Name: Apple & Cinnamon Tray Cake with Ginger-Spiced Yogurt Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 100 g / 1 cup rolled oats; 100 g / 1 cup almond flour; 100 g / 3/4 cup rice flour (or buckwheat flour or spelt flour); 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground ginger; ½ tsp sea salt; ¼ tsp ground vanilla or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 100 g / 3.5 oz butter or coconut oil, at room temperature; 125 ml / ½ cup maple syrup or runny honey; 1 apple, rinsed; 180 ml / 3/4 cup cultured buttermilk (or yogurt); 3 free-range eggs, separated; 2 apples, rinsed; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1-2 tsp cinnamon; 250 g / 1 cup unsweetened yogurt; 1 knob (roughly 2.5 cm / 1 inch) fresh ginger; 1 tbsp maple syrup; 1 tbsp lemon juice

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If you’re craving a cozy, warmly spiced treat that feels like a big hug on a chilly afternoon, this Apple & Cinnamon Tray Cake with Ginger-Spiced Yogurt Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a beautiful blend of tender apple flavors and fragrant cinnamon, nestled within a moist, wholesome cake made from a unique mix of flours and oats. Paired with a zingy, refreshing ginger-spiced yogurt, this dessert is both comforting and bright, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a special solo indulgence.

Ingredients You'll Need

A rectangular baked cake in a black pan is topped with multiple thin, curved slices of fruit, arranged in rows with colors ranging from red to pale yellow. The cake has a golden-brown surface sprinkled lightly with white powdered sugar, creating a soft contrast. To the top right of the pan is a clear glass bowl filled with a creamy white sauce, with a spoon resting inside. To the left of the pan lies a large knife with a brown wooden handle. Everything sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple, yet every ingredient plays a key role in building the cake’s flavor, texture, and inviting aroma. From the combo of flours that give the cake body, to the warming spices and fresh apples, you’ll see how these essentials combine to create a delightful balance.

Rolled oats (100 g / 1 cup): Adds a lightly chewy texture and wholesome nuttiness to the cake base.
Almond flour (100 g / 1 cup): Imparts subtle richness and moistness with a delicate nutty flavor.
Rice flour (100 g / ¾ cup): Keeps the crumb light and tender; buckwheat or spelt flour can be great alternatives.
Baking powder (1 ½ tsp): Essential to help the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Brings that classic warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
Ground ginger (½ tsp): Adds a gentle zing that complements the sweetness and cinnamon beautifully.
Sea salt (½ tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Ground vanilla or vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon or ½ tsp): Infuses a lovely fragrant note throughout the cake.
Butter or coconut oil (100 g / 3.5 oz): Provides richness and keeps the cake tender.
Maple syrup or runny honey (125 ml / ½ cup): A natural sweetener with deep, complex flavors.
Apple (1, rinsed): Fresh apple folded into the batter adds moisture and fruity bursts.
Buttermilk or yogurt (180 ml / ¾ cup): Makes the cake moist and adds a subtle tang.
Eggs, separated (3 free-range): The yolks enrich while the whisked whites lift the cake’s texture.
Topping apples (2, rinsed): Thinly sliced and layered for a beautiful finish.
Melted butter (2 tbsp): Brushed over apples for gloss and extra flavor.
Cinnamon (1-2 tsp): Sprinkled on top to echo the warm spice theme.
Ginger-spiced yogurt: Made with unsweetened yogurt, fresh ginger, maple syrup, and lemon — a zesty contrast to the cake’s sweetness.

How to Make Apple & Cinnamon Tray Cake with Ginger-Spiced Yogurt Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by combining your rolled oats, almond flour, rice flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, sea salt, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whisk everything together to blend the spices evenly and ensure the raising agents are well mixed throughout the flours.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, soften the butter or coconut oil, then stir in the maple syrup or runny honey until smooth. Next, grate or finely chop one apple and mix it into this buttery syrup along with the buttermilk. Add the egg yolks and blend everything thoroughly.

Step 3: Whip Egg Whites

Beat the egg whites in a clean, dry bowl until stiff peaks form. This will give your cake a light and airy texture. Gently fold the egg whites into the wet mixture, being careful not to deflate the air you've incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture carefully, taking care to keep the batter light. The combination of flours along with the oats creates a moist but structured crumb that holds together beautifully.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

Thinly slice the two reserved apples and toss with melted butter and cinnamon. This will create a caramelized, flavorful topping when baked.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Pour the batter into a greased tray or baking pan, then neatly arrange the cinnamon-coated apple slices over the top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer poked into the center comes out clean and the apples on top have softened and caramelized.

Step 7: Prepare the Ginger-Spiced Yogurt

While the cake bakes, grate fresh ginger finely and mix it with unsweetened yogurt, maple syrup, and a splash of lemon juice. This zesty, creamy yogurt is the perfect refreshing accompaniment, offsetting the sweetness and spice of the cake beautifully.

How to Serve Apple & Cinnamon Tray Cake with Ginger-Spiced Yogurt Recipe

A black bowl holds a sliced piece of golden brown baked dessert with visible soft apple slices on top, dusted lightly with sugar. Next to the dessert is a dollop of white creamy topping, likely whipped cream, adding texture contrast. A silver fork rests on the left side inside the bowl, with a white marbled surface beneath the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A generous dollop of the ginger-spiced yogurt on each slice adds brightness and a slight tang that contrasts the warmth of the spices. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted almond flakes or a drizzle of honey on top.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong black tea or a mild coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. You could also serve it alongside fresh fruit salad or stewed berries for an added burst of freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For something a little different, serve the cake cut into squares with the ginger-spiced yogurt in small ramekins for dipping. You could also layer the cake with spoonfuls of the yogurt and thin apple slices to create a rustic, elegant trifle that's sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to four days. The ginger-spiced yogurt is best kept chilled separately and added just before serving.

Freezing

This Apple & Cinnamon Tray Cake with Ginger-Spiced Yogurt Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap slices individually and place in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw naturally at room temperature or in the fridge before eating, then add fresh ginger-spiced yogurt when ready to serve.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Avoid overheating so the cake stays moist and soft. Always serve with freshly made ginger-spiced yogurt for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Absolutely! The recipe is forgiving. You can substitute the rice flour with buckwheat or spelt flour, which will add unique flavors and slightly different textures, but the cake will still turn out delicious.

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?

Yes! Swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan margarine, and replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg replacer. Use plant-based yogurt for the ginger-spiced topping. The flavors will remain vibrant and comforting.

How should I store the ginger-spiced yogurt?

Store it in a covered container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2–3 days for freshness and optimal ginger flavor.

Can I make the cake without the ginger-spiced yogurt?

Certainly! The cake is delicious on its own or with a simple dusting of icing sugar, but the ginger-spiced yogurt really elevates the whole experience by adding that fresh, zesty contrast.

How do I ensure the cake has a light texture?

Whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks and gently folding them in helps keep the cake airy. Also, don’t overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, to maintain the lightness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple & Cinnamon Tray Cake with Ginger-Spiced Yogurt Recipe is one of those rare treats that combines simple, wholesome ingredients with thoughtful techniques to create a truly memorable dessert. Whether you’re baking for company or treating yourself, the warm spices, tender apple slices, and refreshing ginger yogurt will make every bite something special. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cake to enjoy all year round.

Ingredients You'll Need