This Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cake is a dessert you’ll find yourself turning to time and time again. It’s tender, moist, and perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Thanks to the yogurt, every bite is incredibly soft and melt-in-your-mouth. Whether you dress it up with fruit, a dusting of powdered sugar, or enjoy it plain with tea, it always feels just right.
Best of all, it’s one of those low-fuss bakes you can whip up without fancy ingredients or complicated steps. It’s the kind of cake that’s just as welcome at a brunch table as it is after dinner, loved by both kids and adults alike.
What Kind of Yogurt Works Best in This Cake?
Plain whole milk yogurt is the go-to here. It gives the cake richness and the right amount of moisture. Greek yogurt can work too, though it yields a denser crumb. Avoid flavored yogurts, as they introduce extra sugar and artificial flavors that can throw off the balance.
Ingredients for the Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cake
- 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

How To Make the Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Sift and Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest if using. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, folding gently just until there are no streaks of flour.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar or top with fresh berries if desired.
Serving and Storing Your Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cake
Serve this cake as a lovely afternoon treat or a light dessert. It pairs beautifully with fruit compote, a dollop of whipped cream, or even just a good cup of coffee. For a breakfast twist, try it lightly toasted with a bit of butter.
To store, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use non-dairy yogurt?
Yes! Coconut or almond milk yogurt work well, though they may slightly alter the flavor and texture.
How do I prevent the cake from becoming dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined to maintain a light crumb.
Can I make this into cupcakes?
Absolutely. Adjust the baking time to about 18–20 minutes and check doneness with a toothpick.
Is this cake sweet enough for a birthday?
It’s subtly sweet, but you can easily add a glaze or frosting to dress it up for a special occasion.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or berries?
Yes, fold in up to 1/2 cup of your favorite mix-ins before baking.
Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?
If you loved this Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cake, here are a few more creative spins to check out:
- Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a rich and tangy combo.
- Cinnamon Donut Bread Recipe for a nostalgic breakfast cake.
- Irresistible Funnel Cake Bites for a fairground favorite turned snackable dessert.
- Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars with a cinnamon-sugar crust.
- Christmas Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Cookies for festive charm year-round.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go classic or add berries? Maybe a citrus glaze?
I love seeing how you all personalize these bakes. Questions welcome—let’s bake smarter together. For more daily recipe ideas, check out my Pinterest Nina Dishes.

Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cake is a tender, melt-in-your-mouth dessert made with pantry staples and wholesome yogurt. It’s subtly sweet, incredibly moist, and perfect for any time of day—from breakfast to a light after-dinner treat.
Ingredients
1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
3 large eggs
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round or square cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest if using.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until no flour remains.
5. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cool completely and garnish if desired.
Notes
Use whole milk yogurt for the moistest crumb.
Don’t overmix the batter—fold gently to keep it light.
Optional: add berries or a lemon glaze for a twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: yogurt cake, fluffy cake, simple dessert
