Vanilla Yogurt Snack Cake

Name: Vanilla Yogurt Snack Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Delightful Desserts

I love making this Vanilla Yogurt Snack Cake whenever I crave a light and fluffy treat. The yogurt keeps it moist while also adding a subtle tang that perfectly balances the sweetness. It’s incredibly easy to whip up and always a hit at gatherings or as an afternoon snack. Plus, with simple ingredients, it's a cake that feels special yet is quick enough for a weeknight dessert. Each bite is a comforting reminder of home-baked goodness.

Created by

Vanessa Doyle

Last updated on 2026-02-14T22:59:35.905Z

When I first baked this Vanilla Yogurt Snack Cake, I was amazed at how simple the process was and how delightful the result turned out. The combination of yogurt and vanilla creates a beautiful, moist texture and a lovely flavor that lingers with every bite. Each time I make it, I adjust the vanilla to my preference, and it always comes out amazing.

This cake freezes well, too! I often slice it ahead of time, wrapping individual pieces to enjoy at a later date. It's perfect for unexpected guests or an afternoon pick-me-up with coffee.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Moist and flavorful thanks to the yogurt
Easily customizable with your favorite mix-ins
Ideal for a quick dessert or afternoon snack

Understanding the Role of Yogurt

The use of plain yogurt in this Vanilla Yogurt Snack Cake is a game-changer. It not only provides moisture, contributing to the cake's light and fluffy texture, but it also adds a subtle tang that beautifully balances the sweetness of the sugar. In a pinch, you can substitute Greek yogurt for a richer flavor and a denser texture; just be aware that it may make your cake a little heavier than intended. Yogurt also helps with leavening, so opt for full-fat or whole milk yogurts for the best results.

When mixing the ingredients, it's vital to ensure that the yogurt is at room temperature. Cold yogurt can cause the fat in the vegetable oil to solidify, leading to an uneven batter. To achieve this, simply measure out the yogurt at least 30 minutes before you start baking. This small step enhances the cake's final texture, ensuring every slice is soft and tender.

Customization and Flavor Enhancements

One of my favorite aspects of this cake is how easily it can be customized. Add-ins like lemon zest, chocolate chips, or fresh berries can bring a delightful twist to the basic recipe. If you decide to incorporate fruit, consider reducing the sugar slightly to compensate for their natural sweetness, and fold them in gently into the batter to prevent them from sinking. If you prefer an aromatic touch, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile without overwhelming the delicate vanilla taste.

For anyone looking to reduce sugar, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that altering the liquid ratios might require adjusting other ingredients to maintain the cake's structure. As a general rule, for every cup of sugar replaced by a liquid sweetener, reduce the liquid ingredients by about a quarter cup.

Ingredients

Cake

1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Gather these ingredients to get started!

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Enjoy your snack cake!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider folding in some chocolate chips or fresh berries into the batter before baking.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your Vanilla Yogurt Snack Cake comes out too dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Aim for just combined; small lumps are fine. On the other hand, if it appears too dry, make sure you measured your flour accurately — using the scoop-and-sweep method can lead to excess flour in the batter. Using a kitchen scale to measure your flour by weight can help prevent this issue.

Another common issue is uneven baking. For the best results, ensure your oven is preheated properly and consider using an oven thermometer to verify the temperature. If the edges of the cake are browning while the center remains wet, it's a sign to cover it with a piece of foil midway through baking. This practice helps maintain moisture in the cake while ensuring it cooks evenly.

Storage and Make-Ahead Ideas

This Vanilla Yogurt Snack Cake is perfect for making ahead of time. Once baked and cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to keep it even longer, consider freezing the cake; just cut it into slices and wrap each piece individually before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months!

When it’s time to enjoy your cake, allow frozen slices to thaw in the fridge overnight. If you want to whip up a quick treat, you can also warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This method restores that freshly baked taste and makes it an indulgent after-school snack for kids or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up for adults.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt will work well and may even make the cake a bit denser and richer.

→ How should I store the cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it tightly wrapped until you're ready to serve.

→ What if I don’t have a round cake pan?

You can use a square baking dish or even a loaf pan; just adjust the baking time as needed.