Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake

Name: Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt; 1 cup sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup almond flour; Sliced almonds for garnish

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love to indulge in the delightful flavor of Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake. Its moist texture and rich aroma create a perfect treat for any occasion. This cake, made with creamy yogurt, is incredibly simple to prepare and combines the nutty essence of almonds with the sweet notes of vanilla. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or served at a gathering, this cake is sure to impress. I'm excited to share this recipe with you, and I'm certain it will become a favorite in your home too!

Created by

Ariana Brooks

Last updated on 2026-01-15T23:25:08.015Z

When I first experimented with yogurt cakes, I was surprised by their lightness and depth of flavor. Using yogurt as a base not only keeps the cake moist but also adds a delightful tang. I used almonds for a nutty crunch, which pairs beautifully with vanilla.

While perfecting my Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake, I learned that allowing it to cool completely before slicing results in a cleaner cut and enhances the flavors as they meld together. Trust me; the wait is worth it!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Moist and fluffy texture thanks to the yogurt
Delicious combination of vanilla and almond flavors
Quick and easy to make, perfect for any skill level

      

The Role of Yogurt in Baking

Using yogurt in this Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake is crucial for achieving its delightful moisture and tenderness. Yogurt not only adds a rich, creamy texture but also reacts with the baking powder to create a lighter crumb. If you're out of plain yogurt, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a thicker cake or even sour cream for a slight tang, although this may change the flavor profile slightly. Just be mindful of the fat content, as it can affect the cake's overall texture.

Another benefit of yogurt is its ability to enhance flavor. The lactic acid in yogurt helps to develop a deeper yeasty taste, giving the cake a lovely complexity that complements the vanilla and almond beautifully. When measuring your yogurt, ensure it's at room temperature to help create an even batter and avoid any lumps during whisking.

Baking Tips for Success

To ensure your cake bakes evenly, always remember to sift your dry ingredients together before combining them with the wet mixture. This not only removes any lumps but also aerates the flour, which contributes to a lighter texture. When mixing the batter, avoid overmixing; stop once you see no dry flour. This prevents the cake from becoming tough, allowing the natural fluffiness from the yogurt to shine through.

Investing in an oven thermometer can also be beneficial, as home ovens often misrepresent their true temperature. If your oven runs hot, check the cake at 30 minutes to prevent over-baking. The cake is ready when it pulls away from the sides of the pan and has a golden color on top. Additionally, a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Serving and Storing Your Cake

Once your cake has cooled and you've garnished it with sliced almonds, consider pairing it with a scoop of whipped cream or a dollop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert. The creamy elements beautifully balance the cake’s moist texture and can elevate your serving experience at gatherings or special occasions. Alternatively, serving the cake with fresh berries adds a bright, tart contrast that enhances the overall flavor.

For storage, this Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake can be kept at room temperature for up to three days, well-wrapped to maintain freshness. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Simply wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let the slices thaw in the refrigerator overnight and take them out for a few minutes to reach room temperature before serving.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start making your Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake:

Ingredients

1 cup plain yogurt
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup almond flour
Sliced almonds for garnish

Make sure to have everything prepared before you start mixing!

Instructions

Follow these instructions to bake the perfect Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake:

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and almond flour.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once completely cooled, garnish with sliced almonds and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the batter.

Ingredient Variations

You can play around with the flavor profile of this cake by swapping the almond flour with other nut flours, like hazelnut or walnut, which will impart a different taste. Coconut flour is another alternative, but you may need to adjust the amount, as it absorbs more moisture. If you're looking for a nut-free version, simply use an equal amount of all-purpose flour instead of almond flour, which will keep the cake's structure intact while removing allergens.

Additionally, feel free to experiment with extract flavorings. If vanilla isn’t your preference, consider almond extract for a more intense nutty aroma, but use it sparingly since it can overpower the cake if overshot. You can also add a splash of citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, to brighten the flavors and create a refreshing twist.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cake turns out too dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using cold ingredients that didn’t combine properly. To remedy this, always bring your yogurt and eggs to room temperature before starting the bake. This step encourages a smoother batter, resulting in better rise and fluffiness.

Another common issue is ending up with a sunken cake. This can happen if the cake is removed from the oven too soon or if it is not baked evenly. Always ensure to bake in the center of your oven for consistent heat circulation. If you notice the cake rising in the center while baking, it's best to leave it in for a few more minutes to let it fully set before removing.

Make-Ahead Ideas

This Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake can easily be made ahead of time, making it a great option for meal prepping or hosting events. Consider baking the cake a day in advance; the flavors can deepen overnight, and the texture remains wonderfully moist. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors and preserve the moistness.

You could also prepare the dry ingredients in advance, storing them in an airtight container to save time on baking day. When you’re ready to bake, simply mix your wet ingredients, combine, and pop it in the oven. This makes the process even quicker and allows you to whip up this delightful treat, regardless of your schedule.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used for a richer texture.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s wrapped well.

→ Can I substitute other nuts?

Definitely! Walnuts or hazelnuts can be excellent alternatives.