If you’re craving a delightful dessert that’s both simple and scrumptious, this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With its tender crumb, subtle tang from the yogurt, and sweet vanilla aroma, it’s a perfect companion for afternoon tea or a cozy family gathering. The beauty of this cake lies not only in its moist texture and gentle flavor but also in its straightforward preparation that anyone can master, no fancy techniques needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe. These staples come together to create a harmonious balance of flavor, moisture, and fluffiness that makes this cake so irresistible.
- Plain yogurt (5 ounce container): Acts as the star ingredient, adding moisture and a slight tang to brighten the cake’s flavor.
- Vegetable oil (½ yogurt container): Keeps the cake tender without weighing it down like butter might.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and richness, helping the cake rise beautifully.
- White sugar (1½ yogurt containers): Delivers just the right amount of sweetness to complement the yogurt’s tang.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses warmth and depth to the cake’s flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour (1¾ yogurt containers): The base that gives the cake its soft, tender crumb.
- Baking powder (2½ teaspoons): The magic leavening agent making sure your cake rises perfectly.
- Salt (1 pinch): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch round springform cake pan to prevent sticking. This setup ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily from the pan later.
Step 2: Combine Yogurt and Oil
Pour the plain yogurt into a mixing bowl. Using the empty yogurt container as a handy measure, add half a container of vegetable oil to the bowl. This technique not only saves you from extra measuring tools but keeps the recipe accessible and simple. After this, rinse and dry the container so it’s ready for the next uses.
Step 3: Mix in Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla
To the yogurt and oil mixture, add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until you have a smooth and homogeneous batter. This step ensures that all the ingredients are fully incorporated, setting you up for a light and fluffy cake.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently until just combined – the batter will be thick but that’s exactly how it should be. Overmixing at this stage can make the cake dense, so a light hand is your secret weapon.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top for an even bake. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This warm, golden cake fresh from the oven is pure comfort.
How to Serve Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe, consider simple garnishes like a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves add a vibrant, colorful contrast and a fresh burst with every bite.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to embrace its soft texture. For a more sophisticated approach, serve it alongside a compote of roasted stone fruits, which complements the subtle tang of the yogurt wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Put a fun spin on presentation by slicing the cake into wedges and serving them with a side of yogurt flavored with citrus zest. For gatherings, stack smaller rounds of this cake with layers of lemon curd or berry jam in between to create an irresistible cake tower that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, making it ideal for quick snacking or unexpected guests. The yogurt keeps it moist, preventing it from drying out too quickly.
Freezing
Want to keep the goodness for longer? Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in freezer bags. It freezes well for up to one month, giving you a convenient dessert option anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, simply reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or until just warmed through. This quick step revives the cake’s soft texture and amplifies its comforting aroma.
FAQs
Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain?
While plain yogurt is best for keeping the traditional flavor of this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe, you can experiment with mild flavored yogurts like vanilla or honey for a subtle twist. Just be mindful of added sugars that might alter the sweetness balance.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that contains a binder like xanthan gum to maintain the cake’s texture. Baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it during baking.
Why does the recipe use the yogurt container to measure oil and sugar?
This clever tip eliminates the need for multiple measuring cups, making the recipe approachable and foolproof. Plus, it makes cleanup easier and keeps measurements consistent and straightforward.
Can I add fruits or nuts to this cake?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds, and fresh berries or dried fruits make great additions. Fold them into the batter before baking for extra flavor and texture.
How can I ensure my cake is moist and fluffy every time?
Using yogurt and vegetable oil as in this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is the key to moistness. Also, avoid overmixing your batter and don’t overbake—the toothpick test is your best guide.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is a wonderful way to create a homemade treat that feels both comforting and special without fuss. Its simplicity makes it perfect for beginners, and its delightful flavors make it a beloved choice for seasoned bakers. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will become a staple in your baking repertoire that you’ll turn to over and over. So grab your yogurt container, get mixing, and enjoy every bite of this charmingly delicious cake!
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: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Yogurt Cake is a simple, moist, and delicious treat that uses yogurt as a key ingredient to keep it light and tender. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake is perfect for any occasion or an everyday 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). Grease a 9-inch round springform cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Measure and Combine Wet Ingredients: Empty the plain yogurt into a mixing bowl. Using the empty yogurt container as your measure, add half a container of vegetable oil into the bowl with the yogurt. Set aside. Rinse and dry the yogurt container so you can use it again as a measuring tool later.
- Add Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla: To the yogurt and oil mixture, add 2 large eggs, one and a half yogurt containers of white sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat all the ingredients thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Measure out 1 3/4 yogurt containers of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined to keep the batter light. The batter will be thick.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared springform pan and spread it out to level the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Notes
- Using the yogurt container as a measuring cup simplifies the process and eliminates the need for multiple measuring cups.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter once you add the flour to keep the cake tender.
- The pinch of salt enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- You can add zest from a lemon or orange to the batter for extra flavor.
- Let the cake cool before removing it from the springform pan for best results.
