If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s as airy as a cloud and just melts in your mouth, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite: the Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe. This cake strikes the perfect balance between lightness and moistness, thanks to the creamy yogurt and carefully whisked eggs that come together to create an irresistible texture. Whether it’s for a weekend treat or an impressive yet simple party centerpiece, this cake’s gentle lemon zest and subtle vanilla notes will have you reaching for seconds — and maybe thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s delightful about the Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe is how a handful of simple ingredients transform into something truly special. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the tanginess of yogurt that tenderizes the crumb or the baking powder that lifts the cake to cloud-like heights.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives structure while staying tender enough to keep the cake light.
- Baking powder: Our secret magic ingredient that helps the cake rise beautifully and stay airy.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the sweet and citrus flavors, balancing the overall taste perfectly.
- Eggs: Provide richness and stability, creating that signature fluffy texture.
- Yogurt: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the cake tender and wonderfully soft.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right, helping to brown the surface beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb moist without weighing it down.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the batter with warm, aromatic notes that deepen flavor complexity.
- Fresh lemon zest (optional): Adds a burst of fresh, citrus brightness for an extra layer of freshness.
How to Make Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Kick off your baking by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8-inch round cake pan. This prep step ensures the cake will bake evenly and release effortlessly when it’s ready.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Setting these dry ingredients aside for now allows you to seamlessly incorporate them later without overmixing, which is key to that fluffy texture.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, yogurt, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. If you want to amplify the cake’s brightness, add fresh lemon zest here — it’s a simple touch that makes a huge difference!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently folding, rather than stirring vigorously, helps maintain the delicate air bubbles created by the eggs and yogurt, ensuring your cake stays fluffy and light.
Step 5: Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula. This helps the cake bake into a perfect dome rather than uneven peaks and valleys.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be pure bliss!
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully prevents sogginess and helps the cake set into its cloud-like texture.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooled, serve your cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or fresh berries for a gorgeous presentation that matches the cake’s delicate taste.
How to Serve Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe
Garnishes
This cake is like a blank canvas, so simple garnishes go a long way. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch, while fresh berries give a juicy contrast that enhances the cake’s subtle lemon and vanilla notes.
Side Dishes
The Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Fresh fruit salads or slightly tart compotes can also complement the cake’s gentle sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, turn this cake into a layered masterpiece by slicing it horizontally and adding fruit preserves or lemon curd between layers. You can even drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice on top for an eye-catching finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The cake stays fresh and moist at room temperature for up to two days, making it perfect for enjoying over a few days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect it from freezer burn. It freezes beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy the cake warm, briefly microwave each slice for about 10 seconds or warm it gently in the oven. This will revive that soft, pillowy texture that makes the Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works wonderfully and will make the cake even richer. Just be sure to use plain Greek yogurt without added flavors or sweeteners.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the cake’s structure and fluffiness.
Can I add other flavors besides lemon zest?
Definitely! Orange zest, almond extract, or even a touch of cinnamon can be lovely additions. The key is not to overpower the cake’s delicate, light flavor.
How can I make sure my cake is light and fluffy?
The secret lies in gently folding in the dry ingredients and not overmixing. Also, using fresh baking powder ensures the cake rises properly and stays airy.
Can I double the recipe for a larger cake?
You can double the ingredients and use a larger pan or two smaller pans. Just keep an eye on baking time as it may vary depending on pan size.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe — it’s effortless, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. I hope you’ll give it a try and experience the joy of sinking your fork into this wonderfully soft and tender cake. Trust me, it’ll soon become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!
Print
Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Light & Fluffy Yogurt Cloud Cake is a moist and airy dessert perfect for any occasion. Made with simple ingredients like yogurt, eggs, and flour, it offers a tender crumb with a hint of lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor. The cake is easy to prepare and bakes to a golden perfection, making it a delightful treat to enjoy with powdered sugar or fresh berries on top.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Add the fresh lemon zest if you want a citrusy brightness to the cake.
- Fold Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently folding them together until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain cake fluffiness.
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the cake is golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
- Serve: Serve the cake topped with powdered sugar or fresh berries for an elegant finish and added flavor contrast.
Notes
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Using full-fat yogurt will enhance moistness and texture.
- Lemon zest is optional but recommended for a fresh flavor note.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle flavor twist.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
