I’m absolutely obsessed with this creamy yogurt cake! It’s one of those magical recipes that seems almost too good to be true – just 3 simple ingredients create a dessert that tastes like a cross between cheesecake and flan. No flour, no butter, no oil needed! This has become my go-to recipe when I want something impressive but incredibly easy to make.
Quick Facts
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 3+ hours (including chilling)
Servings: 8 slices
Why You’ll Love This Cake
What I love most about this yogurt cake is its soft, creamy texture that’s surprisingly light and not overly sweet. The Greek yogurt gives it a lovely tang that balances beautifully with just a hint of sweetness. It’s healthier than traditional cakes, incredibly simple to make, and requires no special equipment – not even a mixer!
The best part? It looks absolutely stunning with its golden, caramelized top that happens naturally during baking. Everyone thinks I’ve spent hours making it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
1⅔ cups (400g) nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt
-
4 large eggs
-
4 tablespoons (32g) cornstarch
-
Optional: ¼ cup sugar for a sweeter version
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare Your Pan
I preheat my oven to 350°F (177°C). Then I line a 6-inch round cake pan or standard loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure it covers the bottom and sides. I spray it lightly with cooking spray so the paper sticks.
Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, I whisk together the yogurt and eggs until well combined and smooth. If I want a sweeter cake, I add the sugar at this point and whisk it in.
Next, I add the cornstarch and whisk everything together until the batter is completely smooth with no lumps. The batter will be quite liquid – that’s perfect!
Bake to Golden Perfection
I pour the batter into my prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes (70-75 minutes if using a larger loaf pan). The cake is done when it’s puffed up, beautifully golden brown on top, and no longer jiggly in the center. A toothpick should come out clean.
The cake will deflate slightly as it cools – this is completely normal and gives it that beautiful, rustic look!
Cool Completely
I let the cake cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight is even better). This chilling time is crucial – it helps the flavors develop and gives the cake its signature creamy texture.
Before serving, I let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes so it’s not too cold.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is delicious plain, but I love serving it with fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or maple syrup. A dollop of whipped cream or extra Greek yogurt on top is divine! For something special, I add a dusting of powdered sugar or a chocolate sauce drizzle.
Tips for Customization
-
Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for extra flavor
-
Mix in lemon zest for a citrusy twist
-
Use flavored yogurt (coconut, strawberry) for different flavors
-
Add warm spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the batter
-
Swirl in fruit preserves before baking for a marbled effect
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
-
Calories: 80
-
Protein: 4g
-
Fat: 4g
-
Carbohydrates: 7g
-
Sugar: 2g
-
Fiber: 0g
Values are approximate for the basic 3-ingredient version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt works best because it’s thicker and has less moisture. Regular yogurt will make the cake too watery and it won’t set properly.
Why does my cake deflate?
This is completely normal! The cake puffs up during baking and deflates as it cools. This gives it that beautiful, rustic appearance and creamy texture.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes! Bake at 320°F for 20-23 minutes until the top is caramelized and the cake is no longer jiggly.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture actually improves after a day or two as the flavors meld together.
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, but adjust baking time accordingly. A larger pan will need less time, while a deeper pan needs more. Just watch for the golden top and non-jiggly center.
This creamy yogurt cake has completely changed how I think about simple desserts. With just three ingredients and minimal effort, you get something truly special that everyone will love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or when you want something sweet without the guilt. Give it a try and discover why this might just become your new favorite cake!
