Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Lemon Yogurt Cake because it’s incredibly easy to make and the flavors are so fresh and bright. The Greek yogurt gives the cake a moist, velvety crumb, while the lemon zest and lemon juice add a perfect tangy flavor that balances out the sweetness. It’s a versatile cake—enjoy it on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a simple glaze for extra sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a casual treat, this cake is sure to delight.

Ingredients

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
Zest of 2 lemons
½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
½ cup vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, sugar, and eggs until smooth and well combined. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vegetable oil to the mixture and continue whisking until everything is incorporated.

Combine the Dry Ingredients:

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense.

Bake the Cake:

Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

Garnish and Serve: Once the cake has cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar, or drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness. Slice and serve, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8-10 servings. Prep time is around 10 minutes, and baking time is approximately 30-40 minutes. The total time to make this cake is about 40-50 minutes, including cooling time. It’s a quick and easy cake that’s perfect for those times when you want something fresh and homemade without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Variations

Add a glaze: For a sweet finish, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to create a glaze and drizzle it over the cake after it cools.
Add berries: Try adding fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Use different citrus: While lemon is the star of this recipe, you could try using orange zest and orange juice for a different citrus twist.
Make it dairy-free: Substitute dairy-free yogurt (such as almond or coconut yogurt) for the Greek yogurt and use a neutral oil like coconut oil or vegetable oil to make this cake dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake stores well and can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just cover and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Can I use non-fat Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?

Yes, you can use non-fat Greek yogurt in place of regular yogurt. The cake may be a little less rich, but it will still turn out moist and delicious.

Can I use a different pan size?

Yes, you can use an 8-inch round pan or a loaf pan if you prefer a different shape. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. The cake might need a few more minutes if using a loaf pan.

Can I add frosting to this cake?

Yes, you can frost this cake with a cream cheese frosting or a simple buttercream for a richer dessert. A lemon glaze would also work well for a lighter topping.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Conclusion

This Delightful Lemon Yogurt Cake is a perfect combination of light and fluffy texture with a refreshing citrus burst. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a snack, or as a dessert after a meal, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Simple to make, yet packed with flavor, it’s the ideal cake for any occasion where you want something both easy and elegant. Enjoy every bite of this moist, tangy treat!

Delightful Lemon Yogurt Cake