Creamy 4-Ingredient Lemon Yogurt Cake Recipe (No Added Sugar) | Cakes/Cupcakes | 30Seconds Food (2024)

A creamy three-ingredient yogurt cake recipe caught not only my attention, but thousands of others who visit 30Seconds. The yogurt cake looked amazingly creamy, but light and delicious. That dessert recipe inspired this lemony four-ingredient yogurt cake! This simple cake recipe mixes up in minutes and is a less-sweet dessert to serve after dinner. Delish!

To make this cheesecake-like cake recipe you only need four ingredients. Here is what you need to get from your fridge and pantry so we can get to baking: vanilla yogurt (Greek or regular work), large eggs, a lemon for zesting and cornstarch.

The gluten-free ingredients are mixed together and poured into a 6-inch cake pan (see Recipe Notes). The low-sodium cake bakes for about one hour or until puffy and golden on top. Cool then chill the cake before serving slices with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey. The cake is not too sweet. If you want a sweeter cake, you simply add some granulated sugar to the batter.

Serve this lemon yogurt cake for dessert with a cup of tea or coffee. It would even be delicious for breakfast, brunch or as a snack.

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt or regular vanilla yogurt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 5 tablespoonscornstarch
  • 1 lemon, zested

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Recipe Notes

  • This is not a sweet dessert. If you want a sweeter cake add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar to the batter before baking.
  • I used vanilla Greek yogurt, but regular yogurt works just as well. Do not get sugar-free yogurt because that's where this cake gets its sweetness.
  • You could add little vanilla extract to the batter for even more flavor.
  • Try other citrus zest like orange, tangerine or grapefruit.
  • I bought a 6-inch cake pan through Amazon (see link below).
  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge.

Here's how to make it:

  1. Spray a 6-inch cake pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper, coming up over the sides. Set aside.

  2. Put the yogurt and eggs into a mixing bowl.

  3. Whisk thoroughly to combine.

  4. Sift the cornstarch into the batter.
  5. Grate the lemon zest into the batter.

  6. Whisk to combine.

  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

  8. Bake in a preheated 350-degree F oven for about 1 hour or until cake is puffed up and golden on top.

  9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool about 30 minutes. The cake will sink as it cools.

  10. Remove the cake from the pan by lifting up on the parchment paper.

  11. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until chilled.
  12. For the creamiest cake, remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving. Serve with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey, if desired.

Note: 30Seconds is a participant in the Amazon affiliate advertising program and this post contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission or fees if you make a purchase via those links.

Nutrition Facts Per Serving

Calories: 412

Total Fat: 4.2g

Saturated Fat: 1.4g

Cholesterol: 128mg

Sodium: 67mg

Total Carbohydrate: 83.4g

Dietary Fiber: 1.2g

Total Sugars: 4.9g

Protein: 8.1g

Vitamin D: 12mcg

Calcium: 61mg

Iron: 1mg

Potassium: 134mg

Recipe cooking times, nutritional information and servings are approximate and provided for your convenience. However, 30Seconds is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe, nor may you have the same results because of variations in ingredients, temperatures, altitude, errors, omissions or cooking/baking abilities. This recipe has been analyzed by VeryWellFit. However, any nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and it is up to the individual to ascertain accuracy. To ensure image quality, we may occasionally use stock photography.

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Creamy 4-Ingredient Lemon Yogurt Cake Recipe (No Added Sugar) | Cakes/Cupcakes | 30Seconds Food (2024)

FAQs

What does yogurt do in a cake? ›

Its creaminess helps keep baked goods moist. Its tanginess imparts a crave-worthy, old-fashioned flavor. Its acidity helps activate baking soda, which can make baked goods fluffy and light. It can step in for sour cream, mayonnaise or crème fraîche, bringin the same tangy with less guilt.

What does yogurt replace in a cake mix? ›

You can use the same amount of plain yogurt to replace oil in any cake mix.

Why do you put yogurt in cake mix? ›

It might not be traditional but it really does work. One little pot makes a wonderfully light sponge that is fluffy and moist (sorry I know we hate the word but it is 100% called for here). The yoghurt gives a tang and a creaminess to our cake.

Can I use yogurt instead of curd in cake? ›

Yes you can use yogurt when making cakes. If yogurt/curds not available take one cup of milk add one teaspoon white vinegar mix well and keep a side for 10 minute.

Is yogurt or sour cream better for cake? ›

While sour cream sets the stage for a denser, more traditional cake, the inclusion of Greek yogurt can often lead to a lighter, health-conscious choice with a subtler finish, perfect for those who enjoy a less heavy dessert.

What is the secret to a moist cake? ›

Use Your Ingredients Wisely
  1. Choose Fresh Leavening. ...
  2. Opt For Full-Fat Dairy. ...
  3. Reach For The Right Flour. ...
  4. Don't Double Down. ...
  5. Use Eggs And Butter At Room Temperature. ...
  6. Measure Accurately. ...
  7. Avoid Over Baking.
Apr 5, 2024

Can I replace sugar with yogurt in baking? ›

Your cake recipe already calls for sugar, so reaching for vanilla Greek yogurt will probably make it sweeter than you're expecting (although it still can be good!). Plain Greek yogurt is the most versatile pick and gives you complete control over the flavor of your baked good.

What does putting sour cream in a cake do? ›

Sour cream is one of the fattiest dairy products; the extra fat content (for example, adding sour cream to a cake instead of milk) will make the cake moister and richer, says Wilk. "Fat, in any form (butter, lard, cream, etc.) shortens gluten strands, which essentially leads to the most tender baked goods," she adds.

What does adding mayonnaise to cake mix do? ›

All this means that adding mayonnaise to the cake batter boosts the moisture of the final product—and leaves none of its characteristic taste. Testing showed that using oil or butter instead of mayo made for a drier cake, but keeping the eggs in addition to the mayonnaise improved richness and springiness.

Can I use yogurt instead of milk in a cake mix? ›

Yogurt. Yogurt can be a really good replacement for milk in recipes. As with sour cream, it'll add moisture and flavor, but also a bit of tang. You can stick to a one-to-one replacement, but try to steer clear of flavored yogurt.

How much yogurt instead of oil in cake mix? ›

Due to its thickness, you'll want to add a bit more yogurt to the recipe than the amount of oil called for. Start with a 1:1.25 ratio. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 cup of oil, use 1 ¼ cup of yogurt for baking. If your batter seems dry, slowly stir in a bit more yogurt.

Can I use yogurt instead of milk in a cake? ›

Yogurt. Yogurt is a great option as a milk substitute, especially because of its ability to add moisture and enhance the texture of baked goods. Use an even cup for cup substitution, but be sure to consider the type of yogurt you're using.

Can sour cream replace yogurt? ›

In most cases, plain yogurt or Greek yogurt can be used in place of sour cream—and vice versa. Sour cream will give you a similar texture and tanginess, and swapping sour cream for yogurt is a simple 1-to-1 ratio.

How much yogurt to replace one egg? ›

Yogurt or buttermilk

It's best to use plain yogurt, as flavored and sweetened varieties may alter the flavor of your recipe. You can use 1/4 cup (60 g) of yogurt or buttermilk for each egg that needs to be replaced. This substitution works best for muffins, cakes, and cupcakes.

Why is my yogurt cake dense? ›

The egg whites in particular provide leavening for the cake and it is most likely that when these were mixed in some air was lost. The whites should be whisked to firm peaks, but if they are whisked too much then they can start to collapse and lose air.

What does yogurt replace in baking? ›

Substitute Greek Yogurt for Higher-Fat Ingredients

From traditional comfort foods to fresh baked goods, Greek yogurt can substitute oil and mayonnaise. Oil: Replace oil with Greek yogurt when baking muffins, cakes and even waffles.

Can I skip yogurt in cake? ›

The take-away: In a pinch, substitute buttermilk, or milk that has been spiked with a little lemon juice or vinegar (aka homemade buttermilk) and use 1/4 less milk than the amount of yogurt called for in the recipe.

Does yogurt help baked goods rise? ›

Greek yogurt adds flavor, creaminess, and moisture to breads, cakes, and other baked goods. The natural acidity of Greek yogurt also interacts with baking soda to help baked goods rise.

What happens to yogurt when baked? ›

Yogurt may curdle if cooked too long or at too high a temperature, due to the higher protein content.

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