The warm aroma of freshly baked yogurt cake wafts through the air like a cozy hug from grandma. Picture this: a slice of moist cake that practically melts in your mouth while leaving you craving just one more bite. Can you smell that? It’s not just any ordinary dessert; it’s the kind of treat that makes you feel like you’re floating on a cloud of happiness.
I remember the first time I tried making a yogurt cake. My kitchen turned into a mini-baking show disaster zone, but the end result was worth every flour explosion! This delightful cake is perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or just an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on its airy texture and lovely tang!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This yogurt cake is incredibly easy to whip up in under an hour
- The flavor strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and tanginess
- Its beautiful golden color makes it visually appealing on any dessert table
- Versatile enough to pair with fresh fruits or serve plain for a quick snack!
Baking is full of surprises! When I finally served my first yogurt cake to friends, their delighted faces were priceless—like they had just stumbled upon hidden treasure.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Plain Yogurt: Use full-fat yogurt for moisture and flavor; Greek yogurt works wonders too.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your cake perfectly; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for structure; sifted flour helps avoid lumps.
- Baking Powder: This will make your cake rise beautifully; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing; they help give the cake its fluffiness.
- Vegetable Oil: Ensures your cake stays moist without compromising flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to flavor; a little goes a long way!
- Zest of Lemon or Orange (optional): For a refreshing twist, use citrus zest to brighten up flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should look creamy and inviting.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder. Gently fold until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense cake—nobody wants that!
Incorporate Zest (Optional): If you’re using lemon or orange zest, now’s the time to add it! Fold gently into the batter for a refreshing burst of citrus.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean—no one likes surprises in their dessert!
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Slice it up once it’s cooled down slightly—you deserve that first piece hot from the oven!
Enjoy this light yet decadent treat with friends and family or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here! Whether you dress it up with whipped cream or enjoy it plain over tea, each bite promises joy.
This delightful journey of baking doesn’t just fill bellies but creates memories sprinkled with laughter—just like every good recipe should!
You Must Know
- This yogurt cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful way to use up leftover yogurt
- The moist texture and tangy flavor make it a crowd-pleaser
- Perfect for brunch or as a light snack, this cake will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the dry ingredients first, then combine with wet ingredients to create a smooth batter.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in different fruits or add nuts and spices like cinnamon for extra flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This yogurt cake is incredibly forgiving; if you over-mix, it still turns out tasty
- Always measure yogurt accurately for consistent results
- Adding zest from citrus fruits can elevate the flavor profile remarkably
Baking this yogurt cake reminds me of my childhood: every Sunday, my grandma would whip up her version, filling the house with sweet aromas while we waited impatiently for it to cool.
FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt for this recipe?
Yes, Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess but may yield a denser cake.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
Can I freeze this yogurt cake?
Absolutely! Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

Delightful Yogurt Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this airy, moist yogurt cake that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat. Bursting with flavor, it’s destined to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt (full-fat or Greek)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually sift in the flour and baking powder; gently fold until just combined.
- If using zest, fold it into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack.
Notes
- Feel free to add fruits like blueberries or nuts for extra flavor.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: General
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (75g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg