3-Ingredient Apple Yogurt Cake — Simple, moist, ready in about 35 minutes
Short introduction (what it is and why)
This is a very simple apple yogurt cake made with only three ingredients: plain yogurt, grated apple, and flour. It bakes into a moist, light cake with a gentle apple flavor. You can make it fast with no special tools or many steps. It is great for a quick snack or a simple dessert.
Why you’ll love it (benefits)
- Very few ingredients and easy steps.
- No butter or oil needed — the yogurt keeps it moist.
- Uses fresh apples, so it feels light and fresh.
- Quick bake time: about 30–35 minutes.
- Kid-friendly and good for beginners.
introduction
why make this recipe
how to make 3-Ingredient Apple Yogurt Cake
Ingredients :
2 cups plain yogurt, 2 cups grated apple, 1 cup all-purpose flour
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C)., 2. In a mixing bowl, combine yogurt and grated apple., 3. Gradually add flour, mixing until just combined., 4. Pour the batter into a greased cake pan., 5. Bake for about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean., 6. Allow to cool before serving.
how to serve 3-Ingredient Apple Yogurt Cake
how to store 3-Ingredient Apple Yogurt Cake
tips to make 3-Ingredient Apple Yogurt Cake
variation (if any)
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain yogurt (use full-fat or low-fat as you like)
- 2 cups grated apple (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Substitutions & key variations
- Yogurt: You can use Greek yogurt but expect a thicker batter; thin it with a tablespoon of milk if needed.
- Apples: Any sweet apple works (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp). If apples are very juicy, squeeze out a little juice to avoid a wet batter.
- Flour: For a denser cake, use whole wheat flour (use 3/4 cup whole wheat + 1/4 cup all-purpose). For gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Add-ins: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon, a handful of raisins, or a tablespoon of sugar if you want it sweeter.
Step-by-step
Step 1 — Prep
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a small cake pan (8-inch round or similar). Grate the apples and measure the yogurt and flour.
Step 2 — Mix
In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and grated apple. Stir well. Gradually add the flour and mix just until you have a uniform batter. Do not overmix.
Step 3 — Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top. Bake 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool on a rack before slicing.
Success tips (temperature, texture, common mistakes)
- Oven temp: 350°F (175°C) is best. If your oven runs hot, check at 25 minutes.
- Batter texture: It should be thick but spoonable. If it feels too runny because of juicy apples, add a tablespoon of flour.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until the flour disappears. Overmixing makes the cake tough.
- Apple size: Grate apples fine for even texture. Large pieces can make wet pockets.
- Toothpick test: A clean or slightly crumbed toothpick means done. Wet batter means more time.
How to serve
- Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Top with a spoon of yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
- For breakfast, serve with a drizzle of honey or a smear of nut butter.
Storage & reheating
- Room temp: Keep in an airtight container for 1–2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store covered for 4–5 days. Bring to room temp before serving or warm slightly.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a low oven or microwave.
To reheat: Slice and warm a piece in the microwave for 15–25 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–8 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
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“text”: “You can, but flavored yogurt will change the taste and may add extra sugar. Plain yogurt keeps the cake simple.”
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“text”: “You can leave the peel on. Grated peel adds color and fiber. If you prefer smooth texture, peel them first.”
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- Can I add sugar? Yes. Add 2–4 tablespoons if you want it sweeter.
- Is this cake dense? No, it stays light because of the yogurt, but texture depends on apple moisture.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This cake is simple and lower in added fat compared to butter cakes. Nutrition varies by yogurt type and apple size. For a lighter option, use low-fat yogurt. For richer flavor, use full-fat or Greek yogurt and consider adding a touch of oil or butter.
Conclusion + CTA
This 3-Ingredient Apple Yogurt Cake is quick, forgiving, and tasty. Try it when you want a simple dessert or easy snack with pantry staples. For another three-ingredient yogurt cake idea and helpful tips, see this recipe: 3 Ingredient Yogurt Cake – The Modern Nonna.
Links to related recipes
3-Ingredient Apple Yogurt Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups plain yogurt Use full-fat or low-fat as preferred.
- 2 cups grated apple About 2 medium apples. Any sweet apple works (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp).
- 1 cup all-purpose flour For a denser cake, you can use whole wheat flour.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a small cake pan (8-inch round or similar).
- Grate the apples and measure the yogurt and flour.
Mixing
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and grated apple. Stir well.
- Gradually add the flour and mix just until you have a uniform batter. Do not overmix.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool on a rack before slicing.

