5 Epic Yogurt Cake Recipes You'll Love

With its endless possibilities for flavor, texture, and creativity, yogurt cake is a delightful treat that combines the rich, tangy taste of yogurt with the moist, tender crumb of a classic cake. This dessert not only boasts simplicity in preparation but also the advantage of health benefits from yogurt, making it a favorite for both home bakers and health enthusiasts. Here are five epic yogurt cake recipes that are sure to please your palate and impress your guests. Let's dive into these mouthwatering recipes.

1. Lemon Yogurt Cake

This lemon yogurt cake is perfect for those who love the zesty citrus flavor. The lemon zest and juice infuse the cake with a bright, fresh taste that complements the yogurt’s tangy note. Here’s how to make it:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat sugar and eggs until the mixture is pale and thick. Add yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, and zest, mixing well.
4. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

🍋 Note: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, drizzle a lemon syrup over the cake while it’s still warm.

2. Orange Blossom Yogurt Cake

Inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, this cake has the subtle fragrance of orange blossoms, making it an elegant dessert for special occasions.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• ¹⁄₂ cup vegetable oil
• ¹⁄₄ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons orange blossom water

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf tin with butter and flour.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
3. Whisk together sugar, eggs, yogurt, oil, orange juice, and orange blossom water in another bowl.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined.
5. Bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until the cake tests done.

🌼 Note: Orange blossom water is potent; add more for a stronger floral scent if desired.

3. Chocolate Chip Yogurt Cake

Combine the rich taste of chocolate with the healthy touch of yogurt in this irresistible chocolate chip yogurt cake. The yogurt makes this cake incredibly moist and the chips give it that delightful surprise with every bite.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• ¹⁄₂ cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Beat sugar, eggs, yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
5. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until done.

🍫 Note: You can add a handful of nuts like walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch!

4. Berry Yogurt Cake

Nothing says summer like fresh berries. This berry yogurt cake is light, refreshing, and packed with antioxidants from the berries. Here’s the recipe:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¹⁄₂ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Whisk together the dry ingredients.
3. In another bowl, mix sugar, eggs, yogurt, oil, and vanilla until well combined. Stir in the berries gently.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix to preserve the berries’ integrity.
5. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

🍓 Note: You can use just one type of berry or mix different varieties for a vibrant berry cake.

5. Banana Yogurt Cake

This banana yogurt cake is perfect for using up overripe bananas while incorporating the health benefits of yogurt. It’s dense, flavorful, and incredibly moist.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• ¹⁄₂ cup melted butter
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix together sugar, eggs, yogurt, and melted butter. Stir in the mashed bananas.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just incorporated.
5. Bake for approximately 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.

🍌 Note: Add a handful of walnuts or chocolate chips for an exciting texture contrast.

Whether you are looking for something fruity, chocolatey, or a classic with a twist, these five yogurt cake recipes offer something for every palate. Each cake can be customized with additional flavors, frostings, or glazes to suit your taste, and they all share the common thread of using yogurt for an added health benefit and a unique flavor profile. Baking with yogurt not only enhances the taste and texture of your cakes but also introduces a healthier option into your dessert repertoire.

Can I use Greek yogurt in these recipes?

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Yes, Greek yogurt can be substituted for regular yogurt in these recipes. It will make the cake denser due to its thicker consistency, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh berries for the berry cake?

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Frozen berries work just as well as fresh ones. They might release more juice, so the cake could be a bit wetter, but it will still be delicious. Do not thaw the berries before adding them to the batter to maintain their shape.

How do I store leftover yogurt cake?

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Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. Ensure it’s wrapped well to prevent it from drying out.

Can I make these cakes gluten-free?

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Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that’s designed for baking and follow the instructions for substitutions on the package.