If you’re looking for a delightful, straightforward dessert that brings a burst of homemade goodness without complicated steps, you’ve found it here with this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe. This cake is wonderfully moist, tender, and subtly sweet, all thanks to the humble yogurt that keeps every bite fresh and light. It feels like the perfect cozy hug on a plate, whether you’re new to baking or just want something quick to whip up for friends and family. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes for a simple yet satisfying treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor of this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe. From the tangy yogurt providing moisture to the just-right amount of baking powder that gives it that gentle lift, it’s a beautiful balance that anyone can achieve in their kitchen.
- Plain yogurt (1 container, 5 ounces): Acts as both a flavor enhancer and makes the cake incredibly moist and tender.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 yogurt container): Adds richness and helps keep the crumb soft without weighing it down.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
- White sugar (1 1/2 yogurt containers): Sweetens the batter just right, balancing the yogurt’s tang.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, aromatic note that elevates the cake’s flavor beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 yogurt containers): The base providing the cake’s body and crumb texture.
- Baking powder (2 ½ teaspoons): The leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- Salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors, making the sweetness and tanginess pop.
How to Make Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grab a 9-inch round springform cake pan and grease it well to prevent sticking. This sets the stage for your cake to bake evenly and come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Mix Yogurt and Oil
Empty the entire container of plain yogurt into a mixing bowl. Take the empty yogurt container and use it as a measuring cup to measure out half of the container’s volume in vegetable oil, then add that to the yogurt. Keep that container clean and dry, as you’ll use it to measure other ingredients too.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla
Crack in two large eggs, add one and a half yogurt containers of white sugar, and pour in the teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. This creates the flavorful base of your batter.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Into the wet mixture, gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir just until all the dry ingredients are combined — the batter should be thick but smooth without any large lumps. Be careful not to overmix, to keep the cake tender and light.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake will turn a lovely golden color, and the aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!
How to Serve Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is wonderful on its own, but adding a few simple garnishes can turn it into something a bit more special. Try dusting the top with powdered sugar for a delicate, elegant touch. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream bring in a burst of color and freshness that pairs beautifully with the cake’s gentle sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair your cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee — the subtle tang from the yogurt complements the warmth of your drink perfectly. For an indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh fruit compote for an extra fruity kick that brightens each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try slicing the cake into smaller squares and serving them on colorful dessert plates with edible flowers or a drizzle of honey. You can also layer slices with jam or lemon curd for quick, no-fuss cake sandwiches that look delightful and taste amazing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover yogurt cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for a day or two when covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake — it will last for up to 5 days, still maintaining nice moisture and flavor.
Freezing
This cake freezes well if you want to make it ahead in larger batches. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. Frozen yogurt cake can be kept for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring your Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe back to just-baked warmth, pop individual slices into the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or until gently warmed. Avoid overheating to keep the cake moist and tender as intended.
FAQs
Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain?
While plain yogurt is recommended to keep the flavor balanced, you can experiment with mild flavored yogurts like vanilla. Just be cautious with added sugars to avoid making the cake overly sweet.
Is it necessary to use the yogurt container as a measuring tool?
Using the yogurt container is a clever and simple way to keep measurements consistent, especially when you don’t have a measuring cup handy. However, you can measure ingredients with standard cups if preferred.
Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can add a lovely richness to the cake, but it may change the texture slightly, making it a bit denser. Vegetable oil keeps the cake extra moist and tender, making it the best choice for this recipe.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. Keep the same quantities and mix carefully — you might notice a slight difference in texture, but it will still be delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is designed for bakers of all levels — it requires minimal ingredients, uses simple steps without any fancy techniques, and the yogurt container measuring makes it foolproof.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is like inviting a warm, comforting new favorite into your baking repertoire. It’s quick, reliable, and incredibly tasty without any fuss. Whether it’s a weekday treat or part of a celebration, you’ll love how easy it is to create a cake that feels so lovingly homemade. Go ahead, give it a try — your kitchen and your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Yogurt Cake is a simple, moist, and delicious dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with plain yogurt, vegetable oil, eggs, and basic pantry ingredients, it uses the yogurt container as a measuring tool for convenience. The cake bakes to a tender crumb and carries a subtle tang from the yogurt, making it a lovely option for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon 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 and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch round springform cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Yogurt and Oil: Empty the yogurt into a mixing bowl. Use the empty yogurt container to measure half a container of vegetable oil and add it to the yogurt. Set aside. Rinse and dry the yogurt container for later use as a measuring tool.
- Add Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla: Add the eggs, white sugar (measured with the yogurt container), and vanilla extract to the yogurt and oil mixture. Beat well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix just until all ingredients are combined; the batter will be thick but even. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and spread evenly. Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before removing it from the pan and serving. Enjoy it plain or with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Using the yogurt container as a measuring cup simplifies ingredient measurements and clean up.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to maintain a light, tender cake texture.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of honey.
- You can substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a denser texture, but adjust oil quantities slightly if necessary.
- Ensure your baking powder is fresh to achieve optimal rise.
