Classic Vanilla Yogurt Loaf Cake

Name: Classic Vanilla Yogurt Loaf Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 cup sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Simple Baking Collection

I absolutely love making this Classic Vanilla Yogurt Loaf Cake because it combines the tangy richness of yogurt with the delightful essence of vanilla. This cake is incredibly moist and flavorful, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack with tea. Every time I bake it, the aroma fills my kitchen and makes my mouth water. With simple ingredients and an easy technique, anyone can create this deliciously comforting cake that quickly becomes a family favorite. Trust me, every slice is a delight!

Created by

Serena Whitaker

Last updated on 2026-02-01T23:17:35.988Z

When I first experimented with using yogurt in cake, I was amazed by how it transformed the texture—making it wonderfully moist without being overly dense. I remember testing out different ratios and found that a cup of yogurt creates the perfect balance. The best part is that it adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness beautifully.

This time, I used a good quality vanilla extract, which imparted a lovely flavor throughout the loaf. I also recommend letting the cake cool in the pan for a bit longer to ensure it holds its shape when you transfer it to a wire rack.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Incredibly moist and tender thanks to the yogurt
Rich vanilla flavor that brightens your day
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert

Understanding the Ingredients

The combination of plain yogurt and eggs in this Classic Vanilla Yogurt Loaf Cake is key to achieving an incredibly moist texture. Yogurt adds tanginess and richness, which enhances the flavor and promotes a tender crumb. If you're out of plain yogurt, Greek yogurt can be used instead for a thicker consistency, but you may want to dilute it slightly with water or milk to match the original yogurt's texture.

Sugar not only sweetens the cake but also helps in creating a golden crust that adds to the visual appeal. If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, consider substituting half of the sugar with applesauce or honey. However, keep in mind that this may affect the cake's texture and baking time; a toothpick should still be your trusty guide in determining doneness.

Baking Tips and Techniques

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Gently stirring until just combined helps maintain the cake's light and airy texture. If you see a few small flour streaks remaining, that’s perfectly fine; they will incorporate during the baking process, resulting in a fluffy loaf. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, which we definitely want to avoid.

For best results, I recommend using room temperature eggs and yogurt. This allows for smoother mixing and better emulsion, which contributes to an even rise during baking. If you forget to take your eggs out of the fridge beforehand, you can place them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to quickly bring them to room temperature.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your Classic Vanilla Yogurt Loaf Cake.

Ingredients

1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt

Mix and match these ingredients for a delightful flavor experience!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your loaf cake to perfection.

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and set it aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious vanilla yogurt loaf cake!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding lemon zest or serving with fresh berries. This cake also freezes well, making it a great make-ahead option.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This loaf cake can be made ahead of time, making it super convenient for busy mornings or unexpected guests. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for about a week.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. This way, you can easily grab a slice whenever you crave something sweet. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature, or pop in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Classic Vanilla Yogurt Loaf Cake serves wonderfully on its own, but you can elevate it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice. Drizzle this over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness and a pop of citrus flavor that complements the vanilla beautifully. Fresh berries on the side make a lovely addition as well, balancing the richness.

Feel free to experiment with flavor variations! You can fold in some fresh lemon zest or a teaspoon of almond extract for a delightful twist. For a seasonal variation, try adding pumpkin puree and a splash of cinnamon during fall, creating a spiced loaf that pays homage to autumn flavors. The possibilities are endless!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt works well, but you may need to adjust the sugar content slightly if it's very tangy.

→ How do I store the loaf cake?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits can be added for extra flavor and texture.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, fruit compote, or simply a dusting of powdered sugar.