Simple Yogurt Cake Recipe – A Treasured Family Classic with Tender Crumb

Yogurt cake holds a special place in my heart because it represents the beautiful way family recipes travel through generations, creating connections and memories along the way. Today, I’m sharing this beloved yogurt cake recipe that proves sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most extraordinary results, transforming basic pantry staples into a cake so moist and tender that it becomes an instant family favorite.

This yogurt cake isn’t just any ordinary pound cake – it’s a testament to the magic that happens when you substitute yogurt for traditional dairy, creating an incredibly moist crumb with a delicate tang that perfectly balances the sweetness. The lemon yogurt adds both moisture and a gentle citrus flavor that makes every bite refreshing and satisfying. There’s something deeply comforting about a recipe that’s been passed down through families, tested by time and loved by generations.

Whether you’re looking for a reliable cake recipe that works every time, want to use up that container of yogurt in your refrigerator, or simply love the idea of creating something delicious that connects you to baking traditions, this yogurt cake delivers pure satisfaction and joy in every slice.

Ingredients

For the Yogurt Cake Base:

• 1 cup butter, room temperature
• 2 cups white sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon lemon extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 (8 ounce) container lemon flavored yogurt

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Baking Foundation Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) and position a rack in the center for even baking. This lower temperature is perfect for yogurt cake because it allows the dense batter to bake through evenly without the outside becoming too dark. Thoroughly grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with butter, making sure to reach every curve and crevice of the decorative pan. Dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This careful preparation ensures your beautiful yogurt cake will release perfectly from the pan.

2. Create the Creamy Foundation In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5-7 minutes. This extended creaming time is crucial for yogurt cake because it incorporates air that creates the tender crumb structure. The mixture should look pale yellow and feel noticeably lighter when properly creamed.

3. Add Eggs for Structure and Richness Beat in the eggs one at a time, allowing each egg to be fully incorporated before adding the next. This gradual addition prevents the batter from curdling and ensures smooth integration. Add the lemon extract with the last egg – this timing allows the extract to distribute evenly throughout your yogurt cake batter while the mixer is still running.

4. Prepare the Dry Ingredient Blend In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is particularly important for yogurt cake because it ensures the baking soda is evenly distributed, which is crucial since it’s the primary leavening agent. The baking soda also reacts with the acidity in the yogurt to create additional lift and tenderness.

5. Master the Alternating Method This is where technique really matters for perfect yogurt cake. Add the flour mixture and yogurt alternately to your creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until each addition is incorporated – overmixing can make your yogurt cake tough instead of tender. The alternating method ensures even distribution while preventing the batter from becoming dense.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter will be rich and thick, which is exactly what you want for proper yogurt cake texture. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and starting to pull slightly from the sides of the pan.

7. Cool for Perfect Results Allow your yogurt cake to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes – this timing is important because it lets the cake firm up enough to hold its shape when removed, but not so long that it sticks to the pan. After 10 minutes, turn the pan upside down onto a wire cooling rack and gently lift away the pan. Let the cake cool completely before slicing or adding any glazes.

Tips & Variations

Yogurt Selection: Lemon yogurt is traditional, but vanilla, strawberry, or even plain Greek yogurt work beautifully in this yogurt cake. Each creates a slightly different flavor profile.

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and yogurt are all at room temperature for the smoothest mixing and best texture in your yogurt cake.

Doneness Testing: Start checking at 55 minutes, but don’t be surprised if your yogurt cake needs the full hour. Dense cakes take time to bake through completely.

Storage Success: This yogurt cake actually improves in flavor after a day as the yogurt’s tang mellows and the flavors meld together.

Glaze Options: Try a simple powdered sugar glaze, lemon glaze, or even a cream cheese frosting for special occasions.

Make-Ahead Perfect: This yogurt cake can be made up to 3 days ahead and keeps beautifully wrapped at room temperature.

Freezing Tips: Wrap the completely cooled cake well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature.

The Magic of Yogurt in Baking

What makes this yogurt cake so incredibly moist and tender is understanding how yogurt functions in baking. The acidity in yogurt tenderizes the gluten in flour while adding moisture that keeps the cake soft for days. The natural sugars in flavored yogurt also contribute to browning and flavor development.

Unlike sour cream, yogurt has a lighter consistency that creates a more delicate crumb while still providing that subtle tang that makes this cake so distinctive. The probiotics in yogurt also contribute to the cake’s keeping qualities.

A Recipe Worth Treasuring

This yogurt cake represents the best kind of family recipe – one that’s been tested by time and loved by generations. The fact that it was precious enough to be sought out when misplaced speaks to its reliability and deliciousness.

The simplicity of ingredients and method means this recipe was accessible to home bakers regardless of their skill level, making it a true democratic dessert that anyone could master and enjoy.

Perfect for Every Occasion

This versatile yogurt cake works beautifully for so many occasions. It’s elegant enough for special gatherings when dressed up with glaze or fresh fruit, yet simple enough for everyday enjoyment with just a dusting of powdered sugar.

The gentle lemon flavor makes it perfect for spring and summer, while the rich, comforting texture works beautifully year-round. It’s equally at home at a fancy tea party or a casual family dinner.

this Recipe

The Comfort of Reliable Recipes

What I love most about this yogurt cake is its reliability. Once you master the basic technique, you can make it with confidence knowing it will turn out beautifully every time. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a go-to for busy days when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

The one-bowl method (after preparing the dry ingredients) makes cleanup easy, while the Bundt pan shape means no frosting is required for an impressive presentation.

Creating New Family Traditions

While this is clearly a treasured family recipe, it’s also perfect for starting new traditions in your own kitchen. The process of making it can become a wonderful way to connect with family members, teaching technique while creating memories.

The generous size makes it perfect for sharing – whether that’s bringing it to potlucks, gifting to neighbors, or simply having enough for your family to enjoy over several days.

Final Thoughts

This yogurt cake represents the beautiful simplicity of home baking at its finest. There’s something deeply satisfying about creating something so delicious from such basic ingredients, proving that the best recipes often come from the heart rather than complexity.

The story behind this recipe – being treasured enough to seek out when lost – reminds us that some recipes become more than just instructions; they become part of our family history and identity.

I hope this yogurt cake becomes as treasured in your kitchen as it clearly has been in others. Sometimes the most meaningful recipes are the ones that connect us to the people we love while creating new memories for future generations.

From my kitchen to yours – happy baking!