Begin by lining a 20 cm (8 inch) round pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends above the rim for easy removal. Beat four large room‑temperature eggs with 180 g granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale, light, and doubled in volume. The aeration from whisking eggs and sugar is the secret to a tender cake. Next, drizzle in 80 ml vegetable oil and gently fold in 90 g plain yogurt along with the finely grated zest of one lemon. This addition of yogurt and lemon zest keeps the crumb moist and fragrant without weighing it down. In a separate bowl, sift together 280 g all‑purpose flour and 10 g baking powder, then fold into the wet batter in two additions, being careful not to overmix. The result should be a smooth, thick, pourable batter. Half of this batter is poured into the prepared pan, leveled, and set aside while you prepare the cream cheese swirl.
Preparation, cook, and total times
Preparation Time: 20 minutes Baking Time: 40–45 minutes Cooling & Decoration: 15 minutes Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield and cuisine
Yield: One 20 cm round cake, serving 10–12 slices Cuisine: European‑inspired with Mediterranean citrus accents
A full list of ingredients
4 large eggs, room temperature 180 g granulated sugar 80 ml vegetable oil 90 g plain yogurt Zest of 1 lemon 280 g all‑purpose flour 10 g baking powder 300 g full‑fat cream cheese, softened 120 g powdered sugar 60 g cornstarch 1 tsp vanilla essence 1 tsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
Step‑by‑step cooking directions
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Preheat the oven to 180 °C (356 °F). Line an 8 inch cake pan with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar on high speed until pale and thick, about 4 minutes. 3. Reduce speed, drizzle in the oil, fold in yogurt and lemon zest until uniform. 4. Sift flour and baking powder; fold into the batter in two batches until just combined. 5. Pour half the batter into the pan and smooth the top. 6. Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla essence until smooth. Spoon cream cheese into a piping bag and create concentric spirals atop the batter. 7. Cover the filling with the remaining batter, leveling gently. 8. Bake for 40–45 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. 9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift with parchment and cool completely. 10. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing.
Nutritional information
Per slice (1/12 of cake) approx: Calories 290 kcal Protein 5 g Carbohydrates 36 g Fat 14 g Saturated Fat 7 g Fiber 1 g Sugar 20 g Sodium 120 mg
The origins and popularity of the recipe
Layered and swirled cakes have roots in Eastern European tortes, while the use of yogurt in cake batters emerged as a healthful innovation in late 20th century European home baking. Cream cheese fillings gained traction through American cheesecake traditions. Combining these techniques and flavors has created viral sensations on social media as bakers share striking cross‑sections showcasing creamy spirals within light sponges.
Reasons why you’ll love the recipe
You’ll appreciate the balance of flavors—bright lemon tang, creamy cheese sweetness, and a soft yet structured crumb. The visual appeal of the spiral swirl creates an impressive presentation with minimal effort. This cake is forgiving: room‑temperature ingredients, straightforward steps, and adaptable timing make it accessible to bakers of all levels.
Health benefits
Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics, while lemon zest provides vitamin C and antioxidants. Full‑fat cream cheese contributes calcium and healthy fats, and minimal oil is used for moisture without greasiness. The moderate sugar content and light crumb offer a treat that feels indulgent yet balanced.
Serving suggestions
Serve with fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries to complement the citrus notes. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms it into an elegant dessert. For brunch, pair with a citrus salad or fruit compote and tea or coffee.
Common mistakes to avoid
Overmixing the batter can develop gluten and yield a tough cake—fold gently until combined. Ensure the eggs and yogurt are at room temperature to prevent batter curdling. Sifting dry ingredients and using a light touch when folding maintains the airy texture. Check the cake at the 40 minute mark to avoid over‑baking which can dry out the crumb.
Pairing recommendations
A sparkling Moscato or Prosecco highlights the lemon brightness. For a non‑alcoholic option, a chilled herbal tea such as chamomile or lemon balm complements the citrus. A fresh berry‑infused water also pairs well.
Cooking tips
Use a microplane to zest the lemon finely, avoiding the bitter pith. If swirl piping seems daunting, spoon dollops of cream cheese filling into concentric rings and swirl gently with a skewer. Let the cake cool fully before dusting to prevent sugar dissolution.
Variations to try
Swap lemon zest for orange or lime for a different citrus profile. Incorporate fresh berries into the batter for added color and flavor. Add a tablespoon of poppy seeds for texture. For a chocolate twist, swirl melted chocolate into the batter.
Similar recipes to try
Lemon Blueberry Yogurt Cake Cream Cheese Stuffed Coffee Cake Citrus Almond Bundt Cake Marble Pound Cake Cranberry Orange Loaf
Ingredient spotlight
Cornstarch in the cream cheese filling stabilizes the mixture and prevents weeping, ensuring that the swirls hold their shape and bake into creamy ribbons rather than melting into the sponge.
Conclusion
This Lemon Yogurt Cream Cheese Cake delivers an elegant, flavor‑packed dessert that balances tangy citrus, creamy cheese, and tender crumb in each slice. Its impressive swirl pattern makes it a standout showpiece, while the straightforward method and pantry‑friendly ingredients make it a reliable choice for any home baker seeking to elevate their dessert repertoire.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use low‑fat yogurt? Yes, but the cake may be slightly less moist and tender.
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How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
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Can I freeze the cake? Yes—wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
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Why did my cream cheese swirl sink? The filling may have been too heavy; ensure proper ratio of cornstarch and smooth piping.
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Can I bake in a different pan size? Yes—reduce depth for larger pans or adjust baking time accordingly.
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How do I make the cake dairy‑free? Substitute lactose‑free yogurt and vegan cream cheese, and use dairy‑free milk if desired.
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What if I don’t have a piping bag? Use a resealable plastic bag, snip a corner, and pipe the filling.
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My cake cracked on top—how do I prevent that? Avoid opening the oven door during baking and ensure the batter is evenly leveled.
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Can I add lemon juice to the batter? The zest provides concentrated flavor; adding juice may alter consistency and require additional liquid adjustment.
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How do I get a more pronounced swirl? Pipe filling in tight spirals and use a steeper pan to allow the swirls to stand out.