Soft & Moist Yogurt Cake
This Soft & Moist Yogurt Cake is the kind of simple homemade dessert that works for almost any occasion. It has a tender crumb, light vanilla flavor, and a soft texture that stays moist thanks to the yogurt in the batter.
It is easy enough for everyday baking but still elegant enough for brunch, family gatherings, birthdays, potlucks, or an afternoon coffee break. You do not need complicated ingredients or advanced baking skills, and the cake tastes delicious with nothing more than a dusting of powdered sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Yogurt Cake
This cake is:
- Soft and tender
- Moist without being heavy
- Easy to prepare
- Made with basic ingredients
- Great for breakfast or dessert
- Easy to customize
- Perfect for make-ahead baking
- Delicious plain or glazed
Yogurt gives the batter moisture while also adding a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional Lemon Variation
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Optional Toppings
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla glaze
- Lemon glaze
- Whipped cream
What Makes Yogurt Cake So Moist?
Yogurt contributes both moisture and acidity.
The moisture helps keep the crumb soft, while the acidity works with baking soda and baking powder to support a light texture.
Unlike some cakes that can become dry soon after baking, yogurt-based cakes often stay tender for longer when stored properly.
What Kind of Yogurt Should You Use?
Plain full-fat yogurt is a great choice.
You can also use:
- Greek yogurt
- Low-fat yogurt
- Vanilla yogurt
Full-fat yogurt generally provides the richest texture.
If using Greek yogurt, the batter may be slightly thicker because Greek yogurt contains less water.
Vanilla yogurt can work too, but because it is already sweetened, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.
How to Make Soft & Moist Yogurt Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare an 8- or 9-inch round cake pan.
Grease lightly and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Combine the Eggs and Sugar
Place the eggs and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl.
Whisk until the mixture becomes lighter and slightly foamy.
You do not need to whip the eggs as much as you would for a sponge cake.
Step 3: Add the Yogurt
Add the plain yogurt.
Whisk until smooth.
Make sure there are no large yogurt lumps.
Step 4: Add the Oil
Slowly pour in the vegetable oil while whisking.
Neutral oil works especially well because it keeps the cake moist without overpowering the vanilla flavor.
Step 5: Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract.
If making the lemon version, add the lemon zest and juice at this stage.
Step 6: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Whisk until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
Add the flour mixture gradually.
Use a spatula or whisk and mix gently.
Stop as soon as the flour disappears.
Overmixing can create a tougher cake.
Step 8: Transfer to the Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Smooth the top gently with a silicone spatula.
Tap the pan lightly against the counter once or twice to release very large air bubbles.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
Begin checking toward the earlier end of the range.
The exact time depends on the pan size and your oven.
Step 10: Check for Doneness
Insert a toothpick into the center.
It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
The center should also spring back gently when touched.
Avoid baking significantly longer once the cake is done.
Step 11: Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for around 10 to 15 minutes.
Then transfer it to a cooling rack.
Allow it to cool completely before adding glaze or powdered sugar.