Yogurt Cake – Recipes

Description: This Yogurt Cake is a light, moist, and incredibly easy-to-make dessert. The addition of yogurt gives the cake a rich, tender crumb, while the simple ingredients come together to create a wonderfully balanced flavor. Perfect for a quick dessert, afternoon tea, or even breakfast, it’s both delicious and versatile.

Origin: Yogurt-based cakes are common in Mediterranean and European cuisines, where yogurt is used to add moisture and a slight tang to baked goods. The concept of yogurt cake has gained popularity for its ease of preparation and lighter texture compared to traditional cakes.

Ingredients (for 8 servings):

1 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened, Greek or regular)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added flavor)

Optional Toppings:

Powdered sugar, for dusting
Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries)
A drizzle of honey or fruit jam

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
Add the vegetable oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) to the yogurt mixture and stir to combine.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and airy.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh berries or a drizzle of honey, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for Success:

Moisture: The yogurt helps keep the cake moist, but be sure not to overmix the batter to avoid making it dense.
Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract, orange zest, or cinnamon for a different twist.
Texture: If you want a fluffier texture, use Greek yogurt for more thickness or regular yogurt for a softer crumb.

Recommendations:

This cake can be served as a light dessert with a cup of tea or coffee. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream.
For a more indulgent treat, try adding a swirl of fruit jam (like raspberry or strawberry) to the batter before baking for extra flavor.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate):