Easy Yogurt Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is incredibly easy to make and forgiving—no fancy steps or equipment needed. Yogurt keeps it moist for days, while the flavor is mild and pleasant enough to pair with fruit, jam, or a dusting of powdered sugar. It’s great for beginner bakers or anyone craving a not-too-sweet, anytime cake.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Plain yogurt (whole milk or Greek-style)
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil or melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Lemon or orange zest (optional for extra flavor)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add the oil and mix until fully combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and zest if using.
5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 8–10 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Citrus Glaze: Drizzle with lemon or orange glaze for extra zing.
• Fruit Add-ins: Fold in fresh berries or chopped stone fruit for a fruity twist.
• Almond Version: Use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor.
• Chocolate Chip: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
• Layered Cake: Slice and fill with jam, whipped cream, or lemon curd.

Storage/Reheating

Store at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days if using fruit or glaze.
To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving. Gently warm individual slices in the microwave if desired.

FAQs

Can I use flavored yogurt?

Plain yogurt is best, but you can use lightly flavored yogurt like vanilla or lemon if reducing the sugar slightly.

What kind of oil should I use?

Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower work well. Melted butter is also an option for a richer flavor.

Can I use Greek yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt gives a slightly denser texture and adds extra protein. If too thick, thin it with a tablespoon of milk.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Results may vary slightly, but it works well in most cases.

Is this cake sweet?

It’s mildly sweet, making it perfect for breakfast or a not-too-sweet dessert. You can adjust sugar to taste.

Can I add a glaze or frosting?

Yes! A simple citrus glaze, chocolate ganache, or powdered sugar dusting works beautifully.

What type of pan should I use?

A 9-inch round pan, loaf pan, or even an 8-inch square pan will work. Adjust baking time if using a different shape.

Can kids help make this?

Absolutely! It’s a great recipe for baking with kids since the steps are simple and safe.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free yogurt and oil instead of butter to keep it dairy-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Double and bake in a 9×13-inch pan or two loaf pans. Adjust baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Easy Yogurt Cake is a go-to recipe for its simplicity, versatility, and deliciously moist texture. Whether you enjoy it plain, glazed, or dressed up with fruit or toppings, this cake is effortlessly elegant and perfect for any time of day. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to it as a reliable and delightful treat.

Easy Yogurt Cake

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Easy Yogurt Cake is a moist, fluffy, and versatile treat made with simple ingredients and no mixer required. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it comes together quickly and keeps well for days.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 servings
• Category: Snack, Dessert, Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: European
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt (whole milk or Greek-style)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon or orange zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. Add oil and mix until fully incorporated.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and zest (if using).
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• For extra flavor, drizzle with a citrus glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
• Use flavored yogurt like lemon or vanilla for a twist—reduce sugar slightly.
• Greek yogurt gives a denser texture; thin with a little milk if needed.
• Fold in fresh berries, chocolate chips, or nuts for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 45mg