This fluffy yogurt cake recipe is a dessert that feels like a dream on your plate. With its light, airy texture and cheesecake-like appearance, it’s a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy yogurt cake recipe is satisfying and guaranteed to impress.
The secret to its fluffiness lies in separating the eggs and whipping the whites to stiff peaks before folding them into the batter. Combined with rich Greek yogurt, cornstarch, and just the right amount of sugar, this cake proves how a few basic ingredients can create something extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Yogurt Cake Recipe
- Light and Airy Texture: Whipped egg whites create a cloud-like texture.
- Cheesecake-Like Appearance: Elegant yet simple to make.
- Rich Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples make this an easy go-to recipe.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect as a dessert, snack, or light breakfast.
- Costco Greek Yogurt: The Kirkland brand is ideal for baking — rich, creamy, and affordable.
Fun Facts About Yogurt Cake
- Yogurt cakes are a staple in many European households because they’re quick, easy, and require minimal ingredients — perfect for unexpected guests.
- In France, yogurt cake is often the first recipe children learn to bake due to its simplicity.
- Greek yogurt’s acidity tenderizes the cake, resulting in a moist crumb and enhanced flavor.
- Whipping egg whites to stiff peaks is a classic European baking technique used in soufflés and sponge cakes.
- This cake is naturally lighter in calories compared to traditional butter-based cakes, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
What’s the Difference Between a Yogurt Cake and a Cheesecake?
While they may look similar, yogurt cake and cheesecake are quite different. Cheesecake is dense and rich, made primarily with cream cheese and often a graham cracker crust. Yogurt cake, on the other hand, is light, fluffy, and uses Greek yogurt as the main ingredient for moisture and tanginess. Cheesecake is more of a special-occasion dessert, while yogurt cake is versatile enough for any day of the week.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought
Making your own yogurt cake gives you complete control over the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, healthier dessert. Store-bought cakes often contain preservatives, artificial flavors, and excess sugar. Using high-quality Greek yogurt, like Costco’s Kirkland brand, ensures better texture and taste. Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying than baking a cake from scratch and sharing it with loved ones.
Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Fluffy Yogurt Cake
Tips:
- Use room-temperature eggs for easier whipping and better incorporation.
- Be gentle when folding the egg whites into the batter to retain the airiness.
- Use whole milk Greek yogurt for the best texture and flavor—low-fat versions won’t give the same rich results.
- Don’t overbake! The cake should be golden brown on top but still soft to the touch.
- Costco’s Greek yogurt is highly recommended for this recipe due to its creamy consistency.
Variations:
- Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.
- Mix in fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for bursts of flavor.
- Top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.
- Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a fun texture.
- Add a swirl of jam or fruit puree before baking for a marbled look.
Notes for Ingredients
- Eggs (separated) are needed to make this a fluffy airy cake
- Greek yogurt (Costco’s Kirkland brand is ideal) gives this cake the sour taste like cheese cake. Best if whole milk greek yogurt is used.
- Cornstarch binds all the ingredients together
- Baking powder helps the cake to rise properly,
- Granulated sugar for sweetness
- Vanilla sugar is best, but vanilla extract can also be used.
How to Make Fluffy Yogurt Cake
- Separate the eggs, placing the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another.
- Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the egg yolks with granulated sugar and vanilla sugar until pale and creamy.
- Add the Greek yogurt and fold it into the egg mixture.
Sift the cornstarch, and baking powder to the yolk mixture, and mix until smooth. - In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks using a clean mixer.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yogurt mixture in three batches, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, then turn down the oven to 230°F and bake for another 20 minutes.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy with whipping cream and fruit of your choice.
Storage and Freezing
- Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
FAQ – Fluffy Yogurt Cake Recipe
- Why does the recipe call for Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?
Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier, which helps create a richer texture and prevents the batter from being too runny. - Can I use low-fat Greek yogurt?
Whole milk Greek yogurt is strongly recommended for the best flavor and texture. Low-fat versions can make the cake less rich and slightly drier. - What’s the best Greek yogurt to use?
Costco’s Kirkland Greek Yogurt is a fantastic choice—it’s creamy, affordable, and perfect for baking. - Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This could happen if the egg whites weren’t whipped enough or if the cake was underbaked. Make sure to test with a toothpick before removing it from the oven. - Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend. - Can I add fruit to the batter?
Definitely! Fold in fresh or frozen berries, or layer sliced fruit on top before baking. - Can I make this cake without separating the eggs?
While it’s possible, separating and whipping the egg whites is what gives the cake its signature fluffiness. - What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit for a more decadent treat.
Wrapping Up
This fluffy yogurt cake is proof that simplicity can lead to spectacular results. Its light, airy texture and cheesecake-like appearance make it a standout dessert, while its easy preparation ensures it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Using whole milk Greek yogurt, especially the one from Costco, ensures the richest, creamiest results. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to delight your family and friends.
Fluffy Yogurt Cake Recipe – Light, Airy & Irresistible
Description
This fluffy yogurt cake is a light and airy dessert with a cheesecake-like texture. Made with simple ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Divide 4 eggs into two bowls and put the egg whites to the side.
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Whisk the egg yolk for about 30 seconds and that add the granulated and vanilla sugar to it. Whisk until a pale creamy batter forms.
It will take about 2-3 minutes. Add the greek yogurt in the bowl and mix until combined.
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Sift the cornstarch and baking powder into the pale batter and whisk again. Make sure no lumps are left behind.
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Now whisk the egg whites until fluffy and stiff peak appear on the whisk. Use a hand mixer if you have one. That way it is a breeze to get it nice and stiff.
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Take a spatula and fold the egg whites into the pale batter. Be gentle so you do not deflate the egg whites. Fold carefully until all the egg whites are incorporated.
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Pre-heat oven to 325°F and grease the baking pan with oil. Also use a parchment paper on the bottom.
Fill the batter into the form and even out the top.
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Bake at 325°F for 30 minutes. Turn down the oven to 230°F and bake another 20 minutes. Use a toothpick to make sure it is baked.
Let it cool down for about 10-15 minutes before removing the baking pan.
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Once the pan is removed let it cool down.
Decorate with whipping cream and fruit if desired.
Enjoy!
