Simple Yogurt Cake – Moist, Fluffy, and Incredibly Easy

Simple Yogurt Cake – Moist, Fluffy, and Incredibly Easy
This simple yogurt cake is everything you want in a homemade dessert: moist, fluffy, and delightfully light. Made with basic pantry staples and no fancy equipment, it comes together in just minutes and bakes up into a golden, tender cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fruit and cream, this cake is a versatile crowd-pleaser that never fails.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 1 (9-inch round) cake
Cuisine: European-inspired classic cake

Ingredients

1 cup plain yogurt

¾ cup sugar

½ cup vegetable oil

3 large eggs

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or oil, or line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.

Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well combined. This is the base of your cake, and the yogurt helps keep everything moist.

Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest (if using). Whisk briefly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and zest.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or whisk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Transfer to Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.

Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden and spring back when touched.

Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Nutritional Information (Per slice, based on 10 slices)

Calories: 230

Total Fat: 10g

Saturated Fat: 2g

3-Ingredient Yogurt Cake – No Sugar, No Flour, Ready in 5 Minutes
3-Ingredient Yogurt Cake – No Sugar, No Flour, Ready in 5 Minutes
Cholesterol: 55mg

Sodium: 150mg

Carbohydrates: 30g

Sugar: 15g

Protein: 4g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

The yogurt cake is a staple in many European households, particularly in France, where it’s affectionately called gâteau au yaourt. It’s often the first cake children learn to bake with their parents because it’s so simple and forgiving. Traditionally, the ingredients are measured using the yogurt container itself, making it incredibly accessible. The result is a moist, tender cake with a subtle tang from the yogurt that pairs beautifully with fruit, tea, or coffee. It has since become a favorite worldwide thanks to its simplicity and versatility.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

One-bowl batter and minimal cleanup

No electric mixer needed—just a whisk and a spoon

Super moist texture thanks to yogurt

Versatile base—can be dressed up or served plain

Easy to adapt for different flavors and dietary needs

Kid-friendly and a great first cake to bake

Perfect for any occasion—breakfast, snack, dessert, or brunch

Health Benefits

While this is still a dessert, it offers a few more nutritious benefits than your average cake:

Yogurt provides protein, calcium, and probiotics

Eggs add complete protein and vitamin D

No butter needed—vegetable oil keeps it moist without saturated fat

Lemon zest (if used) adds antioxidants and a natural burst of flavor

Serving Suggestions

Dust with powdered sugar for a quick, elegant finish

Look Fresh & Youthful with This Simple Tomato & Cornstarch MaskFeel Like 16 Again – Naturally!
Look Fresh & Youthful with This Simple Tomato & Cornstarch MaskFeel Like 16 Again – Naturally!
Top with fresh berries or sliced fruit and a dollop of whipped cream

Serve with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack

Add a lemon glaze or fruit compote to dress it up for guests

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert

Cooking Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for best texture and even mixing

Don’t overmix the batter—stir until ingredients are just combined

To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean

Cool completely before slicing to keep the cake from crumbling

Want a fluffier cake? Use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour

Variations to Try

Lemon Yogurt Cake: Add extra zest and a lemon glaze

Berry Yogurt Cake: Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen berries before baking

Almond Yogurt Cake: Substitute ½ cup of flour with almond flour

Coconut Yogurt Cake: Use coconut yogurt and fold in shredded coconut

Chocolate Yogurt Cake: Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and chocolate chips

Spiced Yogurt Cake: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm twist

Gluten-free version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

Conclusion

Simple yogurt cake is more than just an easy recipe—it’s a reliable go-to that you’ll come back to again and again. With a moist crumb, gentle sweetness, and a refreshing tang from the yogurt, it’s the kind of cake that works for any time of day. Whether you serve it plain or dressed up, it always impresses with its texture and flavor. Perfect for bakers of all skill levels and endlessly customizable, this yogurt cake is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.