Every piece of this warm, comforting apple raisin yogurt cake makes you feel better. This cake, which is moistened by creamy yogurt and naturally sweetened by luscious apples and plump raisins, is gratifying and exquisitely balanced. With its soft crumb and spiced apple filling, this rustic-style cake is sure to please, whether you’re having a peaceful day with a cup of tea or trying to dazzle at your next brunch.

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:

2 eggs

120 g sugar (2/3 cup)

A pinch of salt

150 g yogurt (3/4 cup), plain or Greek

70 ml vegetable oil (1/3 cup)

200 g all-purpose flour (1 cup + 1/3 cup)

7 g baking powder (1.5 teaspoons)

70 g raisins (about 1/2 cup), soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained

For the Apple Filling:

3 medium apples, peeled and chopped

20 g butter (1 tablespoon)

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Optional Garnish:

Powdered sugar, for dusting

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