This yogurt cake is light, moist, and bursting with citrus flavor. It’s the kind of simple, everyday cake that’s just right for any time you need a bright, cheerful treat.
When it comes to easy, versatile cakes, a yogurt cake is hard to beat. This simple recipe delivers a tender, moist crumb and a lovely citrus flavor that feels right at home in spring and summer. It’s the perfect cake for casual gatherings, afternoon coffee breaks, or even a little something special to brighten your day.
You can serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh berries for a touch of seasonal color and sweetness. No matter how you dress it up, this yogurt loaf cake is wonderfully easy and always delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Yogurt Cake Recipe
- Simple to make. Just a few bowls and basic ingredients needed.
- Light and fresh. Perfectly moist with a bright citrus flavor.
- Versatile. Serve it plain, dress it up with fruit, or add a light dusting of powdered sugar.
- Perfect for spring and summer. A great option for brunch, picnics, or casual get-togethers.
Key Ingredients
This yogurt cake comes together with simple ingredients, but a few key players really make it shine. Here’s a closer look at what makes the texture and flavor so special. (You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)
- Greek yogurt: Adds moisture and richness for an exceptionally tender crumb.
- Orange zest and juice: Bring bright, fresh citrus flavor that makes this cake wonderfully vibrant and flavorful.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake soft and light, even after a couple of days.
- Baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens the citrus flavor.
How to Make Yogurt Cake
- Prepare your pan properly. Grease and line your loaf pan to prevent sticking and make it easier to lift the cake out once baked.
- Combine the dry ingredients. Whisk them together so everything is evenly distributed.
- Rub the zest into the sugar. This simple step releases the citrus oils and boosts the orange flavor throughout the cake.
- Mix the wet ingredients thoroughly. Whisk together the yogurt, oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla until smooth for an even-textured batter.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently. Stir just until no streaks of flour remain to avoid overworking the batter, which can make the cake dense.
- Check for doneness carefully. Start checking around the 45-minute mark. The cake should be golden and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely. Cooling allows the crumb to set and makes it easier to slice cleanly without crumbling.
Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients. This helps everything mix together smoothly for a better texture.
- Don’t over-mix. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to keep the cake tender.
- Use the right pan size. A 9×5-inch loaf pan works best. An 8×4-inch loaf pan may be too small for this amount of batter and could lead to overflow during baking.
- Check for doneness. Look for the cake to be golden and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out clean.
- Let it cool completely. This helps the flavor and texture settle nicely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
This yogurt cake is absolutely delicious just as it is for a simple sweet treat. If you’d like to dress it up a bit, here are some ideas to try:
- Dust with confectioners’ sugar for a simple finish.
- Make a simple glaze with confectioners’ sugar and orange juice.
- Serve slices with fresh berries for a colorful, springtime touch.
- Add thin citrus slices or citrus segments to servings to accentuate the flavor.
- Drizzle with a bit of berry compote.
- Add a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
Variations
- Change the citrus. Swap the orange for lemon, lime, or grapefruit for a different flavor profile.
- Add-ins. Stir in a handful of blueberries, chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- Spiced version. Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a warm, cozy twist.
How to Store
- Room temperature: Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
I hope this easy yogurt cake brings a little extra brightness to your table! It’s one of those simple, comforting recipes that’s just as perfect for everyday baking as it is for sharing with family and friends.
If you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Feel free to leave a comment or a rating!
More Loaf Cake Recipes
Yogurt Cake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange (or lemon)
- 1/2 cup (113 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh orange (or lemon) juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, rub the zest into the sugar to release the citrus oils. Add the yogurt, oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.
