This Lemon Yogurt Peach Cake is a delightful fusion of zesty citrus and sweet stone fruit, wrapped in a tender, moist crumb that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients like eggs, yogurt, sunflower oil, and pantry staples, this cake comes together quickly and bakes to a golden, fragrant perfection in just 20 minutes at 175 °C. Each bite reveals bursts of peaches in syrup nestled within a delicate lemon-scented batter, making it an ideal treat for brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert. Its light texture, balanced sweetness, and bright flavor profile guarantee that both adults and children will ask for seconds.
Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes at 175 °C (350 °F)
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings
Makes one 8-inch (20 cm) round cake, serving 8–10 slices
Cuisine
American-Style Coffee Cake with Mediterranean Flair
Ingredients
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• A pinch of fine salt
• Zest of 1 lemon (organic preferred)
• 100 g granulated sugar (½ cup)
• 100 ml sunflower oil (7 tbsp)
• 100 g natural plain yogurt (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp)
• 200 g all-purpose flour (1⅔ cups), sifted
• 10 g baking powder (2 tsp)
• 1 can (about 400 g) peaches in syrup, drained and halved or sliced, reserve 2–3 tbsp syrup for brushing
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
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Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 175 °C (350 °F). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, tapping out excess flour. Alternatively, line the bottom with parchment paper for easy release.
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Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, crack the 2 eggs and add a pinch of salt. Whisk lightly to combine. Stir in the 100 g sugar and continue whisking until the mixture turns pale yellow and slightly thickened.
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Add Citrus & Dairy: Stir in the lemon zest, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Pour in the 100 ml sunflower oil in a steady stream, whisking continuously to emulsify. Add the 100 g yogurt and whisk until smooth.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 200 g flour and 10 g baking powder. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can develop gluten and yield a dense cake.
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Incorporate Peaches: Gently fold in the drained peach halves or slices, cutting larger pieces if needed so they distribute evenly. The reserved peach syrup can be brushed lightly over the batter’s surface for extra moisture and shine.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Arrange any remaining peach slices on top for decoration. Place in the center of the preheated oven and bake 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is lightly golden.
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Cool & Glaze: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, invert onto a wire rack, and remove the parchment. Optionally, brush the warm cake with leftover peach syrup for extra gloss and flavor.
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Serve: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 4 days.
Nutritional Information
Per slice (1 of 10): Calories: 190 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g (Sat: 1 g) | Carbs: 27 g (Sugars: 15 g; Fiber: 1 g) | Sodium: 120 mg
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Lemon-scented cakes date back to 19th-century European tea culture, where citrus flavors brightened heavy batters. The addition of yogurt reflects Mediterranean culinary influences, introducing acidity that tenderizes the crumb. Incorporating canned fruit mirrors mid-20th-century home baking trends in North America, where convenience became king. Today, this fusion cake thrives on social media and coffeehouse menus as a quick, vibrant dessert that bridges old-world charm and modern ease.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
• Simplicity: Just one bowl and pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Speed: Ready from start to finish in under 45 minutes.
• Versatility: Enjoy as a breakfast treat, tea-time cake, or light dessert.
• Texture: Moist, tender crumb enriched by yogurt and oil.
• Flavor: Bright lemon zest and sweet peaches strike perfect balance.
Health Benefits
• Protein & Calcium: Eggs and yogurt offer essential amino acids and calcium.
• Vitamin C: Lemon zest and peaches deliver immune-supporting nutrients.
• Healthy Fats: Sunflower oil supplies heart-friendly unsaturated fats.
• Probiotics: Live cultures in yogurt may benefit gut health.
• Moderate Sugar: Balanced sweetness without overpowering the fruit’s natural sugars.
Serving Suggestions
• Pair each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Serve alongside a fresh berry compote or fruit salad for extra color and vitamins.
• Accompany with tea or coffee for an inviting afternoon break.
• Offer small squares as part of a brunch buffet with quiches and frittatas.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Cold Ingredients: Eggs and yogurt should be room temperature to prevent batter from splitting.
• Overmixing: Stops the cake from rising properly; fold dry into wet until just combined.
• Underserving a Pan: Ensure batter reaches only two-thirds up the pan to allow room for rise.
• Skipping Parchment: Using parchment ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
Pairing Recommendations
• White Wine: A chilled Moscato or Riesling complements peach and lemon notes.
• Beer: A wheat beer or Belgian witbier echoes the cake’s citrus brightness.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a twist of lemon or iced herbal tea refreshes the palate.
Cooking Tips
• Measure Precisely: Spoon flour into the cup and level for accurate results.
• Sift Flour: Aerates the batter for a lighter, airier crumb.
• Zest Carefully: Only zest the yellow part of the peel to avoid bitterness.
• Test Doneness: Begin testing at 18 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Similar Recipes to Try
• Lemon Yogurt Loaf Cake: A taller, denser version with a lemon-glaze drizzle.
• Peach Almond Tart: A buttery tart crust filled with frangipane and peach slices.
• Orange Yogurt Muffins: Individual citrus-infused muffins perfect for on-the-go.
• Ricotta Lemon Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes featuring ricotta and lemon zest.
Variations to Try
• Mixed Berries: Replace peaches with raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
• Nuts & Seeds: Fold in chopped almonds or poppy seeds for crunch.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt and a neutral oil in place of sunflower.
Ingredient Spotlight
Natural Yogurt adds tang and moisture while tenderizing the cake’s crumb. Its acidity reacts with baking powder to create an extra lift, resulting in a lighter texture compared to oil-only batters.
Conclusion
This Lemon Yogurt Peach Cake demonstrates how everyday ingredients can become a bright, delicious centerpiece. Whether you choose to serve it at a spring brunch or unwind with a slice and a cup of tea, its simple preparation and joyful flavors will leave a lasting impression. Embrace the ease of one-bowl baking and enjoy the fresh, sunny taste of lemon and peach in every bite.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Yes—peel, pit, and slice about 200 g fresh peaches; pat dry to avoid extra moisture. -
What if I don’t have yogurt?
Sour cream or buttermilk works as a tangy substitute. -
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based yogurt and a neutral oil; ensure brand of sugar is vegan. -
How do I store leftovers?
Cover at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container. -
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes—wrap in plastic and freeze slices up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature. -
Why didn’t my cake rise?
Likely old baking powder—verify freshness, or add ½ tsp baking soda if using acidic fruit. -
Can I make muffins instead?
Yes—divide batter into a greased 12-cup muffin tin and bake 15–18 minutes. -
How do I intensify the lemon flavor?
Add 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the batter or a lemon-sugar sprinkle on top. -
My cake is dry—what happened?
Possibly overbaked or too much flour; always test with a toothpick earlier. -
What pan size is best?
An 8-inch round yields a taller cake; a 9-inch pan will produce a slightly thinner layer—adjust baking time by ±3 minutes.