Orange cake with yogurt is one of those recipes I never meant to fall in love with. I was just trying to use up a lonely orange and some leftover yogurt. One bowl, no mixer, and two kids turning the kitchen into chaos. But what came out of the oven was warm, moist, and full of citrusy flavor. It felt like a little win on a very messy day.
Since that first try, this orange cake with yogurt has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s not fancy or complicated, and that’s exactly why I love it. The yogurt makes it super tender and naturally rich while the orange brings just the right brightness. It’s the kind of cake that tastes like it took effort but didn’t.
Even my husband David, who’s usually the first to test my kitchen experiments, said this orange cake with yogurt was something special. The girls call it “sunshine bread,” and honestly, that fits. It’s the kind of cake that feels like a hug you can eat, and I always come back to it when I want something sweet without the stress.
So if you’re staring at your fridge thinking, “I want to bake, but I also want a nap,” this orange cake with yogurt is for you.
Table Of Contents
Moist Orange Cake with Yogurt (One-Bowl Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, eggs, sugar, oil, orange juice, zest, and vanilla.
- Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt directly into the bowl. Stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 32–38 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Top with extra orange zest, a dusting of powdered sugar, or glaze if you like.
Notes
Why Orange Cake with Yogurt Is a Lazy Baker’s Drea
The Beauty of Citrus Cakes for Everyday Baking
Orange cake with yogurt is one of my favorite ways to bake something that feels special without doing too much. The orange brings bright, fresh flavor, and it makes the whole kitchen smell like sunshine. It’s simple, cozy, and doesn’t need frosting or layers to feel complete.
Citrus cakes like this work because they’re naturally flavorful. Just a bit of zest and juice adds so much, especially when paired with yogurt. When I bake this orange cake with yogurt, I’m not thinking about perfection. I just want something that tastes like I tried, even if I didn’t really.
Why Yogurt Makes This Cake So Easy
In this orange cake with yogurt, the yogurt makes it super moist and soft without needing butter. I usually use Greek yogurt, but regular or dairy-free works too. It adds a slight tang and helps keep the crumb just right.
Yogurt also keeps things simple. No melting, no extra steps. That’s why this orange cake with yogurt is one of my favorite go-to bakes.
Looking for more simple bakes like this orange cake with yogurt? Browse my full recipe list here and find your next easy favorite.
Key Ingredients for the Best Orange Yogurt Cake
Why Fresh Orange Makes All the Difference
When I make orange cake with yogurt, I always start with a real orange. Bottled juice can’t match the brightness or fragrance you get from fresh zest and juice. The zest is where the bold citrus flavor comes from, and the juice adds just enough moisture without thinning the batter.
I usually grab a sweet orange like a navel or Cara Cara. One is plenty for this whole orange cake with yogurt, and it gives the cake that natural burst of citrus without feeling artificial or overwhelming.
How Yogurt Adds Moisture and Texture
What sets this orange cake with yogurt apart is the yogurt itself. It gives the cake a soft, tender bite and helps everything stay moist for days. I usually use plain Greek yogurt, but I’ve swapped in coconut-based yogurt and almond yogurt too, and it still turns out great.
If your yogurt is thinner, just use a little less. That keeps the texture balanced and prevents the cake from getting too wet. It’s one of those quiet ingredients that makes the whole orange cake with yogurt feel rich, even though it’s super simple to make.
Step-by-Step Recipe – Orange Yogurt Cake
Simple Ingredients That Keep It Easy
To make orange cake with yogurt, you only need a handful of basics. I use all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, eggs, fresh orange zest and juice, Greek yogurt, a bit of oil, and vanilla. Nothing fancy or complicated, just real ingredients that work well together.
I usually go with a sweet orange like a navel, and I stick to full-fat plain yogurt for the best texture. If I’m short on anything, I swap where I can and it still turns out great. This is the kind of orange cake with yogurt recipe that forgives you for not being perfect.
How I Pull It Together in One Bowl
When I make orange cake with yogurt, I start by zesting and juicing the orange right into a large mixing bowl. I add the eggs, yogurt, sugar, oil, and vanilla and give it a good whisk. Then I stir in the dry ingredients. No extra bowls and no mixer.
Once the batter looks smooth, I pour it into a loaf pan and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. The house smells amazing and the cake rises into a soft, golden loaf that’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean.
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Tips to Get Perfect Texture Every Time
Start with Room Temperature Ingredients
The first time I made orange cake with yogurt, I used cold eggs and straight-from-the-fridge yogurt, and it took forever to bake evenly. Since then, I always let the eggs and yogurt sit out for a bit before mixing. Room temperature ingredients blend better, which helps the cake bake more evenly and rise just right.
If you forget, no worries. You can place eggs in warm water for a few minutes and stir the yogurt gently to warm it up. It makes a real difference in the final texture of any orange cake with yogurt.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
When everything’s in one bowl, it’s easy to keep stirring. But trust me, overmixing makes the crumb tight and chewy. For this orange cake with yogurt, I mix just until I stop seeing dry flour. That’s it. A few lumps are fine.
Too much mixing works the gluten and takes away that soft bite we all want. Keep it light, and your orange cake with yogurt will come out tender every time.
Flavor Variations and Fun Twists
Little Add-Ins That Change Everything
This orange cake with yogurt is solid on its own, but sometimes I like to play with the flavors a bit. A splash of vanilla makes it a little warmer, and a pinch of cinnamon gives it that cozy feel my girls love. I’ve also stirred in a spoonful of honey when I want it just a bit sweeter.
One time I tossed in some poppy seeds because I had a jar sitting there. It gave the orange cake with yogurt a nice little crunch and made it feel fancier than it really was. That’s what I love about this recipe — you can tweak it without messing it up.
Citrus Swaps and Add-Ons That Work
I’ve also made this orange cake with yogurt using lemon when I was out of oranges. It came out bright and fresh, just a little tangier. Grapefruit zest works too if you’re into bold flavors. And if you ever want to make it feel more dessert-y, add a handful of chopped dark chocolate or even raisins.
If I’m baking it for guests, I’ll sometimes dust the top with powdered sugar. Nothing dramatic, just enough to make it feel like I tried.
If you want to try something fun after this orange cake with yogurt, these cinnamon sugar Pop-Tart cookies are a playful option my kids go wild for.
Serving Ideas That Make It Feel Special
Keep It Simple or Dress It Up
Most of the time, I serve orange cake with yogurt just as it is. Warm from the oven, maybe a little slice for breakfast with coffee, and that’s more than enough. But if I want to make it feel a little more special, I’ll add a spoonful of plain yogurt on top and sprinkle some orange zest. It looks pretty and tastes even better.
For a quick glaze, I mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until it’s pourable. A drizzle over the cooled orange cake with yogurt makes it look bakery-worthy, even if I was wearing pajamas while baking it. I’ve also topped it with crushed pistachios once, and it was a hit.
Family-Friendly Touches That Make It Fun
When I serve this orange cake with yogurt for the girls, I sometimes add a few chocolate chips on top or cut the slices into fun shapes. It turns a regular snack into something they think is a treat. And when David’s parents are visiting, I just warm it slightly and bring it out with tea. No fuss, just comfort.
Make-Ahead, Freezing & Storing Tips
How I Bake It Ahead for Busy Weeks
I love having a loaf of orange cake with yogurt around during a busy week. Sometimes I bake it on Sunday while the kids are doing crafts at the table. Once it cools, I wrap it tightly in foil or put it in an airtight container. It stays moist for two to three days at room temperature, and it’s still soft by day four if it lasts that long.
You can also store slices in the fridge if your house runs warm. I just let a piece sit out for a few minutes before eating. The yogurt in this orange cake with yogurt keeps the crumb soft without getting dry.
Freezing Without Losing the Moisture
When I want to freeze it, I let the orange cake with yogurt cool completely, then wrap it in plastic and foil before tucking it in the freezer. It holds up really well for up to two months. To thaw, I leave it at room temp for a few hours or pop a slice in the toaster oven.
Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free? Here’s What Works
Easy Gluten-Free Swaps That Hold Up
I’ve tested this orange cake with yogurt using a few different gluten-free flours. My go-to is a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that already includes xanthan gum. It gives the same soft texture and doesn’t turn the cake crumbly or dry. You can also try almond flour for a richer, denser version, though it won’t rise as high.
If you’re experimenting, I recommend making a half batch first. Some blends can make the orange cake with yogurt a little too soft, but most hold up fine if you don’t overmix.
Dairy-Free Yogurt Options That Work
For a dairy-free version, I’ve used coconut yogurt, almond milk yogurt, and oat-based yogurt. All of them gave the orange cake with yogurt a great texture. Coconut yogurt adds a slight tropical flavor, while almond keeps it neutral. Just make sure whatever you use is unsweetened and thick, not watery.
If you’re dairy-free and need a gentle treat that still tastes like comfort, this orange cake with yogurt can totally work for you.
The Backstory – Why This Cake Lives in My Rotation
It Started with One Orange and Two Hungry Kids
The first time I made orange cake with yogurt, I wasn’t trying to be creative. I had a leftover orange, half a tub of yogurt, and two little girls begging for a snack. I didn’t want to drag out the mixer or search for a recipe. I just started throwing things into a bowl.
I didn’t expect much. But when it came out of the oven, the smell was amazing. The cake was soft, full of flavor, and comforting in that way only homemade things can be. Lily called it “sunshine cake” and Sophie ate two slices back-to-back. That’s all I needed to know.
Why It’s Still a Go-To
Now, this orange cake with yogurt shows up almost every month in our house. It’s easy, reliable, and somehow always feels like the right choice. I’ve served it to David’s parents, taken it to potlucks, and baked it just for myself when the day feels heavy.
It reminds me that food doesn’t have to be perfect to feel good. And that’s what I want people to take from this recipe too.
When I’m not baking this orange cake with yogurt, I’m usually pulling out my banana bread with cottage cheese. It’s another comfort bake that’s always worth it.
Make It Kid-Friendly (Without the Chaos)
How My Girls Help Me Bake (Kind Of)
When I make orange cake with yogurt and my girls are home, it usually turns into a team project. Lily climbs up onto the step stool, Sophie starts asking to crack the eggs, and suddenly my quiet kitchen moment becomes full of giggles, spills, and little flour clouds.
They help with the simple stuff. I let them spoon in the yogurt, stir the batter, and pour everything into the pan. It’s not perfect and never clean, but they love it. Every time we make orange cake with yogurt together, it feels more like a memory than a recipe.
Tips for Keeping It Smooth
To make baking this orange cake with yogurt feel a little less chaotic, I measure out the ingredients before we start. The girls feel like real chefs, but I don’t have to stress about overflowing cups or missing something. I still do the zesting myself because sharp tools and toddlers are not a match I’m ready for.
Baking with them takes longer, but the smiles are worth it. And the cake always tastes better when they’ve helped make it.
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FAQ – Orange Cake with Yogurt
What is the purpose of yogurt in cake?
Yogurt gives cake moisture, richness, and a soft crumb without needing butter or milk. In this orange cake with yogurt, it also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the orange. It’s one of those simple ingredients that makes a big difference. It helps the cake hold together without drying out, which is perfect for easy, one-bowl baking.
What does adding yogurt tocake mix do?
Yogurt makes the texture smoother and more tender, especially if you’re working with a boxed mix. If I’m doctoring a mix, I sometimes swap the oil or water with yogurt. It makes the cake taste more homemade. In a recipe like orange cake with yogurt, it also boosts the flavor and gives it a dense, moist feel that stays fresh longer.
What does yogurt replace in a cake recipe?
Yogurt can replace several things depending on what you’re making. It often takes the place of milk, sour cream, or even part of the oil. In orange cake with yogurt, I use it to create that soft, fluffy texture without needing butter or cream. It’s a great trick when you want to keep things light but still delicious.
Is sour cream or yogurt better for cake?
Both work, but yogurt is my favorite for everyday bakes. Sour cream is thicker and richer, but yogurt adds moisture without feeling too heavy. In this orange cake with yogurt, the yogurt keeps the cake light and clean while still giving it a rich texture. Plus, yogurt is what I usually have in the fridge, and that’s reason enough for me.
Conclusion – Keep It Simple, Keep It Sweet
If you’re looking for something that feels like a little win at the end of a long day, this orange cake with yogurt is it. It’s simple to make, easy to love, and doesn’t ask much from you other than one bowl and a little curiosity.
I’ve baked this cake during nap time, in the middle of chaotic afternoons, and even once when the power came back on after a storm. No matter what else is going on, it always feels like a warm reset.
So don’t overthink it. Grab an orange, scoop some yogurt, and get mixing. The best part of this orange cake with yogurt is that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be really, really good
If you’re craving more cozy bakes after this orange cake with yogurt, don’t miss our coconut caramel chocolate chip cookies. They’re simple, sweet, and totally satisfying.
