If you're searching for a simple homemade cake that is wonderfully soft, moist, and full of classic flavor, this easy yogurt cake is a perfect choice. Made with basic pantry ingredients, this traditional cake has a tender crumb and a beautiful golden exterior.
The addition of yogurt gives the cake its special texture, helping it stay moist while creating a slightly rich and satisfying crumb. Serve it with tea or coffee, enjoy it as an afternoon snack, or prepare it as a simple homemade dessert for the whole family.
Ingredients
3 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup plain yogurt
½ cup vegetable oil
2½ cups all-purpose flour
1 packet baking powder
1 packet vanilla or vanilla sugar
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Prepare the Oven and Cake Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 170°C (340°F). Preparing the oven in advance ensures that the cake starts baking at the correct temperature as soon as the batter is ready.
Generously grease your cake pan with butter or shortening, making sure to cover all the sides and corners. Sprinkle a light layer of flour over the greased surface, then gently shake out any excess. This simple step will help prevent the cake from sticking to the pan after baking.
2. Beat the Eggs and Sugar
Place the room-temperature eggs and sugar in a large, deep mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat them together for approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
Continue mixing until the mixture becomes pale, creamy, and noticeably frothy. Do not rush this stage. Beating the eggs and sugar thoroughly incorporates air into the batter and is one of the most important secrets to achieving a beautifully risen and fluffy cake.
3. Add the Yogurt and Oil
Pour the yogurt and vegetable oil into the egg mixture. Mix briefly on low speed just until the ingredients are combined.
At this stage, avoid excessive mixing. You can also switch to a spatula and gently fold the ingredients together to help preserve the air already incorporated into the batter.
4. Add the Dry Ingredients
Place the flour, baking powder, and vanilla in a fine-mesh sieve. Sift the dry ingredients directly over the wet mixture.
Using a spatula, gently fold the batter from the bottom upward. Continue until no visible streaks of flour remain. Mix carefully and slowly so the batter stays light and airy.
5. Fill the Cake Pan
Pour the prepared yogurt cake batter into the greased and floured pan. Smooth the surface gently if necessary.
Tap the cake pan lightly against the kitchen counter once or twice. This helps release large trapped air bubbles and allows the batter to settle evenly inside the pan.
6. Bake Until Golden
Transfer the cake to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cake is beautifully risen and golden.
Important tip: Do not open the oven door during the first 20 minutes of baking. Opening the oven too early may cause a sudden temperature change and make the cake collapse.
Toward the end of the baking time, insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake. If it comes out clean or with only a few dry crumbs, the cake is ready.
7. Cool and Remove from the Pan
Once baked, remove the yogurt cake from the oven and leave it inside the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Allowing the cake to cool slightly helps it become firmer and easier to remove. Trying to unmold a very hot cake may cause it to crack or crumble.
Carefully turn the cake onto a serving plate and allow it to cool further before slicing.
Secrets to a Beautiful Homemade Yogurt Cake
Why Use Yogurt?
Yogurt is the secret ingredient behind the cake's moist and tender texture. Compared with milk, yogurt creates a slightly denser crumb while still keeping the cake wonderfully soft. It also helps prevent the cake from becoming dry too quickly.
The Natural Cracked Top
Do not worry if your cake develops natural cracks while baking. These rustic cracks are often a sign that the cake has risen beautifully as the center expands and cooks.
Choosing the Right Cake Pan
A Bundt-style pan with a hole in the center is an excellent option for this recipe. Its shape allows the oven's heat to circulate more evenly around the cake, helping the center bake properly while creating a beautiful golden crust.
Serve your homemade yogurt cake plain, dust it lightly with powdered sugar, or pair it with fresh fruit. A warm cup of coffee or tea makes the perfect accompaniment.