-Friendly: With options for gluten-free, sugar-free, and vegan adaptations, everyone can join in on the deliciousness.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a hit among family and friends, perfect for gatherings or a cozy weekday treat.
Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack; it suits any occasion and satisfies cravings at any time.

Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert Ingredients

Unlock the secret to this deliciously moist cake!

For the Cake

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; swap with a 1:1 gluten-free blend for a gluten-free dessert.
Baking Powder – Essential for the cake’s rise and light texture.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; feel free to adjust for personal taste.
Salt – Enhances overall flavor, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Plain Yogurt – Ensures moisture and tenderness; use plant-based yogurt for a vegan alternative.
Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dessert; replace with a sugar substitute like stevia for a sugar-free version.
Large Eggs – Binds the ingredients and adds moisture; substitute with flaxseed meal for a vegan option (1 tbsp flax + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg).
Vanilla Extract – Infuses aromatic flavor; choose pure vanilla for the best results.
Fresh Apples (peeled and chopped) – Provide natural sweetness and moisture; tart varieties like Granny Smith work best.
Lemon Juice – Prevents apples from browning and enhances their flavor.

Optional Toppings

Brown Sugar and Cinnamon Mix – Adds a sweet, crunchy finish; sprinkle on top before baking.
Chopped Nuts – Gives delightful crunch; walnuts or pecans add great flavor.

Feel free to experiment with these ingredients to create your own unique take on this Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert!

How to Make Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9-inch cake pan. This ensures your cake won’t stick, making for an easy release when it’s time to serve!
Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a large mixing bowl until they’re well combined. This will create the perfect foundation for your moist cake.
Add the yogurt, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the same bowl. Whisk until everything is smooth and creamy, mixing all those delightful flavors together.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently. Use a spatula to fold them together, being careful to leave some lumps for a tender cake texture.
Fold in the chopped apples and drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture. This step adds natural sweetness and keeps your apples fresh!
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Get it ready for the oven so it can turn into a warm, delightful treat!
Bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden and firm to the touch when it’s done.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully turning it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps to maintain its moisture and flavor.

Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with One Bowl Apple Yogurt Cake?

There’s something heartwarming about sharing a delightful meal, and this cake makes the perfect centerpiece.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold contrast enhances the moist cake, creating a delightful mouthful with each bite.
Whipped Cream: A light dollop adds an airy texture, perfectly balancing the cake’s sweetness with its fluffy richness.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup complements the comforting flavors, adding an extra layer of warmth to your cozy afternoon treat.
Fresh Fruit Salad: The refreshing crunch of crisp fruits brightens the dessert, offering a refreshing contrast to the soft cake.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Dusting with cinnamon sugar before serving elevates the dessert, adding a sweet touch and delightful aroma.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling this over a warm slice provides indulgent sweetness, transforming each serving into a luxurious treat.
Chopped Nuts: Adding walnuts or pecans on top gives a wonderful crunch that enhances the overall texture and flavor profile.
Herbal Tea: A soothing herbal infusion offers a calming balance, perfect for rounding off a delightful pastry experience.

Helpful Tricks for Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert

Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to prevent a dense cake. Some lumps are perfectly fine!
Choose Tart Apples: Opt for Granny Smith or Braeburn to enhance sweetness and moisture. Soft apples may lead to a soggy texture.
Accurate Baking Time: Start checking for doneness at 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean when the cake is ready.
Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This preserves its moisture and makes it easier to slice.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add nuts or spices like nutmeg to elevate the taste of your Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert.

Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert Variations

Embrace your creativity with these fun twists and dietary swaps to make this dessert uniquely yours!

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to keep it just as moist and delicious. You’ll hardly notice the difference!
Sugar-Free: Substitute refined sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to keep sweetness without the calories. This is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite flavors without guilt.
Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (mix 1 tbsp with 2.5 tbsp water) and use plant-based yogurt for a completely vegan delight. This keeps the cake tender and moist, making it perfect for everyone at the table!
Nutty Crunch: Mix in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful texture contrast. The added crunch elevates the dessert to new heights!
Spiced Up: Incorporate freshly grated nutmeg or ground ginger for a warm spice kick. You’ll enjoy a cozy flavor profile that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Berry Boost: Fold in a cup of fresh blueberries or tart cranberries for a refreshing fruity twist. This adds a lovely pop of color and flavor, making the dessert even more inviting!
Cinnamon Swirl: Before baking, combine a tablespoon of cinnamon with sugar and swirl half the batter with it to create beautiful marbling. This enhances the flavor and presentation, making the cake a showstopper!
Chocolate Delight: Add a cup of chocolate chips for an irresistibly decadent version that chocolate lovers will adore. This twist brings a rich, indulgent flair to your baked creation!

How to Store and Freeze Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep it at room temperature to enjoy that freshly baked flavor.
Fridge: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving to restore its delightful texture.
Freezer: Freeze individual slices in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the fridge or microwave before enjoying.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the batter in advance and keep it refrigerated. Mix in the apples right before baking for a freshly baked Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert!

Make Ahead Options

These One Bowl Apple Yogurt Cakes are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by combining the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt) in one bowl and the wet ingredients (yogurt, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract) in another. Store the dry and wet mixtures separately in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to bake, simply mix the wet and dry ingredients, fold in the apples with a drizzle of lemon juice, and pour the batter into your prepared pan. This way, you can enjoy the delight of a warm, homemade dessert with minimal effort on busy weeknights!

Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert Recipe FAQs

What type of apples should I use for the best flavor?
I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn for this Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert. Tart apples provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cake and maintain their structure during baking. Avoid using overly soft apples, as they can lead to a soggy texture.

How do I store leftovers?
To keep your Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re not planning to finish it within that time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature for the best taste when serving!

Can I freeze this dessert?
Absolutely! You can freeze individual slices of your Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert. First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until solid, then transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge or warm them in the microwave.

What can I do if my cake is too dense?
If your Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert turns out dense, it’s likely due to overmixing the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined—some lumps are perfectly fine! Also, ensure that you’re using fresh ingredients, particularly baking powder, to achieve the right rise.

Are there any allergy considerations for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can be easily adapted for various dietary needs! For a gluten-free option, simply use a suitable 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you’re looking for a sugar-free version, consider substituting granulated sugar with stevia or another sugar alternative. Additionally, for a vegan version, replace the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal combined with 2.5 tablespoons of water equals one egg) and swap out the yogurt for a plant-based option.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the batter for your Baked Apple Yogurt Dessert in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to add in the chopped apples right before you’re ready to bake. This will help you achieve that freshly baked flavor without much fuss on the day you want to serve it!