There’s something incredibly comforting about a simple homemade cake that doesn’t require an overwhelming number of ingredients or complicated steps. This Fluffy Yogurt Vanilla Cake is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s light, airy, and slightly tangy thanks to the addition of yogurt, with just the right amount of sweetness. The vanilla gives it warmth and depth, making it an easy yet elegant cake that works for almost any occasion. You can enjoy it plain as an afternoon snack, dress it up with fruit and cream for dessert, or even serve it at breakfast with a drizzle of honey. The best part is that it’s butter-free, which makes it a little lighter without losing any of its moist, tender crumb.

Full Recipe

Ingredients

• 175 g (1⅓ cups) 00 flour (or all-purpose flour)

• 5 Tbsp plain yogurt

• 2 Tbsp granulated sugar

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil (sunflower or mild olive oil)

• 1 large egg, room temperature

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 sachet (≈8 g) vanilla sugar or 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pan Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Grease and line a small loaf pan or round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk the egg with the sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly frothy. Add the yogurt, oil, and vanilla, whisking until smooth and well blended.

3. Combine with the Dry Ingredients Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gradually fold them into the wet mixture. Mix gently until no streaks of flour remain—avoid overmixing to keep the cake fluffy.

4. Bake the Cake Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Cool and Serve Let the cake rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool fully. Dust with powdered sugar, slice, and serve.

Nutrients (per slice, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 140 kcal

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 5 g

• Carbohydrates: 20 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 6 g

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and practically foolproof. Unlike more complicated cakes that rely on creaming butter and sugar or whipping egg whites to perfection, this cake comes together with just a whisk and one mixing bowl. It’s also versatile: you can keep it plain for a light snack or dress it up for a special dessert. The yogurt ensures the crumb stays soft and moist for days, while the vanilla adds a rich aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell irresistible. This is the kind of cake that feels homemade in the best way possible—cozy, simple, and satisfying.

The Origins and Inspiration Behind the Dish

This cake is inspired by traditional European yogurt cakes, particularly those found in Mediterranean and Eastern European households. Yogurt has long been a staple ingredient in these regions, used not just in savory dishes but in baking too. Yogurt cakes are beloved for their simplicity and practicality—families would use whatever they had on hand to make a treat that could be enjoyed with tea or coffee. The beauty of this style of cake lies in its adaptability. Every household would tweak the recipe slightly, adding citrus zest, nuts, or dried fruit depending on what was available. This Fluffy Yogurt Vanilla Cake keeps true to that tradition: simple ingredients transformed into something special.

Ingredient Spotlight

• Flour forms the structure of the cake. 00 flour gives a particularly soft texture, but all-purpose flour works beautifully as well.

• Yogurt is the star ingredient here. It brings a delicate tang and moist crumb while replacing butter to make the cake lighter.

• Sugar provides just the right sweetness without being overwhelming, allowing the vanilla to shine through.

• Egg binds the mixture together, adds richness, and contributes to the rise.

• Vanilla infuses a warm, aromatic note that makes this cake taste far from plain despite its simplicity.

• Vegetable oil keeps the cake soft and airy, preventing it from drying out.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This cake keeps surprisingly well thanks to the yogurt and oil. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to 5 days, but let it come to room temperature before serving so the texture isn’t firm. It also freezes very well. Simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven at 150 °C (300 °F) for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving unless you don’t mind a slightly rubbery texture.

Common Variations to Try

This cake may be simple, but it can easily be transformed with small tweaks. Add citrus zest—lemon, orange, or lime—for a refreshing flavor. Stir in a handful of chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a sweeter twist. Swap the vanilla for almond extract if you want a nuttier profile. You could also bake the batter as muffins for an easy grab-and-go option, or layer the cake with whipped cream and fruit to turn it into a light celebration dessert. For those who like a glaze, a thin icing of powdered sugar and milk adds a touch of extra sweetness.

Pairing Recommendations

The beauty of this cake is that it pairs well with almost anything. For a cozy afternoon snack, enjoy it with a cup of black tea or cappuccino. If serving it as dessert, pair it with fresh fruit—berries, peaches, or citrus slices bring a refreshing contrast. A drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce takes it from humble to indulgent. It’s also wonderful with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of nuts on top, creating a wholesome breakfast option.

Health Benefits

While cake isn’t usually seen as “healthy,” this version is a bit lighter than traditional butter cakes. The use of yogurt provides a dose of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which support digestion. Using oil instead of butter reduces saturated fat content, making it a heart-friendlier choice. The modest sugar content also means it’s not overly sweet, making it suitable for those who prefer less sugary desserts. Plus, its simplicity makes it less processed than most store-bought cakes, which often contain preservatives and artificial flavors.

Conclusion

This Fluffy Yogurt Vanilla Cake is proof that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can whip up a soft, tender cake that feels both comforting and versatile. Whether you enjoy it plain with a dusting of sugar, dress it up with fruit and cream, or tweak it with your own variations, it’s a recipe that adapts to your needs. The yogurt makes it moist and flavorful, while the vanilla gives it a cozy aroma that feels like home. This is the kind of recipe that deserves a permanent spot in your baking repertoire—unpretentious, dependable, and always delightful.