Greek Yogurt Cake

Posted October 3, 2024

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With richness from yogurt, a burst of lemon and vanilla, and the most tender texture, this Greek Yogurt Cake is both delicious and so easy to make. It also has protein and calcium, as an extra bonus!

Greek yogurt cake on white plate cut into slices with yogurt container on side.

This post is sponsored by Stonyfield

I love making Breakfast Cake, Lemon Cake, and cake with regular yogurt, so I was curious to see if I could use higher protein Greek yogurt to make a tender, delicious cake. This works SO well. And the result is a satisfying snack cake or dessert for kids that has a nice mix of nutrients to help fuel us and the kids.

You can make the cake and serve it slightly warm, or you can let it cool and serve it at room temperature. It tastes the same the next day and the day after, so you can make it ahead—or just plan to enjoy the cake for as many days as it takes to eat every slice!

I love using Stonyfield plain Greek yogurt here since it is mild in flavor and has the perfect creamy consistency. Plus, Stonyfield yogurt is made with high-quality organic ingredients and has a flavorful yet not-too-tangy taste. The whole milk yogurt adds richness and helps to create a springy texture and tender crumb. So yum!

(You may also like Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough, Yogurt Flatbread, and Banana Yogurt Muffins.)

Ingredients You Need
Step-by-Step Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Store
Best Tips for Success
Greek Yogurt Cake Recipe

Your toddler won’t eat? Help is here!

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this Greek Yogurt Cake recipe so you know what to have on hand.

ingredients for greek yogurt cake on counter.

Greek yogurt: I like to use plain whole-milk Greek-style yogurt in this recipe to ensure that the batter is super tender and moist and contains protein and calcium.
Butter: I bake with unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in my baked goods. If you have only salted butter, just omit the added salt.
Sugar: I use a small amount of granulated sugar in this recipe for just enough sweetness. You can substitute honey (for babies over age 1) or maple syrup if you prefer. I prefer the texture of the cake when it’s baked with sugar.
Eggs: I use large eggs in my baking and use them here to ensure that the cake bakes through properly and holds together nicely.
All-purpose flour: I prefer to make this cake with all-purpose flour so it’s tender and light. You can use whole wheat pastry flour or a gluten-free all purpose flour.
Baking powder and baking soda: Using both of these helps to ensure that the dense batter rises properly and the cake bakes through nicely.
Lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla extract: The combination of these ingredients ensures that the cake is plenty flavorful, yet still fairly subtle in flavor. This makes it a great snack cake, breakfast cake, or dessert—with or without fruit on top.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a preview of how to make this Greek Yogurt Cake so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.

Wet ingredients in blue bowl for greek yogurt cake.

Step 1. In a large bowl, stir together the wet ingredients.

Batter for greek yogurt cake in blue bowl.

Step 2. Add the dry ingredients to the bowl and stir gently. Stir in the lemon juice and zest.

Batter for greek yogurt cake in pan before baking.

Step 3. Pour batter into the prepared pan. I like to grease my pan and line it with a round of parchment paper.

Greek yogurt cake in baking pan on cooling rack.

Step 4. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cake is set in the middle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does adding Greek yogurt to cake do?

Adding Greek yogurt to this cake recipe helps ensure that the cake has a tender crumb and also boasts extra nutrition from the yogurt.

Why do you use Greek yogurt in baking?

I love using Greek yogurt in baking since it adds protein and calcium to baked goods but also creates the most moist, tender end result without using as much butter or oil as more classic cakes, cupcakes, or muffins.

Is sour cream the same as Greek yogurt?

Sour cream often works the same in baked goods, though nutritionally they are not identical.

How to Store

Once cooled, store cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or for up to 5 days in the fridge. Warm slightly to serve from the fridge (the cake firms up a bit when it’s cold so warming slightly returns it to its softer texture).

You can also freeze the cut cake in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in 15-second increments in the microwave.

Hands holding slice of greek yogurt cake.

Best Tips for Success

I like using whole-milk Greek yogurt in this recipe.
This bakes best in a metal pan, rather than glass. If baking in glass, the middle will take longer to set. Follow the recipe, then cover with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Dairy-free: Use a nondairy yogurt and a neutral oil like canola in place of the butter.
Gluten-free: Substitute cup-for-cup gluten-free flour in place of the wheat flours.
Egg-free: Omit the eggs. Reduce the yogurt to ¾ cup. Add ¼ cup milk. Proceed with the recipe.
Top with Cream Cheese Frosting or Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting if desired.