The beauty of this Yogurt Cake lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you can whip up a moist, tender cake that tastes like something from a quaint European café. The yogurt gives it a light tang, while the lemon zest and vanilla bring out a delicate flavor that elevates each bite.
This cake is as versatile as it is delicious. Dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a fresh fruit compote for a show-stopping dessert. Or keep it plain and let the flavor speak for itself. It’s the perfect go-to recipe for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or whenever you’re craving a little something sweet and satisfying.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup plain yogurt
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1 cup white sugar
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1/2 cup vegetable oil
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3 large eggs
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, and oil until well combined.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition until fully incorporated.
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Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using).
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In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 270 kcal | Servings: 8 slices
Easy Yogurt Cake: A Timeless Classic with a Modern Touch
If you’re on the lookout for a dessert that’s incredibly simple to prepare, wonderfully moist, and subtly sophisticated, the Easy Yogurt Cake is your perfect companion. This delightful treat hails from the kitchens of everyday home cooks, passed down through generations and still beloved for its rustic charm and fail-proof nature. Whether you’re baking for a weekday indulgence, a last-minute dinner party, or a cozy afternoon with tea, this cake fits beautifully into any occasion.
What makes yogurt cake so special isn’t just its simplicity, it’s the versatility, the balance of flavors, and the irresistible texture that keeps people coming back for more. In French households, this cake is often the first recipe taught to children due to its forgiving process and easy-to-remember ingredients (the traditional French version even uses a yogurt pot to measure out each component).
In this version, we retain that nostalgic essence while gently enhancing the flavor with vanilla and citrus zest. The result? A cake that’s light, tender, and subtly aromatic, with just the right amount of sweetness.
A Cake Born from Pantry Staples
One of the most appealing things about yogurt cake is how accessible it is. You probably already have all the ingredients in your kitchen, yogurt, flour, sugar, oil, eggs, baking powder, and a bit of flavoring. No fancy equipment or obscure ingredients needed.
Yogurt plays a crucial role here, acting both as a fat and a leavening partner. It provides moisture and a slightly tangy undertone that balances out the sugar. Oil, instead of butter, keeps the crumb ultra-soft and tender for days after baking. This also means no waiting around for butter to soften, a small but appreciated time-saver.
The magic happens when these simple ingredients come together. The batter is easy to whip up in one bowl, making cleanup as effortless as the preparation. As it bakes, your kitchen fills with the warm scent of vanilla and lemon zest, a cozy aroma that never fails to invite smiles.
How to Customize Your Yogurt Cake
While this basic yogurt cake is absolutely delicious on its own, it also serves as a blank canvas for flavor experimentation and visual creativity. Whether you prefer fruity, nutty, or chocolatey notes, you can make this cake your own with just a few tweaks.
- Add Fruits: Fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries) can be gently folded into the batter before baking for pops of fruity brightness. Sliced apples or pears layered on top before baking add elegance and natural sweetness.
- Spice it Up: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or even a dash of ginger can introduce warm, cozy notes perfect for fall or winter.
- Nutty Ideas: Chopped walnuts, almonds, or pistachios lend a satisfying crunch. Toasted coconut can also enhance the tropical side if you want a summery version.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle the cooled cake with a chocolate ganache. A swirl of Nutella before baking? Divine.
- Glazes & Toppings: Once baked and cooled, you can add a simple lemon glaze, dust it with powdered sugar, top it with whipped cream, or pair it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
The possibilities are endless, and the cake always turns out moist and flavorful.
Why Yogurt?
Yogurt isn’t just a trendy ingredient, it’s a smart one. It provides moisture without heaviness and reacts with baking soda or baking powder to create a light, fluffy texture. Plus, it’s healthier than many traditional cake bases, reducing the need for excessive fats while adding subtle acidity to balance sweetness.
From a nutritional standpoint, yogurt brings calcium, protein, and probiotics to the table. And though a cake isn’t exactly a health food, it’s always a bonus when your dessert sneaks in a bit of goodness.
Ideal Occasions for Yogurt Cake
Because of its balanced flavor and easy preparation, yogurt cake fits into nearly every season and celebration. It’s a year-round classic.
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Brunch Tables – Slice it into small squares and serve alongside coffee, fruit, and eggs.
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Afternoon Tea – This cake pairs beautifully with Earl Grey or chamomile.
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Dessert Platters – Serve with a fruit compote or lemon glaze for a fancier touch.
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Kids’ Lunchboxes – Cut into smaller squares and pack with minimal mess.
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Holiday Entertaining – Dress it up with seasonal fruits, cinnamon, and orange zest.
Its simplicity makes it universally appealing, and its adaptability means you can tweak it to suit the occasion, season, or even dietary preference.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Yogurt cake stores exceptionally well. In fact, some say it tastes even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld and the crumb becomes even more tender.
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Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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Refrigeration: Keeps well in the fridge for 5–6 days, especially if you’ve added fresh fruit toppings.
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Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for a few hours.
For best results, avoid refrigeration unless necessary (like in warm climates or if it has perishable toppings), as it may slightly dry out the crumb over time.
Perfect for Beginner Bakers
If you’re new to baking, this is a perfect entry-level recipe. There’s no complicated creaming, no stand mixer needed, and no chance of underbaking a dense, butter-heavy cake. You simply whisk, pour, and bake.
Even kids can participate, measuring, mixing, even zesting the lemon. It’s an ideal “first cake” that helps young bakers get comfortable in the kitchen while learning the fundamentals of baking.
Tips for Success
To ensure the best result every time, keep the following in mind:
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Use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything mix more smoothly and evenly.
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Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined to prevent toughness.
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Grease your pan well. Or use parchment to prevent sticking, especially for decorative bundt pans.
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Test with a toothpick. Every oven is different—start checking around the 30-minute mark.
Also, let the cake cool completely before slicing. This allows the structure to fully set and makes cleaner cuts.
Conclusion
The Easy Yogurt Cake is a testament to how the simplest ingredients can create something truly wonderful. Its moist, tender crumb and mild sweetness make it incredibly satisfying on its own, while its versatility opens doors to endless variations. Whether you keep it classic or get creative, this cake promises comfort, flavor, and ease, all baked into one delightful slice.
From novice bakers to seasoned pros, everyone can appreciate the charm of this humble yet elegant dessert. It’s the kind of cake that becomes a go-to recipe, a reliable favorite you’ll find yourself making again and again.
So preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowl, and let this cozy, delicious cake become part of your kitchen tradition.