With richness from yogurt, a burst of lemon and vanilla, and the most tender texture, this Greek Yogurt Cake is both delicious and so easy to make. It also has protein and calcium, as an extra bonus!
This post is sponsored by Stonyfield
I love making Breakfast Cake, Lemon Cake, and cake with regular yogurt, so I was curious to see if I could use higher protein Greek yogurt to make a tender, delicious cake. This works SO well. And the result is a satisfying snack cake or dessert for kids that has a nice mix of nutrients to help fuel us and the kids.
You can make the cake and serve it slightly warm, or you can let it cool and serve it at room temperature. It tastes the same the next day and the day after, so you can make it ahead—or just plan to enjoy the cake for as many days as it takes to eat every slice!
I love using Stonyfield plain Greek yogurt here since it is mild in flavor and has the perfect creamy consistency. Plus, Stonyfield yogurt is made with high-quality organic ingredients and has a flavorful yet not-too-tangy taste. The whole milk yogurt adds richness and helps to create a springy texture and tender crumb. So yum!
(You may also like Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough, Yogurt Flatbread, and Banana Yogurt Muffins.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this Greek Yogurt Cake recipe so you know what to have on hand.
- Greek yogurt: I like to use plain whole-milk Greek-style yogurt in this recipe to ensure that the batter is super tender and moist and contains protein and calcium.
- Butter: I bake with unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in my baked goods. If you have only salted butter, just omit the added salt.
- Sugar: I use a small amount of granulated sugar in this recipe for just enough sweetness. You can substitute honey (for babies over age 1) or maple syrup if you prefer. I prefer the texture of the cake when it’s baked with sugar.
- Eggs: I use large eggs in my baking and use them here to ensure that the cake bakes through properly and holds together nicely.
- All-purpose flour: I prefer to make this cake with all-purpose flour so it’s tender and light. You can use whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten-free all purpose flour.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Using both of these helps to ensure that the dense batter rises properly and the cake bakes through nicely.
- Lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract: The combination of these ingredients ensures that the cake is plenty flavorful, yet still fairly subtle in flavor. This makes it a great snack cake, breakfast cake, or dessert—with or without fruit on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make this Greek Yogurt Cake so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. In a large bowl, stir together the wet ingredients.
Step 2. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl and stir gently. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
Step 3. Pour batter into the prepared pan. I like to grease my pan and line it with a round of parchment paper.
Step 4. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cake is set in the middle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adding Greek yogurt to this cake recipe helps ensure that the cake has a tender crumb and also boasts extra nutrition from the yogurt.
I love using Greek yogurt in baking since it adds protein and calcium to baked goods but also creates the most moist, tender end result without using as much butter or oil as more classic cakes, cupcakes, or muffins.
Sour cream often works the same in baked goods, though nutritionally they are not identical.
How to Store
Once cooled, store cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or for up to 5 days in the fridge. Warm slightly to serve from the fridge (the cake firms up a bit when it’s cold so warming slightly returns it to its softer texture).
You can also freeze the cut cake in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in 15-second increments in the microwave.
Best Tips for Success
- I like using whole-milk Greek yogurt in this recipe.
- This bakes best in a metal pan, rather than glass. If baking in glass, the middle will take longer to set. Follow the recipe, then cover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Dairy-free: Use a nondairy yogurt and a neutral oil like canola in place of the butter.
- Gluten-free: Substitute cup-for-cup gluten-free flour in place of the wheat flours.
- Egg-free: Omit the eggs. Reduce the yogurt to ¾ cup. Add ¼ cup milk. Proceed with the recipe.
- Top with Cream Cheese Frosting or Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting if desired.
Related Recipes
Breakfast
Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes
Dinner
Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough
Desserts
Favorite Greek Frozen Yogurt
Snacks
Frozen Yogurt Bark
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Greek Yogurt Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole milk plain Greek yogurt
- 3 eggs (lightly beaten)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Coat an 8×8-inch baking pan (metal is best) with nonstick spray. (I also line with parchment paper so it's easy to lift out and slice the cake without scratching the pan; this is optional.)
- In a large bowl, stir together the yogurt, eggs, butter, sugar, and vanilla.
- Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently stir together. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 26-28 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out cleanly.
- Let cake cool completely then cut into wedges.
Equipment
Notes
- Once cooled, store cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or for up to 5 days in the fridge. Warm slightly to serve from the fridge (the cake firms up a bit when it’s cold so warming slightly returns it to its softer texture).
- You can also freeze the cut cake in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in 15 second increments in the microwave.
- I like using whole milk yogurt in this recipe.
- This bakes best in a metal pan, rather than glass. If baking in glass, the middle will take longer to set. Follow the recipe, then cover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Dairy-free: Use a nondairy yogurt and a neutral oil like canola in place of the butter.
- Gluten-free: Substitute cup-for-cup gluten-free flour in place of the wheat flours.
- Egg-free: Omit the eggs. Reduce the yogurt to ¾ cup. Add ¼ cup milk. Proceed with the recipe.
- Top with Cream Cheese Frosting if desired.
Just made for a party for 70th birthday party, I made two cakes as we have 2 birthday girls, but I think this one is going to be the favourite!! I’m planning on icing it, do you think a lemon cream frosting will complement it well? Or maybe a cream cheese frosting?
Ooh, I think the lemon one would be perfect!
Thanks!!
Hi,
Can i make this in cupcakes ? Or mini muffins ? If so how many minutes?
Thank you
The best cake I’ve ever made. I made it last night and I used Plain Whole milk yogurt Instead of plain whole milk, Greek yogurt And i cooked it for 30 minutes And it’s still didn’t cook all the way. What went wrong?
Using regular yogurt instead of the Greek yogurt means that there is more moisture in the cake, which is likely to cause the issue you experienced. If you try to make it that way again, I would recommend adding an additional 1/4 cup flour to compensate.
Thank you
This was the best cake I’ve ever made! My almost 3-year-old helped me make it and we both loved it so much. Thank you!
I’m so glad!
What is the alternative to lemon that I can use ? Or can I omit it?
You can omit the lemon and add 1 teaspoon cinnamon if you prefer.
This cake is DELICIOUS! (Kids and adults agree) I used maple syrup instead of sugar and it was still sweet. I’m literally using this as the recipe for my little one’s smash cake. Thank you!!
Would this work as a layer cake to be filled and frosted for a birthday?
Sure!
Seems like a lot of vanilla extract??
That is the way the recipe is written to ensure it has enough flavor. Feel free to modify if you prefer.
I have a bunch of leftover vanilla Greek yogurt. Will it work the same? I understand the flavors may need to be adjusted.
Yes, just omit the vanilla extract. Enjoy.