Orange Lemon Yogurt Cake
Orange Lemon Yogurt Cake is a soft, moist citrus cake with a bright, fresh flavor and a tender crumb. Orange and lemon bring a sunny balance of sweet and tart. Each slice is rich and delicious, making it perfect for brunch, dessert, or a simple afternoon treat.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- 8-inch Cake Pan or Springform Pan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Lightly spray an 8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until well-combined. Add lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, orange juice, Greek yogurt, olive oil, and vanilla extract.
- Continue to whisk until the mixture is smooth. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold in dry ingredients using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Begin to check cake at 25 minutes to avoid over-baking.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes on a baking rack, then remove from the pan or release the outer ring if prepared in a springform pan. Continue to cool to room temperature before slicing.
Notes
- Zest is what gives this cake its citrus punch. If you reduce it, the cake will taste flat even if the juice is there.
- Greek yogurt affects the final texture. Full-fat gives a softer, richer crumb, while low-fat makes it slightly firmer.
- Olive oil adds a mild fruity note that works well with citrus. Vegetable oil keeps the flavor cleaner and more neutral.
- Flavor improves as it sits. The citrus comes through more clearly after a few hours or the next day.
- Works well as a plain tea cake. It does not need frosting, glaze, or toppings.
- You can swap the citrus balance. More lemon for a sharper taste, more orange for a softer, sweeter profile.
- Freezes well. Slice, wrap, and freeze for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
