If you are looking for a dessert that is effortlessly delicious and wonderfully moist, this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines a handful of simple ingredients into a soft, tender cake that balances sweetness with a subtle tang from the yogurt. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, inviting you to enjoy every bite with ease and satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a cake that’s light, fluffy, and packed with flavor. From the creamy yogurt giving moisture and tang, to the baking powder that ensures the perfect rise, these essentials come together to create a homey favorite.
- Plain yogurt (1 container): Acts as the base providing moisture, tenderness, and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 container): Keeps the cake moist without adding heaviness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.
- White sugar (1 1/2 containers): Sweetens the cake while helping to create a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses a warm, comforting aroma and depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 containers): Provides the cake’s structure and texture.
- Baking powder (2 ½ teaspoons): Leavens the cake, making it rise beautifully and stay light.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch round springform cake pan thoroughly to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out with lovely edges.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Empty the yogurt into a mixing bowl, then measure vegetable oil using the same yogurt container for convenience—this is a neat trick that saves time and cleanup. Add the oil to the yogurt mixture and set aside. Remember to rinse and dry the container before using it for other measurements.
Step 3: Combine Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla
Add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract to your yogurt and oil blend. Beat this mixture well until everything is smoothly combined. This step not only incorporates air but also ensures sweetness and flavor are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Gently add the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the wet ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined—the batter will be thick, so be patient and avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This ensures your cake is perfectly cooked through without drying out.
How to Serve Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This yogurt cake shines beautifully on its own, but adding garnishes can elevate it even more. Consider dusting powdered sugar on top or scattering fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a splash of color and fresh flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a lighter option, serve it alongside fresh fruit salad that can complement the cake’s subtly sweet and tangy notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cake into small squares and serving on decorative plates with a drizzle of honey or a swirl of your favorite fruit compote. You can also use it as a base for layered desserts by adding fruit and cream between slices for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap the leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Stored at room temperature, it will stay moist and delicious for up to three days.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well and store it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When stored properly, it can last up to two months without losing its texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake after freezing or refrigeration, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that freshly baked softness. Avoid overheating to keep the perfect texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use flavored yogurt for this cake?
While plain yogurt is recommended to keep the flavor balanced, you can experiment with mild flavored yogurts like vanilla or honey for a subtle twist. Just be mindful of adjusting sugar depending on how sweet the yogurt is.
Is it necessary to use a springform pan?
No, a standard 9-inch cake pan works just fine. A springform pan makes removing the cake easier but isn’t essential for baking this recipe successfully.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, melted butter can be used instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor. Just use the same quantity and let it cool slightly before mixing with the other ingredients.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well.
What is the best way to measure ingredients using the yogurt container?
Rinse and dry the yogurt container after emptying it, then use it as a measuring cup for oil, sugar, and flour. This makes measuring in this recipe super straightforward and reduces the need for extra kitchen tools.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is one of those simple treasures you’ll want to keep in your baking repertoire. It’s approachable, quick, and yields a cake that’s tender and full of gentle flavor. Whether you enjoy it as an everyday treat or as a sweet ending to a special meal, this recipe invites you to embrace the joy of homemade baking without fuss. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you.
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: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Yogurt Cake is a moist and tender dessert that combines the tanginess of plain yogurt with the sweetness of sugar and the richness of eggs. Using the yogurt container as a measuring tool simplifies the process, making it perfect for quick, fuss-free baking. Baked to perfection, this cake is ideal for breakfast, snack time, or a light dessert.
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 your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and grease a 9-inch round springform cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Measure Wet Ingredients: Empty the plain yogurt into a mixing bowl. Using the empty yogurt container as a measuring cup, add 1/2 container of vegetable oil to the yogurt. Rinse and dry the yogurt container for further use.
- Mix Wet and Sugar: Add the eggs, white sugar (measured with the yogurt container), and vanilla extract to the yogurt-oil mixture. Beat thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix just until combined; the batter will be thick but uniform. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Use the yogurt container as your measuring tool for accurate proportions and less cleanup.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake.
- You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for regular yogurt for a denser texture.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the springform ring to maintain its shape.
- This cake keeps well in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days at room temperature.
