If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines simplicity and scrumptiousness, this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is calling your name. This cake is wonderfully moist, soft, and has a lovely subtle tanginess from the yogurt that makes each bite irresistible. What’s truly amazing is how effortlessly you can whip it up with just a handful of everyday ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake offers a quick, comforting bake that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving in, it’s important to note that the ingredients for this recipe are both simple and essential. Each adds a unique character to the cake, helping create a perfectly tender crumb, balanced sweetness, and the charming moistness that yogurt brings.
- Plain yogurt: The star of the show, adding moisture and a subtle tang that makes the cake uniquely delicious.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake soft and tender without overpowering the light texture.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and richness, binding the ingredients together beautifully.
- White sugar: Adds sweetness that perfectly complements the tang of the yogurt.
- Vanilla extract: Lends a warm, inviting flavor that enhances the overall profile of the cake.
- All-purpose flour: The base ingredient that gives the cake its form and satisfying bite.
- Baking powder: Helps the cake rise, resulting in a light, airy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the flavors.
How to Make Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9-inch round springform cake pan to ensure your beautiful cake releases easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix Yogurt and Oil
Empty the entire container of plain yogurt into a mixing bowl. Using the empty, rinsed yogurt container as a measuring cup, add half a container of vegetable oil to the bowl. This clever measuring trick simplifies the process and keeps your proportions just right.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
Add two large eggs, one and a half containers of white sugar, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to your yogurt-oil mix. Use a mixer or whisk to beat everything together until smooth and well combined, which helps create a nice, even batter.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Now, stir in one and three-quarter containers of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently just until everything is blended—overmixing can make the cake tough, so it’s okay if the batter looks a little thick and slightly lumpy.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and level the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling a perfectly baked cake that’s soft and springy.
How to Serve Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
While this cake is delicious on its own, adding a garnish can elevate it to café-worthy status. Dust a little powdered sugar over the top for a simple, sweet touch. Fresh berries or a drizzle of honey can add bursts of color and flavor, making the presentation stunning and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pairing your yogurt cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a spoonful of fruit compote complements its moistness and balances the mild tanginess, turning every bite into a delightful treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your cake into neat squares and serving it on beautiful plates with a sprig of mint or edible flowers for a delicate, elegant look. For special occasions, layer the cake with fresh fruit and cream to create a simple trifle, impressing guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Its moist texture stays fresh, offering a quick snack or dessert whenever you want without fuss.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to two months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge for a ready-to-enjoy treat that still tastes freshly baked.
Reheating
If you prefer your yogurt cake warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. This quick step revives its softness and aroma, almost like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use flavored yogurt for this recipe?
While plain yogurt is recommended for the best balance of flavors, you can experiment with mild-flavored yogurts like vanilla or honey, but avoid anything too tangy or fruity that might overpower the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend, making sure it has xanthan gum or similar stabilizers to maintain the cake’s structure and texture.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or fruit?
Definitely! Adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or fresh berries can add an exciting texture and flavor. Fold them in gently during the step when you add the flour.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can use a regular 9-inch round cake pan; just be sure to grease it well. The springform simply makes removing the cake easier, but it’s not a must-have.
How long will the cake stay moist?
This yogurt cake stays moist for several days due to the oil and yogurt, making it perfect for baking ahead or enjoying over a few days without drying out.
Final Thoughts
The joy of baking this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe lies in its charming simplicity and the warm, comforting flavors it delivers with every bite. It’s a fantastic go-to cake that feels both homemade and special without requiring fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite quick cake — you won’t regret sharing this little slice of happiness with your family and friends.
Print
Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Yogurt Cake is a simple, moist, and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with basic pantry ingredients and using the yogurt container as a clever measuring tool, this recipe yields a tender cake with a subtle tang from the yogurt that balances the sweetness beautifully. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal treat for last-minute baking or a casual tea time snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 (5 ounce) container plain yogurt
- 1/2 yogurt container vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 yogurt containers white sugar
- 1 3/4 yogurt containers all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch round springform cake pan evenly to prevent sticking.
- Measure Wet Ingredients: Empty the plain yogurt into a mixing bowl. Using the empty yogurt container, measure out 1/2 container of vegetable oil and add it to the yogurt. Keep the container handy and dry it with a paper towel for reuse as a measuring tool.
- Combine Yogurt Mixture: Add the 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 containers of white sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the yogurt and oil mixture. Beat well with a mixer or whisk until the ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth batter base.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate 1 3/4 containers of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing; the batter should be thick.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared springform pan. Use a spatula to spread and level the top of the batter for even baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready. Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Use the yogurt container as a measuring cup for precise ingredient ratios, saving time and reducing dishware.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter when adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a denser texture, but you might need to adjust the oil quantity slightly.
- To add extra flavor, try mixing in lemon zest or a handful of fresh berries before baking.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the springform pan to prevent breaking.
