If you’ve never made a French yogurt cake, let me introduce you to one of the easiest, most effortlessly delicious cakes out there. It’s tender, lightly sweet, and comes together with pantry staples—no mixer required. Think of it as the French cousin of your favorite loaf cake, with just the right balance of richness and fluffiness. Bonus: it’s even better the next day.
Traditionally, French yogurt cake is made using the little yogurt pots as the measuring tool (so charming, right?), but I’ve written it out in standard cups for ease. I also like to add cubed Granny Smith apples for a little texture and tartness, but feel free to leave them out if you’re keeping things classic.
Making French Yogurt Cake with Apples
- Preheat your oven to 355°F and spray a loaf or cake pan with cooking spray (I used a loaf pan, but a round cake pan works too!).
- Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. - Combine the wet ingredients:
In a separate bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla until smooth. - Mix it all together:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if the batter’s a little lumpy. - Add apples (if using):
Fold in the cubed apples gently. I like to use Granny Smiths for their tart flavor and how well they hold up when baked. - Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. The smell alone is worth the wait. - Cool & serve:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a rack or plate to cool completely. Slice, serve, and enjoy—warm or room temp, it’s delicious either way.
Why you’ll love this French Yogurt Cake
No fuss, no mixer – Just a bowl, a whisk, and a spoon.
Moist and lightly sweet – Not too sugary, which makes it perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Easy to customize – Add apples like I did, or try it with berries, citrus zest, or even a handful of chocolate chips.
Keeps well – It tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead treat.
French Yogurt Cake with Apples
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- 9×5 Pan
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 c greek yogurt
- 2 c flour
- 3/4 c sugar
- 1/2 c vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp salt
- Optional 2 granny smith apples, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 355 F
- Spray your cake/loaf (I used loaf) pan with cooking spray
- Combine all dry ingredients
- Combine wet ingredients, and mix into dry until well combined
- Stir uncooked apples into batter
- Pour batter into prepared pan
- Bake 30-35 min, until top is golden brown and tester toothpick comes out clean
- Let cool for 5-10 min, then remove from pan and serve.
