Ingredients

For the Apples

  • 4 medium apples
    (Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cake Batter

  • 3 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
    (Greek yogurt or regular plain yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder

Optional Toppings

  • Powdered sugar
  • Cinnamon sugar
  • Caramel sauce
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds)

Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch (22–24 cm) round cake pan or oven-safe skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • Spatula
  • Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

  1. Wash, peel, and core the apples.
  2. Cut them into medium slices or chunks.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat.
  4. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
  5. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon.
  6. Add the apples and cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly soft and lightly caramelized.
  7. Add vanilla extract and stir.
  8. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and line your cake pan with parchment paper.
  3. In a large bowl, crack the eggs.
  4. Add sugar and salt.
  5. Whisk for 2–3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  6. Add vanilla extract.
  7. Mix in the yogurt until smooth.
  8. Pour in the oil or melted butter and whisk again.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, combine:
    • Flour
    • Baking powder
  2. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
  3. Mix gently until no dry flour remains.
  4. Do not overmix — this keeps the cake soft and airy.

The batter should be thick but pourable.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

  1. Arrange the cooked apples evenly in the bottom of the pan.
  2. Pour the batter over the apples.
  3. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  4. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove air bubbles.

Step 5: Bake

  1. Bake for 35–45 minutes.
  2. The cake is ready when:
    • The top is golden brown
    • The center is set
    • A toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the final 10 minutes.

Step 6: Cool & Finish

  1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
  2. Carefully remove from the pan.
  3. Dust generously with powdered sugar.
  4. Serve warm or chilled.

Serving Suggestions

This cake tastes amazing:

  • Warm with vanilla ice cream
  • With whipped cream
  • Alongside coffee or tea
  • Drizzled with caramel sauce

Texture & Flavor

  • Moist and creamy center
  • Soft baked apples
  • Light cinnamon flavor
  • Slightly custardy texture from the yogurt

Storage

  • Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds.
  • Can also be frozen for up to 2 months.