This Moist Lemon Yogurt Cake is a classic French style cake that is light soft and full of fresh lemon flavor. It comes together quickly with simple ingredients and stays moist for days thanks to the yogurt and oil. Finished with a light lemon glaze this cake is perfect for tea time dessert or even breakfast.
🧾 Ingredients
3/4 cup (90g) all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest or zest of one lemon
1/3 cup (93ml) plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup (60ml) canola oil
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze
1/2 cup (100g) powdered sugar
A dash of vanilla
Enough lemon juice to make a runny glaze
🥣 Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a round cake pan.
Step 2 Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl combine flour baking powder and salt and mix well.
Step 3 Prepare Sugar & Lemon
In another bowl mix sugar and lemon zest together. Rub with your fingers to release the lemon aroma.
Step 4 Add Wet Ingredients
Add yogurt oil egg and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth.
Step 5 Combine Batter
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix gently until smooth. Do not overmix.
Step 6 Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 7 Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 8 Make the Glaze
Mix powdered sugar vanilla and lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
Step 9 Glaze & Serve
Pour the glaze over the cooled cake. Let it set slightly then slice and serve.
🎯 Pro Tips
Use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor.
Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake soft.
Greek yogurt gives a richer texture but regular yogurt also works.
Let the cake cool before adding glaze so it does not melt completely.
❓ FAQ
1 Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt
Yes you can use regular yogurt but the cake may be slightly less rich.
2 Why is my cake dense
Overmixing or using too much flour can make the cake dense.
3 Can I make it without glaze
Yes the cake tastes great even without glaze.
4 How do I store this cake
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
5 Can I add extra lemon flavor
Yes you can add more zest or a few drops of lemon extract.
6 Can I make this cake ahead of time
Yes it stays moist and actually tastes better the next day.
7 Can I use butter instead of oil
Yes but oil keeps the cake more moist for longer.
🧁 Final Thoughts
This moist lemon yogurt cake is simple fresh and incredibly delicious. With its soft texture and bright citrus flavor it is perfect for any occasion and very easy to make even for beginners.
