Craving a dessert that feels indulgent but still fits your healthy lifestyle? This Greek Yogurt Cake strikes the perfect balance between flavor and nutrition. It's soft, moist, and satisfying—without the heaviness of traditional cakes.
What sets this Greek Yogurt Cake apart is its wholesome simplicity. Made with creamy Greek yogurt, this recipe offers a tender crumb and subtle tang that elevates every bite.
No butter. No fuss. Just a Greek Yogurt Cake that comes together in one bowl with pantry staples. It’s the kind of cake you’ll make once and crave forever.
Naturally high in protein and effortlessly versatile, this Greek Yogurt Cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an elegant dessert table. Dress it up with berries, drizzle with honey, or enjoy it as-is.
If you’re searching for a light and healthy dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste, this Greek Yogurt Cake is your go-to.
Why This Greek Yogurt Cake Recipe Stands Out
Greek Yogurt Cake has become a standout in modern baking—and it’s easy to see why. Inspired by classic Mediterranean desserts, this approach turns a simple cake into something truly special. The natural tang of Greek yogurt deepens the flavor and keeps every slice tender and moist, even days later.
Unlike butter-laden cakes, this Greek Yogurt Cake is naturally lower in fat without compromising on taste or texture. Thanks to the protein-rich yogurt, it's satisfying enough for breakfast, a wholesome snack, or a light dessert after dinner.
One of the best things about this Greek Yogurt Cake? It’s foolproof. Even beginner bakers will be amazed at how easily it comes together—and how beautiful it looks right out of the oven.
Top your Greek Yogurt Cake with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or just a dusting of powdered sugar. Want more variety? Use it as the base for a stunning Greek yogurt cheesecake, or tweak the bake time to create moist, flavorful muffins.
With its balance of simplicity, nutrition, and crowd-pleasing flavor, Greek Yogurt Cake is a must-have in any baker’s recipe box.
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Ingredients
For the Basic Vanilla Greek Yogurt Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Granulated sugar
- Large eggs
- Olive oil or melted coconut oil
- Vanilla extract
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Lemon zest (optional)
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare and Mix
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease your cake pan
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, eggs, olive oil, and vanilla until smooth
- In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients
Combine and Pour
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined - don't overmix
- Add lemon zest if using
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top
Bake and Cool
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes
- Turn out onto wire rack to cool completely
- Prepare and Mix: Whisk yogurt, eggs, oil, and vanilla until smooth
- Combine and Pour: Fold in dry ingredients, then pour batter into pan
- Bake and Cool: Bake until golden and cool completely on a rack
Equipment For Greek Yogurt Cake Recipe
Must-Have Tools:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Wire cooling rack
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Optional Upgrades:
- Stand mixer for easier mixing
- Offset spatula for frosting
- Cake strips for even baking
Expert Cooking Tips & Tricks
- Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing
- Let batter rest 5 minutes before baking for better texture
- Don't overmix - fold gently just until combined
- Full-fat Greek yogurt works best for moisture
- Check doneness at 30 minutes to prevent overbaking
- Use fresh baking powder for maximum rise
- Add pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for extra flavor
Recipe Variations
Popular Variations:
- Chocolate Yogurt Cake: Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder
- Strawberry Yogurt Cake: Fold in ½ cup diced fresh strawberries
- Lemon Yogurt Cake: Add extra lemon zest and lemon juice
- Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake: Top with cinnamon-sugar streusel
Dietary Options:
- Keto: Use almond flour and sugar-free sweetener
- Gluten-Free: Replace with gluten-free flour blend
- Vegan: Use flax eggs and plant-based yogurt
- Dairy-Free: Substitute with coconut yogurt
Storage
Storage Options:
- Room temperature: 2 days covered
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in airtight container
- Freezer: 3 months wrapped individually
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Batter can be refrigerated 24 hours before baking
- Cake freezes beautifully for busy schedules
- Thaw frozen slices overnight in fridge
The Secret My Greek Grandmother Swore By (And It Changes Everything)
Growing up, I watched my Greek grandmother whip up the most heavenly cakes with just a handful of ingredients—and one secret step she never skipped. Before she even reached for the flour, she’d place her full-fat Greek yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined strainer and let it sit for 30 minutes. “Let it rest,” she’d say, “so the cake can rise proud.”
What she was doing, without ever calling it fancy, was removing excess moisture to intensify the flavor and texture. This simple trick transformed her Greek Yogurt Cake from good to unforgettable—cheesecake-level richness with a cloud-like crumb. It’s a bakery hack hidden in plain sight, and it works every single time.
FAQ
What does Greek yogurt do in a cake?
Greek yogurt makes cakes incredibly moist and tender while adding protein and reducing fat content. It creates a dense, bakery-style texture similar to pound cake. The natural acidity in Greek yogurt activates baking soda, helping the cake rise perfectly. Unlike regular ingredients, Greek yogurt keeps cakes fresh longer and adds subtle tangy flavor that complements sweet desserts beautifully.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt in cake?
Yes, Greek yogurt works better than plain yogurt in cake recipes. Greek yogurt is thicker and contains less water, preventing soggy cakes. It provides more protein and creates superior texture. Use the same amount as plain yogurt called for in recipes. Greek yogurt's concentrated consistency delivers richer flavor and better structure, making it the preferred choice for moist, professional-quality homemade cakes.
What does adding yogurt to a cake mix do?
Adding yogurt to cake mix creates incredibly moist, tender texture while reducing calories and adding protein. Yogurt replaces some oil or butter, making cakes healthier without sacrificing taste. The acid in yogurt activates leavening agents for better rise. It also extends shelf life, keeping cakes fresh longer. This simple swap transforms ordinary box mix into bakery-quality dessert with superior moisture and subtle tangy flavor.
What does Greek yogurt replace in cake mix?
Greek yogurt replaces butter, oil, sour cream, or milk in cake recipes. It substitutes for fat while maintaining moisture and adding protein. Use Greek yogurt to replace up to half the butter or oil called for in recipes. It can also substitute buttermilk or sour cream equally. This healthy swap reduces calories, increases protein content, and creates tender, moist texture without compromising flavor or cake structure.
Wrap Up: Your New Favorite Cake Starts Here
This Greek Yogurt Cake is proof that wholesome can be wildly delicious. Moist, tangy, and endlessly adaptable, it’s the kind of cake that wins over crowds without a fuss—and without the guilt. Whether you're baking for a cozy family breakfast or impressing guests at your next gathering, this one-bowl wonder never disappoints.
What makes this Greek Yogurt Cake truly special is its simplicity. Once you’ve nailed the base, the possibilities are endless. From folding in fresh berries to adding a swirl of cinnamon or a drizzle of lemon glaze—you can easily create your own signature twist.
Craving more healthy, feel-good desserts? Don’t miss our refreshing Zesty Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake or the antioxidant-rich Easy & Moist Matcha Cake Recipe—both perfect companions to your baking adventures. And if you're loving this recipe, be sure to explore our full Mediterranean dessert collection and try the ultra-fluffy Greek yogurt muffins next.
Ready to bake? Gather your ingredients and let this Greek Yogurt Cake be the star of your kitchen today. Don’t forget to share your creation in the comments—I can’t wait to see how you make it your own!
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Greek Yogurt Cake
Equipment
- 1 9-inch round cake pan
- 2 Mixing bowls one for wet, one for dry
- 1 Wire cooling rack
- 1 Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 Measuring cups/spoons
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat, drained for 30 minutes
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup olive oil or melted coconut oil
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- Whisk Greek yogurt, eggs, olive oil, and vanilla until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Fold dry into wet until just combined. Add lemon zest if using.
- Pour batter into pan and bake 35–40 minutes, until toothpick has a few crumbs.
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool completely.
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