If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is right up your alley. It’s wonderfully moist, tender, and simple enough to whip up on a cozy afternoon or for a casual get-together. The magic lies in the Greek yogurt, which not only gives the cake an irresistibly soft crumb but also adds a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness. This cake is a total crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss — you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients list is. Each component plays a vital role, creating a harmonious blend of texture and flavor without requiring any fancy or hard-to-find items.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups / 180g): The foundation that provides structure and tenderness to the cake.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances leavening and balances the acidity from the yogurt.
- Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors and prevents the cake from tasting flat.
- Greek yogurt (1 cup / 227g): Adds moisture, tang, and richness, making the crumb incredibly soft.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup / 200g): Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the natural tang of the yogurt.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients together and add body to the cake.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cake tender and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Powdered sugar (for dusting): A delicate finishing touch that adds a bit of elegance.
- Lightly sweetened Greek yogurt and fresh fruit (for serving): Perfect accompaniments that brighten each bite.
How to Make Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Get Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F — getting your oven to the right temperature is key for even baking. Grease a standard 9X5-inch loaf pan with olive oil or baking spray, then line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the edges; this makes it super easy to lift the cake out after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, which is crucial for uniform texture and flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, eggs, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until everything is smooth and well blended. The olive oil enriches the cake’s moistness while the eggs add structure.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Gently add the dry flour mixture to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together just until no streaks of dry flour remain—be careful not to overmix, so the cake stays tender.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 55 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked!
Step 6: Cool
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then use the parchment paper edges as a sling to lift the cake out and transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature. This step prevents sogginess and keeps the crumb intact.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Slice it up and serve with a generous dollop of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt and fresh fruit—this truly elevates the flavors and adds freshness.
How to Serve Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a dusting of powdered sugar is a simple yet elegant touch that instantly makes the cake look special. Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries bring vibrant color and juicy bursts that complement the cake’s subtle tang beautifully. A spoonful of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt adds creaminess that’s simply irresistible.
Side Dishes
For a full dessert spread, pair this yogurt cake with complementary sides like a bowl of mixed fresh fruit or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. A cup of rich coffee or herbal tea also works wonders to bring all the flavors together, whether it’s a casual brunch or afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or family, turn this cake into a layered dessert by slicing it horizontally and spreading Greek yogurt mixed with honey and fresh fruit between the layers. Or try serving individual slices with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added texture and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe keeps remarkably well at room temperature. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to retain moisture. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for make-ahead treats or a grab-and-go breakfast.
Freezing
If you want to save leftovers for longer, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and it will taste just as delightful.
Reheating
For that freshly baked feel, warm slices of the cake gently in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds or in a low oven for 5–7 minutes. Adding a little yogurt or fruit on the side after warming enhances the experience and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven comfort.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular yogurt for Greek yogurt?
Yes, you can use regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt’s thicker texture helps make the cake extra moist and tender. If you use regular yogurt, consider straining it to remove some liquid for the best results.
Is olive oil necessary, or can I use a different oil?
Olive oil adds a subtle fruity note that complements the cake, but you can use any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil if you prefer. Just avoid oils with strong flavors as they might overpower the cake’s delicate taste.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
How long does the cake keep fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh and moist for up to four days. Beyond that, it might start to dry out, so freezing is your best bet for longer storage.
Can I add flavors or mix-ins to this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is very versatile. You can fold in lemon zest, cinnamon, or fresh berries to give it a unique twist. Just be mindful not to add too much moisture, which might affect baking time.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is one of those delightful kitchen finds that feels both comforting and sophisticated. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and offers endless opportunities for customization. Whether you’re treating yourself or feeding a crowd, give it a try—you’ll fall in love with the moist texture, tangy flavor, and effortless charm of this cake.
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Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 65-70 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy yogurt cake is a moist and tender loaf perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Made with simple pantry ingredients like Greek yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla, it combines a subtle tang with sweetness and a light crumb. It’s quick to prepare and bakes up golden and fluffy, topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and served alongside fresh fruit and additional yogurt for a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (227g) Greek yogurt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Lightly sweetened Greek yogurt
- Fresh fruit
Instructions
- Get ready: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with olive oil or baking spray and line the bottom and two sides with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang to help lift the cake out later.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt until evenly combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, granulated sugar, eggs, extra virgin olive oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended.
- Make the batter: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet yogurt mixture. Use a rubber spatula to fold and mix just until combined, ensuring no streaks of dry flour remain without overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with the spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the cake is golden brown.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the cake out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Serve: Once cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar. Slice and serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. Store the cake tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- Using parchment paper helps lift the cake cleanly out of the loaf pan.
- Fresh berries or stone fruits pair beautifully with this cake for serving.
- You can substitute the extra virgin olive oil with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil if preferred.
- If you want, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a bright citrus flavor.
- Store leftover cake wrapped tightly to maintain moisture up to 4 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American