This creamy yogurt cake is simple, moist, and gently tangy. It bakes into a tender crumb with a light, golden top and a soft, springy texture inside. The yogurt keeps the cake moist and adds a mild tang that balances the sweetness. It’s easy to make for breakfast, a snack, or a casual dessert.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 400 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
Why Make This Creamy Yogurt Cake
This cake is fast, forgiving, and reliably moist. The yogurt gives a soft texture and a subtle tang that makes each bite bright. It requires no creaming of butter, so it’s quicker to mix than many traditional cakes. The flavor is gentle, which makes it a great base for fruit, glazes, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
How to Make Creamy Yogurt Cake
This recipe is a straightforward, one-bowl mix-and-bake cake. Work steadily, avoid overmixing once you add the flour, and check doneness with a toothpick. The cake’s aroma while baking is warm and slightly sweet with a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cake pan (8- or 9-inch round or a similar-size square pan) and lightly flour it or line the bottom with parchment. This prevents sticking and helps the cake release cleanly.
Step 2: Mixing
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, and eggs until smooth and uniform. Slowly add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract while whisking, until fully mixed. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix—stop as soon as there are no large streaks of flour.
Step 3: Cooking
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The top should be lightly golden.
Step 4: Finishing
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the crumb set and makes slicing easier. Serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Creamy Yogurt Cake
- Serve slices plain with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple treat.
- Add fresh fruit (berries, sliced peaches, or figs) and a drizzle of honey for a bright contrast.
- For a dessert, top with whipped cream or a dollop of fruit compote.
- Cut into small squares for tea time or pack as a snack for a picnic.
How to Store Creamy Yogurt Cake
- At room temperature: store covered with a cake dome or airtight container for up to 2 days.
- In the refrigerator: keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- To freeze: wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm briefly if desired.
Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Yogurt Cake
- Use room-temperature eggs for smoother mixing and even rise.
- Measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling—avoid packing, which adds too much flour.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour; overworking develops gluten and makes the cake tough.
- If you prefer a tangier cake, use Greek yogurt; for a milder flavor, use plain low-fat yogurt.
- For a softer crumb, sift the flour with the baking powder before mixing.
- Rotate the pan halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
Delicious Variations
- Lemon Yogurt Cake: add 1–2 tablespoons lemon zest and a simple lemon glaze.
- Orange-Almond: replace 1/4 cup of flour with almond flour and add orange zest.
- Honey and Nut Topping: brush the warm cake with honey and scatter toasted nuts on top.
- Berry Fold-In: gently fold 1 cup fresh or frozen berries into the batter before baking.
- Spiced Version: add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
A: Yes. Greek yogurt works well and gives a thicker, tangier crumb. If your Greek yogurt is very thick, it may slightly reduce moisture; use a little splash of milk if the batter seems too stiff. -
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: You can reduce sugar by up to 25% with little effect on texture. The cake will be less sweet but still moist. For best results, reduce gradually and taste the batter to adjust. -
Q: What pan size is best?
A: An 8- or 9-inch round pan or an equivalent 8×8-inch square pan works well. If you use a larger pan, the cake will bake faster—reduce time and watch closely. -
Q: How do I know when the cake is done?
A: Insert a toothpick into the center. It’s done when the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be lightly golden and spring back slightly when touched. -
Q: Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
A: Yes. Fold in up to 1 cup of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit gently at the end. Tossing chips in a little flour helps keep them from sinking. -
Q: Can this be made gluten-free?
A: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure your baking powder is gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different but still tasty. -
Q: Is it okay to use low-fat or nonfat yogurt?
A: Yes. Low-fat yogurt will work, but the cake may be slightly less rich. You might add a tablespoon of additional oil if you want a bit more tenderness.
Conclusion
This creamy yogurt cake is a reliable, everyday cake that’s moist, tender, and easy to adapt. It’s perfect for quick gatherings, afternoon tea, or a cozy slice with coffee. If you’d like an ultra-simple variation with even fewer ingredients, try this 3 Ingredient Creamy Yogurt Cake (No Flour, Butter or Oil) for inspiration. Enjoy baking — it’s a small, satisfying effort that yields a soft, flavorful cake everyone will enjoy.
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Creamy Yogurt Cake
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- Author: alicia
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and tender yogurt cake with a light, golden top that’s simple to make and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Slowly add the vegetable oil and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix the dry ingredients with the wet mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–40 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Serve plain, with fruit, or topped with whipped cream. Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg





