This apple vanilla yogurt brunch cloud cake is a light, tender, and comforting bake that brings together the natural sweetness of apples with a soft, moist crumb. Perfect for spring mornings or cozy afternoons, this cake feels homemade in the best way, offering a balance of warmth, freshness, and subtle sweetness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake stands out for its incredibly soft and airy texture, thanks to the yogurt that keeps it moist without feeling heavy. The apples gently soften during baking, creating pockets of natural sweetness throughout the cake. It’s simple to prepare with basic ingredients, making it ideal even for beginner bakers. The flavor is delicate yet satisfying, with hints of vanilla and cinnamon that make it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dessert. It’s also versatile enough to serve on its own or paired with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 large eggs
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples
Directions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by greasing it thoroughly, ensuring all edges and corners are well coated to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar. Continue whisking until the mixture becomes slightly pale and smooth in texture. This step helps create a light base for the cake.
Add the plain yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the egg mixture. Stir until everything is fully combined and the mixture appears creamy and uniform.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a gentle hand while mixing to maintain a light and airy batter. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so stop as soon as the flour is incorporated.
Add the finely chopped apples to the batter. Stir just enough to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Let the batter rest for about one minute so the apples settle naturally.
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 34 to 40 minutes. The cake is ready when the top turns lightly golden and the center springs back when gently pressed.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, making it ideal for a small gathering or family treat.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 34 to 40 minutes
Cooling time: 10 to 15 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour
Variations
You can easily customize this cake to suit your taste. Replace apples with pears for a slightly different flavor profile. Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for a bit of crunch. For a richer taste, mix in a tablespoon of honey with the wet ingredients. You can also sprinkle a light layer of sugar on top before baking for a delicate crisp finish. If you prefer a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to five days. Before serving, you can bring it back to room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This helps restore its soft texture and enhances the flavor.
For longer storage, the cake can be frozen. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, but it may slightly alter the sweetness and flavor of the cake. Vanilla yogurt works especially well.
What type of apples should I use?
Firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji are ideal for balanced flavor.
Can I make this cake without butter?
You can substitute the butter with an equal amount of neutral oil for a similar texture.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The top should be golden and the center should spring back when gently pressed.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute.
Is it possible to reduce the sugar?
You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it may affect the overall texture and sweetness.
Can I add spices other than cinnamon?
Yes, nutmeg or a pinch of ginger can add extra warmth to the flavor.
Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can result in a dense texture.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, but baking time may vary depending on the size and shape of the pan.
Can I serve this cake warm?
Yes, it tastes wonderful slightly warm, especially with tea or coffee.
Conclusion
This apple vanilla yogurt brunch cloud cake is a simple yet delightful recipe that brings comfort and flavor to any table. With its soft texture, gentle sweetness, and easy preparation, it’s a reliable choice for both everyday baking and special occasions. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or the next day, it offers a homemade touch that never goes out of style.
A soft and airy cake made with yogurt and apples, offering a moist texture with delicate vanilla and cinnamon flavors perfect for brunch or a light dessert.
Ingredients
2 large eggs
2/3 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup plain yogurt
1/3 cup melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apples
Instructions
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and smooth.
Add yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla; mix until combined.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture.
Add chopped apples and mix lightly.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 34–40 minutes until golden and set.
Cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack before slicing.
Notes
Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and airy.
Use firm apples for best texture.
Add lemon zest or nuts for variation.
Store at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Warm slices slightly before serving for best flavor.
