This Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake is my go-to treat for those days when I want something wholesome yet utterly satisfying. With fresh apples, cozy cinnamon, and the creamy tang of Greek yogurt, each slice is tender, naturally sweet, and absolutely brimming with comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: This Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake is made with wholesome, nourishing ingredients that satisfy your sweet cravings without weighing you down.
- Unbelievable Texture: The combination of Greek yogurt and apples creates a perfectly moist, tender crumb that stays delicious for days.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: Using gluten-free flour means everyone at your table can enjoy a slice—a crowd-pleaser without the worry!
- Bursting with Cozy Flavor: Cinnamon, lemon zest, and juicy apples pack every bite with warmth and brightness, making this cake shine in any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of this Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake, and each ingredient brings something special to the table—think natural sweetness, lovely spice, and the all-important creamy texture. Don’t skip any: together, they create a cake that’s both better-for-you and totally delectable!
- Gluten Free Flour: The backbone for structure, ensuring your cake is light yet sturdy—just pick your favorite blend.
- Nonfat Greek Yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, delivering protein and a luxuriously tender crumb.
- Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving the cake lift.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that keeps the cake moist, with a delicate fruity flavor that complements the apples.
- Monkfruit: A natural, no-calorie sweetener that lets you indulge while keeping things light.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises just right—don’t leave this out!
- Cinnamon: Warmth, spice, and everything nice; it’s the magic touch for apple cakes.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors.
- Apples: These provide juicy pockets and lovely texture—choose a crisp variety for the best results.
- Lemon: Lemon juice brightens the apples, while zest gives the whole cake a sunshiny flavor lift.
Variations
One of the best things about Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake is how easily you can tweak it. Whether you’re craving a different fruit, need a dairy-free option, or want to play with spices, there’s room to make this cake your own—no stress and all the flexibility!
- Dairy-Free: Swap the Greek yogurt with your favorite coconut or almond-based yogurt for a delicious dairy-free version.
- Different Fruit: Pears, peaches, or even plums work beautifully instead of apples—use whatever’s in season or on hand.
- Extra Spice: Add ground ginger or cardamom for a different warming twist that pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon.
- Different Sweetener: If you’re not into monkfruit, honey or maple syrup adds a natural sweetness with extra flavor notes.
How to Make Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into generous 1/2-inch slices. Pop them into a bowl, sprinkle with a little cinnamon, and give them a bright squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This not only keeps them from browning, but it infuses flavor right from the start!
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9-inch round baking dish with parchment paper so your Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake pops right out when it’s done. Give the sides a good spray with cooking oil for that non-stick insurance—no need to wrestle with stuck cake pieces later!
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, monkfruit, olive oil, Greek yogurt, and that magical touch—zest from your lemon. It’s a quick process, and the zest gives the batter a lively, citrusy aroma that sets this cake apart.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together your gluten free flour, the remaining cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures the baking powder and spices are evenly distributed for a uniform rise and flavor.
Step 5: Fold and Fill
Gently fold your dry mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined—go easy to keep your cake airy. Then, stir in about 10 slices of apple (set aside from earlier), giving little pockets of fruit studded throughout the cake.
Step 6: Decorate and Bake
Spread the batter in your prepared pan and smooth the top. Arrange the rest of your apple slices in a beautiful circular pattern, slightly overlapping for that bakery-worthy look. Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean (it’ll smell absolutely incredible!).
Step 7: Cool and (Optionally) Glaze
Once baked, let the cake cool for 20–30 minutes before releasing from the pan—this helps set the crumb. For an extra treat, brush a bit of lemon jam on top for a shiny, tangy glaze that truly elevates the experience!
Pro Tips for Making Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake
- Apple Variety Matters: For the best flavor and texture, use crisp, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape and balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, stop stirring as soon as you see the last streak of flour disappear—this keeps your cake beautifully light.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and yogurt to room temperature before starting for a smoother batter that’s easier to mix.
- Let It Chill: While tempting to dive in right away, letting your Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake cool fully helps develop the flavors and makes slicing a breeze!
How to Serve Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered monkfruit or cinnamon always looks charming, but you can dial it up with a drizzle of lemon glaze, a few curls of lemon zest, or even a dollop of extra yogurt on each slice. For a spring or summer brunch, sprinkling fresh berries on top gives your Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake a gorgeous, colorful finish.
Side Dishes
This cake is a star all on its own (especially with afternoon tea!), but it’s lovely with a fruit salad, a small scoop of vanilla frozen yogurt, or paired with a fancy herbal tea. If you serve it for brunch, it plays beautifully beside a savory egg dish or a fresh spinach salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake into elegant wedges and stack them on a tiered cake stand for a party, or use a cookie cutter to cut fun shapes for kids. For special occasions, serve individual slices with a tiny jar of lemon jam on the side so everyone can add their own sweet, citrusy glaze.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake has cooled completely, store leftover slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The cake stays incredibly moist and the flavors get even better—a total win for make-ahead snacking!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 30 days—perfect for batch baking or when you need a ready-to-go treat.
Reheating
Let slices thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds if you like your cake a little warm. A quick steam in the microwave with a mug of water nearby helps the cake stay moist when reheating.
FAQs
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Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?
Absolutely! If you’re not avoiding gluten, you can substitute equal amounts of all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour. The texture will be just as delightful, though the cake might be a touch denser with whole wheat.
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Is there a substitute for monkfruit sweetener?
Yes! You can use coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup instead—just remember to adjust the amount, since liquid sweeteners may slightly alter the cake’s moisture. Taste your batter and adjust to your preferred sweetness.
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Why do you use Greek yogurt in this cake?
Greek yogurt makes the cake wonderfully moist without adding a lot of fat. It also gives a subtle tang that brightens up the flavor and adds extra protein—making this Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake feel satisfying and a bit more nutritious than traditional cakes.
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Can I make this cake ahead for entertaining?
Definitely! This cake can be made the day before, and in fact, letting it rest overnight enhances the texture even more. Just keep it refrigerated and add any garnishes (like glaze or fruit) right before serving.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let another week go by without baking this Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake—it’s wholesome, vibrant, and impossibly easy to love. Whether you share it with friends over coffee or sneak a slice for breakfast, this cake is pure coziness in every bite. Happy baking, and I hope it becomes a favorite at your table, too!
PrintHealthy Greek Yogurt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Healthy Greek Yogurt Cake is a delightful treat that’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Made with gluten-free flour, nonfat Greek yogurt, and fresh apples, this cake is a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups Gluten Free Flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 tablespoon Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup Nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 Eggs
- 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Monkfruit
Additional:
- 4 Apples
- 1 Lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. Toss with cinnamon and lemon juice.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line a round baking dish with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine eggs, sugar, oil, yogurt, and lemon zest in a bowl.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add in apple slices.
- Bake: Transfer batter to the baking dish, top with apple slices, and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool, then optionally glaze with lemon jam.
- Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 30 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg