Simple Yogurt Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Simple Yogurt Cake because it’s incredibly easy to make and always comes out soft and tender. The Greek yogurt adds a light tanginess that balances out the sweetness of the granulated sugar, and the lemon zest (if you add it) brightens the flavor with a burst of citrus. It’s a no-fuss recipe that comes together quickly and can be enjoyed any time of the day, whether served on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruit on top.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (360 g) plain Greek or regular yogurt

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional for brightness)

• 1 ½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)

• Pinch of salt

• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

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

Directions

Prepare the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth and well combined. If you’re using lemon zest, add it to the mixture for a burst of citrus flavor.

3. Add Oil or Butter: Stir in the vegetable oil (or melted butter) until fully incorporated. The oil will help keep the cake moist.

Combine Dry Ingredients:

4. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt.

5. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could make the cake dense.

Bake the Cake:

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

7. Cool: Once the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the cake has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar (if desired) for a light, sweet finish. Slice and serve as a simple yet delicious treat!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8-10 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, with a baking time of 30-40 minutes. The total time to make this cake is about 45-50 minutes, making it a quick and easy option for any occasion.

Variations

This Simple Yogurt Cake is very versatile and can be customized in many ways:

• Add berries: Toss in fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to the batter for a fruity twist.

• Make it citrusy: In addition to lemon zest, try adding the zest of an orange or lime for a different citrus flavor.

• Flavor with vanilla: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra warmth and flavor.

• Topping options: Top with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra indulgent dessert.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

Can I make this cake without Greek yogurt?

Yes! You can substitute regular yogurt if you don’t have Greek yogurt. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still turn out delicious and moist.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can make this cake dairy-free by using dairy-free yogurt (such as almond or coconut yogurt) and substituting vegetable oil for the butter.

Can I add a glaze to this cake?

Absolutely! You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra touch of sweetness. Drizzle it over the cake after it cools for a glossy finish.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour. If using gluten-free flour, make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement to ensure the cake’s texture remains light and airy.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Conclusion

This Simple Yogurt Cake is a light, tender, and subtly tangy cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With its soft crumb and refreshing citrus flavor, it’s ideal for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as an easy dessert. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a dollop of whipped cream and berries, this cake is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire!