Lemon Yogurt Cake Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with LEMON YOGURT CAKE, a radiant dessert that truly celebrates the zesty freshness of lemons and the creamy tang of yogurt. This cake is wonderfully moist, delicately sweet, and has just the right pop of citrus to make every bite sing. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon treat, the star of your next brunch, or a sweet finish to a festive dinner, this recipe brings sunshine to any table—all with a handful of pantry basics and one mixing bowl. If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing cake bursting with flavor and cheer, this one’s for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This LEMON YOGURT CAKE keeps things delightfully simple, using only a few key ingredients that each play a special role in building the flavor and texture. Grab your favorites, and let’s create something unforgettable—every component adds its own magic!

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy backbone that gives the cake its tender yet substantial crumb.
• Baking powder: The secret to that airy, light rise and perfect fluffiness in every slice.
• Granulated sugar: Adds gentle sweetness and helps give the cake its lovely golden crust.
• Plain Greek yogurt: The star ingredient that infuses moisture and a slight tang, elevating both flavor and texture.
• Large eggs (room temperature): Essential for binding everything together and bringing structure to the batter.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb extra moist and soft, even after a day or two.
• Juice and zest of 2 large lemons: Delivers that captivating citrus punch and cheerful aroma you expect from the perfect lemon cake.

How to Make LEMON YOGURT CAKE

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for effortless unmolding. This step ensures your gorgeous LEMON YOGURT CAKE slides out beautifully later, ready for its close-up.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sugar. Giving these ingredients a head start ensures everything is evenly distributed and prevents any surprise clumps in your final cake.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, eggs, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy—the yogurt and oil join forces here, guaranteeing a moist crumb while that double dose of lemon infuses freshness throughout.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined—overmixing can make your cake dense, so keep it light and watch your batter come together with flecks of zest gleaming throughout.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before you transfer it onto a wire rack. This little pause helps the cake set and ensures an easy release.

How to Serve LEMON YOGURT CAKE

Garnishes

Embellish your LEMON YOGURT CAKE with a flurry of powdered sugar, a scattering of fresh berries, or delicate curls of lemon zest. These simple touches not only add visual charm but also enhance the fresh citrus flavors in every slice.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a bowl of mixed berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For brunch, serve alongside herbed scrambled eggs or a fruity salad to balance its sweet, sunny notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your LEMON YOGURT CAKE into wedges and layer each piece with a swipe of lemon curd and a sprig of mint, or turn it into individual trifles with whipped cream and macerated strawberries. Stack two cakes and fill with flavored frosting for a show-stopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The yogurt keeps it moist, so your LEMON YOGURT CAKE will taste just as tender the next day—making sneaky midnight slices irresistible!

Freezing

If you’d like to prep ahead, let the cake cool completely, then wrap slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a refreshingly zesty treat on demand.

Reheating

Enjoy your LEMON YOGURT CAKE at room temperature, or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that just-baked aroma and softness. Freshen up with your favorite garnish before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Absolutely! While Greek yogurt gives the cake a slightly richer texture and tang, plain regular yogurt works beautifully as a substitute—just try to use whole milk yogurt if you can for the best results.

How do I make the cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure your baking powder is gluten-free, and your LEMON YOGURT CAKE will still be moist and delicious for everyone to enjoy.

What’s the best way to zest lemons without a zester?

If you don’t have a traditional zester, use the fine side of a box grater or carefully peel thin strips with a vegetable peeler and finely mince them. Just avoid the bitter white pith for the brightest citrus flavor.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the batter and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan or two round pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time—it may need a few extra minutes, so test with a toothpick for doneness.

Is it possible to make cupcakes instead of a cake?

Definitely! Divide the batter among cupcake liners—fill them about two-thirds full—and bake for around 20-25 minutes. You’ll get zesty, tender LEMON YOGURT CAKE cupcakes perfect for parties or lunchboxes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both effortlessly simple and bursting with vibrant flavor, let this LEMON YOGURT CAKE be your new go-to. It never fails to brighten a table and bring smiles all around—try it for your next gathering or a quiet treat just for yourself!

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