Fluffy Kefir Cake with Layers of Sliced Apple

Name: Fluffy Kefir Cake with Layers of Sliced Apple
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 10 slices
Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients: 3 whole medium apples, cored and sliced; 250 ml plain kefir; 3 whole eggs; 200 g sugar; 100 ml neutral vegetable oil; 1 tsp baking soda; 10 g vanilla sugar; 300 g all-purpose flour; 1 pinch salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon, optional

Kefir gives this simple apple cake a tender, moist crumb with a slight tang.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hr 30 minMakes 10 slices

Jump to Recipe

Kefir gives this simple apple cake a tender, moist crumb with a slight tang. Mix the eggs with sugar first, then add kefir and oil before folding in flour and baking soda. Layer the apple slices through the batter rather than piling them on top. Check deep in the center for uncooked batter before removing the cake from its tin. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F); line a 23 cm round pan and toss apple slices with optional cinnamon. Beat eggs and sugar until pale; stir in kefir, oil and vanilla sugar. Whisk flour, baking soda and salt and fold into wet mixture only until combined. Pour half the batter into pan, add half the apples, top with remaining batter and remaining apple slices.

Fluffy Kefir Cake with Layers of Sliced Apple

How to tell when it is ready

Bake 40 to 50 minutes until deep golden and a skewer from the center comes out clean; cool 20 minutes before slicing.

Tips

Heat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Beat eggs and sugar until pale.
Whisk flour, baking soda and salt and fold into wet mixture only until combined.
Pour half the batter into pan, add half the apples, top with remaining batter and remaining apple slices.

Troubleshooting

If center is wet, bake longer and cover a browned top.
If crumb is tough, stop mixing when flour disappears.

Substitutions

Use plain cultured buttermilk instead of kefir with similar consistency.
Use another firm baking apple for the same amount.

Variations

Add cinnamon to the apple slices.
Add chopped walnuts between layers.

Serving suggestions

Serve warm with tea.
Add a spoon of plain yogurt.
Dust with icing sugar once cool.
Serve a chilled slice with coffee.

Make ahead

Prepare the measured ingredients in advance. Keep covered at room temperature 1 day or refrigerated up to 3 days.

Storage

Keep covered at room temperature 1 day or refrigerated up to 3 days.

Food safety

Bake the egg batter fully; cool before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know fluffy apple and kefir cake is ready?

Bake 40 to 50 minutes until deep golden and a skewer from the center comes out clean; cool 20 minutes before slicing.

How should I store fluffy apple and kefir cake?

Keep covered at room temperature 1 day or refrigerated up to 3 days.

Serve warm with tea. Keep covered at room temperature 1 day or refrigerated up to 3 days.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Fluffy Kefir Cake with Layers of Sliced Apple