This delightful lemon yogurt cake is a perfect blend of tangy lemon zest and creamy yogurt. It's a moist and flavorful treat that's easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you're serving it as a dessert or enjoying a slice with your afternoon tea, this cake is a crowd-pleaser.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples. However, you might need to pick up fresh lemons for the lemon zest and plain yogurt if you don't have any on hand. These ingredients are essential for achieving the cake's signature tangy flavor and moist texture.
Ingredients for Lemon Yogurt Cake Recipe
Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the cake.
Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with browning.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Lemon zest: Provides a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma and flavor.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When incorporating the vegetable oil into the batter, make sure to fold it in gently but thoroughly. This ensures that the cake remains moist and has a uniform texture. Overmixing can lead to a denser crumb, so aim for a smooth, well-combined mixture without overworking the batter.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and increases the fiber content of the cake.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder to achieve the same leavening effect.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.
plain yogurt - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, which can make the cake richer and more moist.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture, but use ¾ cup honey for every cup of sugar and reduce other liquids slightly.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water per egg. This is a good vegan alternative that adds fiber.
grated lemon zest - Substitute with lemon extract: Use ½ teaspoon lemon extract for every teaspoon of zest to maintain the lemon flavor.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor to the lemon.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a healthier fat alternative.
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How to Store / Freeze This Cake
- To keep your lemon yogurt cake fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days.
- If you want to extend its shelf life, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. This way, it can last up to a week in the refrigerator.
- For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness. The lemon yogurt cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- When you're ready to enjoy your frozen cake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
- To refresh the cake after thawing, you can warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help bring back its delightful texture and aroma.
- If you prefer individual servings, slice the cake before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can easily grab a slice whenever you crave a piece of this delightful dessert.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider drizzling a simple lemon glaze over the cake before serving. Mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth, and pour it over the cake for a tangy, sweet finish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the lemon yogurt cake in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a quick reheat, use the microwave. Place a slice of the cake on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking to ensure it doesn't overheat.
If you prefer a toaster oven, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the cake on a piece of parchment paper or directly on the rack. Heat for 5-10 minutes, keeping an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
For a stovetop method, use a non-stick skillet. Place the cake slice in the skillet over low heat. Cover with a lid and heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the cake in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method can give the cake a slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the cake at the specified temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Loaf pan: The container in which the cake batter is poured and baked.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine and mix the dry ingredients together.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine and mix the wet ingredients together.
Whisk: Used to whisk together the dry ingredients and also to combine the wet ingredients.
Spatula: Used to fold in the vegetable oil into the batter until well combined.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour, sugar, and yogurt accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and vanilla extract accurately.
Grater: Used to grate the lemon zest from the lemons.
Toothpick: Used to check if the cake is done by inserting it into the center of the cake.
Wire rack: Used to cool the cake completely after it has been baked.
Non-stick spray or butter: Used to grease the loaf pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients before starting to save time during the mixing process.
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can speed up the blending of wet ingredients and dry ingredients.
Room temperature eggs: Use room temperature eggs to ensure they blend more easily and quickly.
Zest lemons in advance: Zest the lemons ahead of time and store the zest in an airtight container.
Line the loaf pan: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
Lemon Yogurt Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon grated lemon zest from 2 lemons
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the yogurt, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
- Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in the vegetable oil until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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