This incredible loaf cake is inspired by a traditional French yogurt cake. Not only is this the easiest cake you will ever make, but it is incredibly versatile. It’s lightly sweet and it can be dressed up with jam, fruit, and/or whipped cream. This yogurt cake also freezes beautifully!

Grab a bowl and whisk, this cake comes together faster than it takes your oven to preheat. Yogurt makes this cake moist and tender while vanilla and citrus zest give the cake a delicate flavor. Be sure to try our chocolate loaf cake, too.

Three slices of yogurt cake on a white plate.

Recipe snapshot

TEXTURE: This cake is moist and tender with a slightly springy texture.

FLAVOR: Mildly sweet with the delicate flavors of vanilla and either lemon zest or orange zest.

EASE: No fancy equipment needed. This recipe comes together in minutes with a bowl and a whisk.

TOPPINGS: This cake can be served as is, dusted with powdered sugar, topped with orange marmalade, or served with fruit and whipped cream.

A slice of yogurt cake on a white plate topped with cherries and whipped cream.

Ingredients needed

All purpose flour: Lightly spoon it in to your measuring cup or use a scale.

Almond flour (optional): You can swap half a cup of all purpose flour for blanched almond flour. This gives the cake a slightly more delicate texture.

Baking powder and baking soda: For a bit of lift.

Granulated sugar: To sweeten the cake.

Yogurt: Whole milk plain yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang.

Oil: Choose a neutral flavored oil or a mild olive oil (my preference).

Eggs: You’ll need 3 large eggs.

Vanilla extract: To flavor the cake.

Orange zest or lemon zest: For just a touch of underlying citrus flavor.

Ingredients to make a yogurt cake (flour, sugar, eggs, vanilla, lemon, oil, yogurt).

Recipe overview

In a large bowl whisk sugar, oil, yogurt, eggs, vanilla, and lemon/orange zest.
In a separate bowl combine flour, almond flour (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until combined.
Pour into a greased 9×5 loaf pan. Bake for about 45 minutes.

Step by step collage showing how to make yogurt cake (cake batter in a white bowl and in a loaf pan).

Topping options

This cake can absolutely be served “plain” but here are topping options if you’d like to elevate it a bit:

Dust with powdered sugar
Top with orange marmalade glaze (heat marmalade with a splash of water and spoon over the cake)
Serve with cherries (I like Amarena cherries) and whipped cream
Serve with fresh berries and whipped cream or crème fraiche