If you’ve been on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug yet is incredibly simple to make, this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. It’s delightfully moist, subtly sweet, and versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day. The secret lies in the yogurt, which keeps the cake tender and adds a slight tang that pairs beautifully with a hint of vanilla. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or a quick dessert, you’ll find that this cake brings homemade charm with very little fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is in its simplicity. You’ll love how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create a cake that’s fluffy, flavorful, and just right. Each component plays a role in building the perfect balance of texture and taste, making this dish approachable yet impressive.
- Plain yogurt (5 ounce container): The star ingredient that adds moistness and a subtle tang to the cake’s flavor.
- Vegetable oil (1/2 yogurt container): Keeps the cake tender and helps achieve a soft crumb without the heaviness of butter.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and richness to the batter, holding everything together.
- White sugar (1 1/2 yogurt containers): Sweetens the cake just enough without overpowering the yogurt’s natural flavor.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a warm floral note that complements the cake’s mild sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 yogurt containers): The base that gives the cake its shape and body.
- Baking powder (2 ½ teaspoons): Essential for helping the cake rise and become light and airy.
- Salt (pinch): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
How to Make Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly right from the start, giving it a perfect rise. Grease a 9-inch round springform cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking, which will help you serve beautiful cake slices effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Yogurt and Oil
Empty the entire container of plain yogurt into a mixing bowl. Using that same yogurt container as a measuring tool, add half a container of vegetable oil to the bowl. This simple measure makes the recipe beginner-friendly and precise. After measuring, give the container a quick rinse and dry so you can reuse it for flour and sugar measurements later.
Step 3: Add Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla
To the yogurt and oil mixture, add the two large eggs, the measured sugar (one and a half containers), and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat everything well until the mixture is smooth and uniform; this intense blending helps create a luscious, well-incorporated batter.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Next, gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir the batter just until all the dry ingredients are combined—don’t overmix, as that could make the cake dense. The batter should be thick but smooth, perfect for pouring into your prepped pan.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the greased cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, signaling a perfectly baked, moist cake inside.
How to Serve Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This yogurt cake is fantastic on its own, but a few simple garnishes can take it to the next level. Sprinkle a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle some honey for added sweetness. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream bring freshness and a touch of elegance, making your slice look and taste like it came from a bakery.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe is that it pairs wonderfully with light and fresh accompaniments. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or alongside a cup of strong coffee or tea for a satisfying afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, top your cake with toasted nuts, lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking. You can also slice the cake into bite-sized pieces and serve with fruit skewers or parfait glasses layered with yogurt and granola for a creative brunch option everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This cake keeps beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, making it an excellent choice for busy households. After that, it’s best to refrigerate to maintain freshness. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the cake’s full tenderness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this cake later, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then warm slightly before serving to restore its soft texture.
Reheating
To refresh your cake, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them briefly in a low-heat oven. This will revive the cake’s moist and tender qualities, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain?
While plain yogurt allows the vanilla and other flavors to shine, you can experiment with mild flavored yogurts like vanilla or honey-flavored, but avoid anything with fruit chunks as it might affect texture and sweetness balance.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that is designed to replace regular flour 1:1. Keep in mind that texture might vary slightly, but the cake will still be delicious.
Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?
You can replace vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor. Just use the same volume measurement, but remember that butter solidifies when cooled, which can slightly change the cake’s tenderness.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is done. If batter clings to the toothpick, give it another few minutes in the oven.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
Yes, doubling the ingredients works perfectly. Just be sure to use a larger pan or two pans and adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness regularly to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about a cake that’s both easy to make and incredible to eat, and this Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe hits that mark every time. From simple ingredients to straightforward steps, it’s an ideal go-to recipe that never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy classic!
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Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Yogurt Cake is a moist and tender dessert made using simple ingredients and a clever measuring method with a yogurt container. It offers a delightful balance of sweetness and a subtle vanilla aroma, perfect for any occasion or as a quick homemade treat.
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 thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Combine yogurt and oil: Empty the plain yogurt into a large mixing bowl. Using the empty yogurt container as a measuring tool, add 1/2 container of vegetable oil to the yogurt. Set this mixture aside. Rinse and dry the yogurt container so it can be used for measuring other ingredients.
- Add eggs, sugar, and vanilla: Add the 2 large eggs, 1 1/2 yogurt containers of white sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the yogurt and oil mixture. Beat everything well until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Add 1 3/4 yogurt containers of all-purpose flour, 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—the batter will be thick at this point.
- Transfer batter and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly to level the top. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes
- You can use flavored yogurt for a twist, but reduce the added vanilla accordingly.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake light and tender.
- The springform pan helps with easy removal of the delicate cake.
- Let the cake cool slightly before slicing to avoid crumbling.
