Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake

Name: Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Sliced almonds; Powdered sugar

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I adore baking, and there's something magical about creating a moist, fluffy cake with just the right balance of flavors. This Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake has quickly become a favorite in my home. The yogurt provides a light, tender crumb, while the vanilla and almond extract combine to offer a warm, comforting taste. Whether served as a sweet snack or a celebratory dessert, I love how versatile this cake is. It’s a delightful treat that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!

Created by

Nora Ellis

Last updated on 2026-01-15T22:55:15.460Z

Baking this Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake was an exciting adventure for me. I experimented with yogurt in place of oil or butter, which I find adds a lovely moisture and tang. After a few tries, I discovered that combining almond extract with classic vanilla creates a rich yet subtle flavor profile that really highlights the cake's tenderness.

One crucial tip I learned while making this cake is to ensure your yogurt is at room temperature before mixing. It helps the ingredients blend uniformly and yields a beautifully risen cake. Each bite is a celebration of texture and taste that is simply unforgettable!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Moist and fluffy texture that's a joy to eat
Delightful balance of vanilla and almond flavors
Perfect for any occasion, from casual to festive

      

Understanding Yogurt's Role

Yogurt is a star ingredient in this Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake, providing moisture and a tender crumb that distinguishes it from traditional cakes. The acidity in yogurt also helps to activate the baking powder, contributing to the cake's rise. When measuring yogurt, ensure it is at room temperature for optimal blending with the other wet ingredients, creating a smooth batter that enhances the cake’s consistency.

If you don't have plain yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with buttermilk or a non-dairy yogurt alternative for a similar effect. However, the fat content may change slightly, so if using a low-fat substitute, keep an eye on the baking time, as a denser mixture may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Perfecting the Mixing Technique

One of the critical steps to achieving the perfect texture in your Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake is in the mixing method. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, it's important to mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to gluten development, resulting in a tough cake instead of a fluffy one. Additionally, you should look for the batter to be slightly lumpy but uniformly moist; this indicates that the flour has been adequately hydrated without excessive mixing.

To aid in this process, using a rubber spatula to fold the dry ingredients into the wet can help maintain that fluffiness. Mix in a gentle motion, cutting through the batter rather than stirring vigorously. This technique minimizes the risk of gluten formation while ensuring that all ingredients are thoroughly integrated for even baking.

Garnishing and Serving Suggestions

Garnishing your cake can elevate its presentation and flavor. Sliced almonds not only add a delightful crunch but also enhance the almond flavor profile. Toasting the almonds for a few minutes in a dry skillet can bring out their natural oils and enhance their nuttiness. Just keep an eye on them to avoid burning—2-3 minutes on medium heat should do the trick.

If you're looking to serve the cake as a dessert, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the warm flavors. A light drizzle of honey or a citrus glaze could also provide a refreshing finish that contrasts beautifully with the cake's rich texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake:

Cake Ingredients

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

For Garnish (optional)

Sliced almonds
Powdered sugar

Now that you have all the ingredients, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake:

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, sugar, eggs, oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Whisk until well incorporated.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 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 before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with sliced almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy every slice of your delicious Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond flour to the batter or infusing your yogurt with zest from a lemon or orange.

Storage Strategies

Storing your Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake properly is essential to maintaining its freshness. After the cake has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days, but for longer storage, consider refrigerating it for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigerating may slightly change the cake's texture, making it less moist.

If you want to make the cake ahead of time, it can be frozen for up to three months. Once completely cooled, slice it and wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw at room temperature for about an hour or microwave briefly, ensuring it remains soft and inviting.

Possible Variations

While this recipe shines with vanilla and almond flavors, don’t hesitate to experiment with other extracts for a unique twist. Swap out the almond extract for coconut or add a splash of lemon extract to brighten the flavor profile. You could also integrate zests like lemon or orange to provide a fresh citrus accent, which pairs wonderfully with the cake's rich texture.

For a fun variation, try folding in fresh fruits such as blueberries or chopped strawberries into the batter just before baking. This not only adds a pop of color but also infuses each bite with bursts of fruity flavor. Just be cautious not to add too many, as it could affect the overall baking time and moisture level.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of yogurt?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or any flavored yogurt, but adjust the sugar accordingly.

→ How should I store the cake?

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

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can last for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for eggs?

You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).