This Apple Raisin Yogurt Cake is the kind of warm, homey dessert that brings comfort with every bite. Moist from creamy yogurt and sweetened naturally with juicy apples and plump raisins, it’s a cake that’s both satisfying and beautifully balanced. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea or looking to impress at your next brunch, this rustic-style cake will win everyone over with its tender crumb and spiced apple filling.
Infused with the fragrance of cinnamon and softened apples sautéed in butter and sugar, this yogurt-based cake is light yet rich, moist yet fluffy. Raisins give bursts of sweetness, and the yogurt ensures a beautifully soft texture. Plus, the recipe is easy to make with pantry staples—no mixer required!
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield
Makes 1 round 9-inch (23 cm) cake or 8–10 servings
Cuisine
This cake draws on elements of Eastern European and Mediterranean baking, where yogurt is a common ingredient in everyday sweets. It’s a hybrid between traditional apple cakes and lighter European-style yogurt cakes, popular for their balanced sweetness and tender texture.
A Full List of Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
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2 eggs
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120 g sugar (2/3 cup)
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A pinch of salt
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150 g yogurt (3/4 cup), plain or Greek
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70 ml vegetable oil (1/3 cup)
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200 g all-purpose flour (1 cup + 1/3 cup)
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7 g baking powder (1.5 teaspoons)
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70 g raisins (about 1/2 cup), soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained
For the Apple Filling:
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3 medium apples, peeled and chopped
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20 g butter (1 tablespoon)
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2 tablespoons sugar
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Garnish:
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Powdered sugar, for dusting
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A drizzle of honey or maple syrup
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
1. Prepare the Apple Filling
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the cinnamon. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. Prepare the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and a pinch of salt until light and foamy (about 2–3 minutes by hand or using a whisk). Stir in the yogurt and oil until well blended.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the Raisins
Gently fold in the drained raisins. If you like, you can dust them with a little flour before mixing to help them stay evenly distributed in the batter.
6. Layer the Batter and Apples
Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cooked apple mixture evenly on top. Pour the remaining batter over the apples and gently smooth the top.
7. Bake the Cake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey before serving if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 210
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Sugar: 18g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 95mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Apple cakes are beloved throughout Europe, from German apfelkuchen to Polish jabłecznik. In many Balkan and Eastern Mediterranean homes, yogurt is often used in baked goods to add moisture and tang, replacing or reducing heavier fats like butter. This cake draws inspiration from those traditions, offering a lighter, moist texture with the cozy flavors of baked apples and cinnamon.
In the past decade, yogurt-based cakes have gained popularity worldwide for their health-forward approach and rich but not overly heavy crumb. Combined with the caramelized apple layer and soft raisins, this cake bridges rustic charm with a refined flavor profile.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
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Perfect texture: Moist and soft thanks to yogurt and oil
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Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy—just what’s in your pantry
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Quick to prepare: No mixer, minimal cleanup
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Not too sweet: Naturally sweetened with apples and raisins
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Seasonal and cozy: Great for autumn, but loved year-round
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Crowd-pleasing: Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for weeknights
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Adaptable: Can be made with pears, plums, or dried apricots instead
Health Benefits
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Apples: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants
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Yogurt: Good source of probiotics, protein, and calcium
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Raisins: Contain iron, potassium, and natural sweetness
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Cinnamon: May help stabilize blood sugar and reduce inflammation
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Low in saturated fat: Made with oil instead of butter
While this is still a dessert, the use of yogurt, fruit, and minimal fat makes it a better choice than most heavy frosted cakes.
Serving Suggestions
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Tea-time treat: Serve with black tea or spiced chai
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Brunch centerpiece: Pair with fresh fruit, coffee, and eggs
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Dessert: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
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Afternoon snack: Enjoy with a glass of milk or hot cocoa
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Gift idea: Wrap a whole cake in parchment and ribbon for friends or neighbors
Cooking Tips
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Soak raisins: Prevents them from drying out and burning during baking
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Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep it tender
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Let apples cool: Hot filling can interfere with batter structure
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Use full-fat yogurt: For best texture and flavor
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Check doneness early: Ovens vary; start checking at 35 minutes
Variations to Try
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Pear Cinnamon Cake: Replace apples with ripe pears and add nutmeg
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Walnut Topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking
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Coconut Apple Cake: Add shredded coconut to the batter
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Lemon Glazed Version: Drizzle lemon icing over the cooled cake
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Chocolate Swirl: Add cocoa powder to half the batter for a marble effect
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Vegan Option: Use plant-based yogurt and flax eggs
Conclusion
This Apple Raisin Yogurt Cake is a gem of a recipe that brings together the warmth of sautéed apples, the creaminess of yogurt, and the subtle spice of cinnamon. It’s wholesome yet indulgent, rustic yet elegant—a cake that doesn’t require frosting or layers to make an impression. The balance of flavors and the melt-in-your-mouth texture make this one you’ll come back to time and again.
Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or just a cozy moment with a hot drink, this cake is sure to become one of your favorite go-to desserts. Make it once, and you’ll see why it’s loved across generations and continents.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
1. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?
Yes! Greek yogurt gives a slightly richer texture. If it’s very thick, thin it with a little milk.
2. What kind of apples work best?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala are great choices.
3. Can I skip the raisins?
Absolutely. You can substitute with dried cranberries, chopped apricots, or omit them altogether.
4. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder is also gluten-free.
5. Can I make it without sugar?
You can reduce the sugar or use alternatives like coconut sugar, maple syrup (adjusting flour slightly), or monk fruit sweetener.
6. How should I store the cake?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days.
7. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes! Wrap tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temp.
8. Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Yes, but increase the bake time to 45–50 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.
9. Is it okay to use flavored yogurt?
Plain or vanilla yogurt works best. If using sweetened yogurt, reduce the added sugar slightly.
10. Can I add nuts to the batter?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and pair beautifully with apples and cinnamon.
Let me know when you’re ready for the next recipe—I’ve got tons of cozy, seasonal ideas waiting!