Sometimes I just want apple cake. Not tomorrow. Right now. That’s why I love this quick apple cake recipe with juicy apple chunks and a soft yogurt batter. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and about 50–55 minutes to bake at 180°C (356°F). In autumn, I use freshly harvested garden apples. In winter, I simply grab a few from my stored harvest. Easy, homemade apple cake whenever the craving hits.

Not a fancy dessert. Not something that takes half the afternoon. Just a simple homemade cake with lots of apple pieces and a soft, comforting crumb.

Why I Love This Quick Apple Cake Recipe

In autumn, I use freshly harvested apples from my garden. In winter, I reach for the apples I’ve stored away after harvest.

That’s what I love about this recipe. I don’t need a special occasion. Just a few apples, everyday ingredients and my hand mixer.

Ingredients

  • 800 g apples, peeled and chopped into small pieces
  • 170 g softened butter
  • 3 eggs
  • 120 g sugar or erythritol (my usual alternative)
  • 1–2 tablespoons vanilla sugar OR 3–5 pinches of cinnamon
  • 170 g plain, unsweetened yogurt
  • 280 g all-purpose flour OR approximately 320 g spelt flour
  • 10 g baking powder
  • Optional: 2–3 tablespoons sugar or erythritol for sprinkling over the cake

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).
  2. Peel the apples and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces.
  3. Place the softened butter, eggs, sugar or erythritol, vanilla sugar or cinnamon, yogurt, flour and baking powder into a mixing bowl.
  4. Mix everything with an electric hand mixer until combined into a smooth batter.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.
  6. Transfer the batter to a prepared cake pan and smooth the surface.
  7. If you like, sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of sugar or erythritol over the top before baking.
  8. Bake for approximately 40 minutes at 180°C (356°F).
  9. Cover the cake loosely and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the center is cooked through.
  10. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing.

A Little Tip from My Garden Kitchen

Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra sweetener over the cake before baking. With sugar, it can create a lightly caramelized top. Erythritol gives additional sweetness, but doesn’t caramelize in the same way.

And when the stored apples start looking a little wrinkled in winter? I don’t mind. As long as they’re still sound and free of mold or rot, they can be lovely in a homemade cake.

FAQs for the best Apple Cake

Can I use stored apples for this apple cake?

Absolutely! That’s one of my favorite things about this recipe. In autumn, I bake it with freshly harvested apples. In winter, I use the apples I’ve stored from my garden. It’s a lovely way to enjoy a little taste of the harvest during the colder months.

Do I need to peel the apples?

I usually do. Peeled apple chunks blend beautifully into the soft cake. If you’re short on time, you can also leave the skin on, although the texture will be slightly different.

Can I use erythritol instead of sugar?

Yes! I often use erythritol instead of regular sugar. Just remember that the sweetness and texture can turn out a little differently, and erythritol won’t give you the same caramelized topping as sugar.

Can I use spelt flour for this apple cake?

Yes. When I bake this cake with spelt flour, I usually use around 320 g instead of my usual 280 g of regular flour. The result may vary depending on the type of spelt flour.

Can I use slightly wrinkled winter apples?

Yes, as long as they’re still good inside and show no signs of mold or rot. Once they’re peeled and chopped, they can be perfect for a homemade apple cake.

How long does this quick apple cake take?

The batter comes together quickly with an electric hand mixer. The cake then needs approximately 50–55 minutes in the oven, including the final 10–15 minutes covered to prevent excessive browning.