EASY YOGURT CAKE

The delightful Easy Yogurt Cake captures the essence of simplicity and comfort with every bite. As a child, I recall my grandmother whipping up yogurt cake in her warm kitchen, the smell wafting through the house, signaling that something sweet and comforting was on its way. This cake embodies the joy of baking, serving as a canvas for creativity and connection, especially during family gatherings or cozy afternoons.

Crafted from everyday ingredients, Easy Yogurt Cake mixes seamlessly in just one bowl. This recipe doesn’t require intricate steps or fancy gadgets, making it approachable for anyone. The tangy yogurt, heightened with lemon zest and a hint of vanilla, results in a tender, fluffy texture. The best part? It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed plain or adorned with a glossy layer of jam, perfect for any occasion.

Baking this cake brings back cherished memories of laughter and shared plates around the dining table. You, too, can create such moments with Easy Yogurt Cake, letting its comforting flavors warm your heart and home.

Part 1 — EASY YOGURT CAKE

Fundamentals

The essence of an Easy Yogurt Cake lies in its simple yet effective combination of ingredients. Yogurt serves as a moistening agent, which helps to create a tender crumb. The sugar adds sweetness, while the flour provides structure. This cake emanates a delightful aroma, thanks to the lemon zest and vanilla essence that infuse these components.

Utilizing both all-purpose and light spelt flour adds complexity to the texture and flavor. Each ingredient has its role, harmoniously blending to create a cake that is both light and satisfying. The baking powder ensures the cake rises perfectly, while a pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the overall taste.

Preparation/setup

When it comes to preparing your workspace for your Easy Yogurt Cake, organization is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven for even baking.

Choose a 9x5x2.5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, or grease it with butter or cooking spray. Doing so will ensure the cake releases easily once baked. This simple first step will prevent any sticky situations later on. Get your ingredients ready: eggs at room temperature, creamy yogurt, and fresh lemons for zest. This preparation sets the tone for a successful baking endeavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250g) plain yogurt
• 2 leveled cups (250g) all-purpose flour or light spelt flour (I mixed both)
• 1/2 cup (100g) white or unrefined cane sugar
• 1/2 scant cup (approx. 80g) vegetable oil (I used canola oil)
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
• 1-2 lemons, zest
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 tbsp apricot or orange jam

Directions

Begin by mixing the eggs and sugar in a large bowl. Blend these two together until well combined, creating a light, frothy mixture. Next, add the vegetable oil, lemon zest, and vanilla essence. Mix thoroughly to incorporate these flavors, creating a flavorful base for your batter.

Now, introduce the yogurt to the mixture—it should be at a slightly cool temperature for optimal blending. Stir everything together, ensuring a smooth, homogenous mixture forms.

In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet batter until just combined; overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top for even baking.

Bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once done, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before you slice into this delightful creation.

Part 2 — YOGURT CAKE TECHNIQUE

Technique

Mastering the technique behind your Easy Yogurt Cake significantly impacts the final outcome. Mixing the wet ingredients first, followed by the dry, creates a harmonious blend that promotes a fluffy texture. Pay extra attention to not overmix the batter once you add the flour. Gentle folding is key to retaining air and achieving that light, airy cake.

The temperature of your ingredients, particularly the eggs and yogurt, plays a crucial role. Room temperature ingredients blend more seamlessly, leading to a more consistent batter. So, plan ahead and take those eggs and yogurt out of the fridge in advance.

Tips/Tricks

Embrace the flexibility this Easy Yogurt Cake offers. Feel free to experiment with flavor additions such as spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy profile. You can also swap the jam glaze for a simple lemon glaze to enhance the tanginess further.

If you’re looking for added indulgence, consider incorporating chocolate chips or nuts into the batter before baking. The goal is to have fun and make the recipe your own while enjoying the simple pleasures of baking.

Part 3 — YOGURT CAKE VARIATIONS

Perfecting results

To ensure your Easy Yogurt Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep an eye on your oven’s temperature. Remember, every oven bakes differently; you may need slight adjustments in baking time. Utilize the skewer test to check doneness rather than relying solely on time.

If the top of the cake browns too quickly, consider covering it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the center bakes through. After cooling, the cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to retain moisture. This step ensures every bite remains soft and tender.

Troubleshooting/variations

Should your cake turn out denser than expected, review your mixing technique. Overmixing can make the cake tough; aim to mix until just combined. For those managing dryness, incorporating a bit more yogurt can help retain moisture in the final product.

If you find yourself without certain ingredients, like yogurt, you can substitute with sour cream or applesauce in similar ratios, keeping moisture levels intact. However, this may slightly alter the cake’s flavor profile.

Part 4 — YOGURT CAKE PRESENTATION

Serving/presentation

Presenting your Easy Yogurt Cake can be a creative endeavor. For an impressive display, slice the cake and fan the pieces on a lovely platter. Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Alternatively, you can serve individual slices on plates with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Using a quick and easy glaze made from warm apricot or orange jam not only adds shine but also elevates the overall appearance, making it look bakery-fresh.

Pairings/storage

Storing your Easy Yogurt Cake is an essential part of keeping it delicious. Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap to keep it moist. It can last at room temperature for a couple of days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to extend its life, freezing is an excellent option: simply slice the cake and store individual pieces in an airtight container or freeze bag.

For delightful pairing ideas, consider pairing the cake with fresh fruit or a cup of herbal tea. The refreshing flavors of the cake blend perfectly with a light side of strawberries or raspberries, enhancing its zesty undertones.

Conclusion

Creating an Easy Yogurt Cake allows you to embrace the joy of baking with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Its simple ingredients meld perfectly to produce a light, moist cake that can stand alone or shine with a glossy glaze. This recipe encourages creativity and warmth, making it a beloved choice for family gatherings or quiet afternoons at home. Dive into this delightful baking adventure, and savor the satisfaction of sharing the comforting flavors with loved ones.

Easy Yogurt Cake

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple yet delightful yogurt cake blended with lemon zest and vanilla, perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (250g) plain yogurt
• 2 leveled cups (250g) all-purpose flour or light spelt flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) white or unrefined cane sugar
• 1/2 scant cup (approx. 80g) vegetable oil
• 2 eggs, at room temperature
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
• 1–2 lemons, zest
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 tbsp apricot or orange jam

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a 9x5x2.5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the eggs and sugar until well combined.
3. Add the vegetable oil, lemon zest, and vanilla essence; mix thoroughly.
4. Introduce the yogurt and stir to create a smooth mixture.
5. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, then gradually fold into the wet batter.
6. Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

For added flavor, feel free to incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also substitute yogurt with sour cream or applesauce if needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: yogurt cake, easy baking, quick dessert, family recipe