This Easy Yogurt Cake is one of those simple, foolproof recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s soft, moist, lightly sweet, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Best of all, everything comes together in one bowl with minimal cleanup.

Made with basic pantry ingredients and creamy yogurt, this cake is perfect for breakfast, snack time, dessert, or even an afternoon coffee break. A light glaze of warm apricot or orange jam adds a beautiful shine and a delicate fruity finish that makes this humble loaf feel extra special.

If you love easy homemade cakes that taste comforting and wholesome, this yogurt cake deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Yogurt Cake

  • Super easy to make – One bowl and simple ingredients.
  • Moist and fluffy texture – Thanks to the yogurt and oil.
  • Low in sugar – Lightly sweet without being overly rich.
  • Budget-friendly recipe – Made with affordable everyday ingredients.
  • Versatile – Customize with chocolate chips, berries, spices, or citrus zest.
  • Perfect anytime cake – Great for breakfast, dessert, or snacks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cake

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour or light spelt flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 scant cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1–2 lemons
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Jam Glaze

  • 3 tablespoons apricot or orange jam

How to Make Easy Yogurt Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until combined. Add the oil, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and yogurt. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing the batter.

Step 4: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Add the Glaze

Warm the jam in a small saucepan until smooth and brush it over the warm cake for a glossy finish.

Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Yogurt Cake

  • Use room-temperature eggs and yogurt for a smoother batter.
  • Don’t overmix the flour into the batter or the cake may become dense.
  • Add extra lemon zest if you love a stronger citrus flavor.
  • Greek yogurt can be used, but the cake may turn out slightly denser.
  • Let the cake cool completely before storing.

Delicious Variations

This yogurt cake is incredibly versatile. Try adding:

  • Chocolate chips
  • Fresh berries
  • Cinnamon or nutmeg
  • Orange zest instead of lemon
  • Chopped nuts
  • Coconut flakes

Storage Tips

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 1 month.

Avoid refrigerating the cake, as it may dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes! Rice flour or a gluten-free flour blend works well in this recipe.

What type of yogurt works best?

Plain regular yogurt with a pourable consistency gives the best texture.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. This cake is lightly sweet already, so you can reduce the sugar slightly if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delicious:

  • With coffee or tea
  • As a light dessert
  • Toasted with butter
  • Served with fresh berries
  • Alongside yogurt and honey

Easy Yogurt Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 scant cup vegetable oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1–2 lemons
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Glaze

  • 3 tablespoons apricot or orange jam

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Grease or line a loaf pan.
  3. Mix eggs and sugar.
  4. Add oil, yogurt, vanilla, and lemon zest.
  5. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
  6. Pour batter into pan.
  7. Bake 35–40 minutes.
  8. Brush with warm jam glaze if desired.
  9. Cool slightly and serve.

This Easy Yogurt Cake is soft, light, refreshing, and wonderfully simple — the kind of everyday cake everyone loves!

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR