Express Yogurt Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making this Express Yogurt Cake because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly moist. The yogurt adds a subtle tanginess, making the cake light yet flavorful, while the simplicity of the ingredients ensures it’s always a success. It’s perfect for when I need a fast dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste—whether it’s for an afternoon snack, a family gathering, or a last-minute dinner party treat. The best part is that it requires no electric mixer, just a few simple ingredients mixed together, and the result is a soft, tender cake with a delicate crumb that everyone will adore.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain yogurt (preferably whole or Greek yogurt)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

• Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for extra flavor)

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, and oil (or melted butter) until well combined. If you’re using lemon zest and vanilla extract, add them at this stage for extra flavor.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until smooth and fully incorporated. The batter will be thick but pourable.

4. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

5. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. Serve: Once the cake is completely cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for a simple finishing touch (optional). Slice and serve with a cup of tea or coffee, or as a light dessert.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 servings. The prep time is just 10 minutes, and the baking time is 30-35 minutes, making the total time for this delicious cake around 40-45 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

For a more decadent version, I sometimes add a handful of chocolate chips or berries (like blueberries or raspberries) to the batter before baking. If I’m craving a citrus twist, I’ll substitute the lemon zest with orange or lime zest. You can also add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to give it a cozy, spiced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

This cake stores well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use flavored yogurt instead of plain?

Yes, you can use flavored yogurt if you’d like to add an extra dimension of flavor, like vanilla, strawberry, or honey. Just keep in mind that flavored yogurts will add sweetness and could change the overall taste.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum, or add it separately for structure. The texture might vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, this cake can be made a day ahead of time. It actually gets a bit moister as it sits. Just cover it tightly and store it at room temperature.

Can I add frosting to this cake?

Of course! A light glaze, whipped cream, or even a simple cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with this cake. For something lighter, you could also serve it with fresh fruit or fruit compote.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Conclusion

Express Yogurt Cake is the perfect solution for when I want something delicious and quick but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The combination of tangy yogurt, light sweetness, and soft, tender crumb makes it a go-to treat for any occasion. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with different flavors or add-ins, making it a versatile dessert for any season. Whether served plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, this cake is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves simple yet satisfying treats.