The Easiest 3-Ingredient Yogurt Cake: Your Gluten-Free, Healthy Breakfast & Dessert Go-To
Imagine starting your day with a slice of cake that’s not only delicious but also genuinely good for you. Thanks to this incredibly simple recipe, that dream is now a reality! This isn’t just any cake; it’s a magnificent three-ingredient yogurt cake that’s completely gluten-free, surprisingly healthy, and an absolutely perfect way to kickstart your morning or round off any meal. Its light, refreshing texture makes it an ideal pairing with fresh fruits, turning an ordinary snack into an extraordinary treat.
One of the best aspects of this easy yogurt cake is its incredible versatility. While vanilla yogurt is a popular choice – especially a family favorite in my household – you have complete artistic freedom to experiment with various flavors. Feel free to reach for any fruity yogurt that tickles your fancy, be it strawberry, peach, or mixed berry. Each variation promises a unique and delightful experience. Unlike many other yogurt cake recipes you might stumble upon, this one doesn’t restrict you to Greek yogurt. If you love the rich, creamy texture of Greek yogurt, it will work wonderfully. However, if regular yogurt is what you have on hand or prefer, this recipe happily accommodates, making it truly adaptable to your pantry and taste buds!
Your entire family will undoubtedly adore this light and fluffy cake. And you, the baker, will love it for its simplicity and nutritional value. While it might taste more like an indulgent dessert than a healthy snack, this tasty cake is deceptively packed with beneficial probiotics, essential minerals, and vital nutrients. It’s a guilt-free pleasure that delivers a wholesome boost with every bite. Moreover, this three-ingredient yogurt cake stands out as it uses absolutely no eggs and relies on corn starch for its structure, making it naturally gluten-free – a fantastic option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for lighter alternatives.
As a parent navigating the challenges of a picky eater, discovering this recipe was a game-changer. It quickly earned its place as a staple in our household. Being able to create something both delicious and nutritious using ingredients I knew my daughter already enjoyed was a huge win. She swiftly fell in love with this “cake,” and I felt good knowing she was getting a healthy start to her day or a nourishing treat.
This recipe demystifies baking, proving that you don’t need a lengthy ingredient list or complex techniques to create something truly special. It’s perfect for busy mornings, a quick afternoon pick-me-up, or a light dessert after dinner. Let’s dive into how you can bring this magical three-ingredient wonder to your kitchen!
Why This 3-Ingredient Yogurt Cake is a Must-Try
In a world of complicated recipes, the sheer simplicity of this yogurt cake is its greatest charm. What makes it so revolutionary? It boils down to the clever combination of just three core ingredients that work synergistically to create a perfectly moist, tender, and flavorful cake without the fuss of traditional baking. Here’s a closer look at the magic behind this minimalist masterpiece:
- Effortless Preparation: With only three ingredients, the prep work is minimal. No elaborate creaming of butter and sugar, no separating eggs, and no complex dry-to-wet ingredient ratios. Just whisk and bake!
- Gluten-Free by Design: By utilizing corn starch as the primary thickening and binding agent instead of traditional flour, this cake naturally becomes gluten-free, catering to those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities without compromising on texture.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Yogurt brings probiotics, calcium, and protein to the table, while corn starch offers a lighter texture. It’s a delightful treat that you can feel good about enjoying.
- Incredibly Versatile: As mentioned, the type and flavor of yogurt you choose dramatically influence the final taste, allowing for endless customization. This adaptability ensures the cake never gets boring.
- Quick Baking Time: This cake bakes relatively quickly, making it ideal for when you need a homemade treat in a pinch or simply don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
This cake proves that sometimes, less truly is more, especially when it comes to creating delectable and wholesome homemade goods.
🥘 Simple Ingredients for Your Yogurt Cake
The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredibly short and sweet ingredient list. You likely have most of these on hand already, making this a go-to for impromptu baking sessions or when you’re simply short on time and motivation for a complex recipe.
- Vanilla Yogurt (or any fruit yogurt): This forms the base of our cake, providing moisture, tang, and flavor. Vanilla is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with strawberry, peach, or even lemon yogurt for different flavor profiles. Full-fat yogurt is recommended for the best texture and richness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This magical ingredient acts as both the primary sweetener and a crucial binder. It contributes to the cake’s unique, custardy texture and rich flavor without needing additional sugar or eggs.
- Corn Starch: The star of the show for achieving a gluten-free cake! Corn starch is a powerful thickening agent that provides structure and a wonderfully light, tender crumb without any flour. It’s what makes this cake so delightfully soft and holds it all together.
For precise quantities and measurements, please refer to the recipe card further down.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Your Easy Yogurt Cake
Preparing this yogurt cake is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you haven’t tried it sooner. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake every time:
- Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine your chosen vanilla yogurt (or fruit yogurt) with the sweetened condensed milk and cornstarch. Use a whisk to vigorously blend these three ingredients together.
- Ensure Smoothness: This step is critical! It’s absolutely essential to whisk until all the corn starch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps whatsoever. Any remaining clumps of corn starch will result in an uneven texture in your finished cake, potentially ruining its smooth and tender consistency. Keep whisking until the batter is silky smooth.
- Ready the Baking Pan: Once your batter is perfectly smooth, prepare a springform pan by lining its bottom with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make for easy removal after baking. A 6-inch pan is ideal for a thicker cake, as this recipe tends to produce a flatter result.
- Pour and Bake: Gently pour your beautifully smooth cake mixture into the prepared springform pan. Transfer it to a preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes at 160 °C (315 °F). If your oven has a fan setting, setting it to medium speed can help ensure even baking.
- Check for Doneness: You’ll know your cake is perfectly baked when the top turns a lovely golden brown color. The edges should appear set, and the center might still have a slight jiggle, which is perfectly normal for this style of cake.
- Cool and Serve: After your three-ingredient yogurt cake has finished baking, it’s crucial to let it cool down sufficiently in the pan before attempting to remove it. This cooling period allows the cake to fully set and solidify. Once cooled enough to handle, carefully flip it over onto a serving plate. You can then slice it into individual pieces.
- Garnish and Enjoy: For an extra touch of flavor and freshness, dollop a spoonful of leftover yogurt over each serving, or add a vibrant slice of apricot or any other fresh fruit you have on hand. Berries, peaches, or kiwi all make excellent choices. After that, all that’s left to do is savor every bite! Bon Appétit!
This delightful treat is incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed on its own as a light dessert, or as a wholesome and sweet addition to your breakfast spread. Its simple elegance makes it suitable for any occasion, from a casual family meal to a more formal gathering.
🍦 Substitutions and Flavor Variations
The beauty of this three-ingredient yogurt cake lies in its adaptability. While the core recipe is wonderfully simple, you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences or what you have available:
- Yogurt Choices: As mentioned, any kind of yogurt works! I personally love using vanilla Greek yogurt for its rich flavor and thick consistency, which makes the cake extra moist. However, regular plain yogurt is perfectly fine. If you opt for regular plain yogurt, make sure it’s full-fat for the best texture and flavor. Fruity yogurts like strawberry, blueberry, or lemon will infuse your cake with wonderful natural flavors. For an extra tang, consider using a plain yogurt and adding a splash of lemon juice or zest.
- Dairy-Free Option: While the core recipe relies on dairy yogurt and condensed milk, you can experiment with dairy-free alternatives if you want to make it vegan or lactose-free. Opt for a thick, plain dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond-based) and a can of sweetened condensed coconut milk. Ensure the cornstarch is also gluten-free certified if that’s a concern.
- Flavor Boosters (Optional Add-ins): While keeping it to three ingredients is the goal, you can always add a few optional extras for more depth of flavor without overcomplicating it:
- Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract can enhance the vanilla flavor of your yogurt.
- Citrus Zest: Lemon, orange, or lime zest adds a bright, fresh note.
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can add warmth, especially if using plain or apple-flavored yogurt.
- Cocoa Powder: For a chocolatey twist, you could try stirring in a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa powder, though this might require a slight adjustment to the condensed milk for sweetness.
- Topping Ideas: Beyond fresh fruit and yogurt dollops, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, a scattering of chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts), or even a few chocolate shavings for a more decadent touch.
🍽 Essential Equipment for Baking
This recipe requires minimal equipment, making it ideal for novice bakers or those with limited kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining the ingredients and ensuring the corn starch is completely dissolved, preventing lumps.
- Parchment Paper: Used to line the bottom of your springform pan, guaranteeing an easy release of the cake after baking.
- Spring Form Baking Pan (6 inches): A small springform pan is recommended. This recipe yields a flatter cake, and a smaller diameter pan helps to achieve a more substantial slice.
- Oven: For baking your cake to golden perfection.
🌡 Storage Tips for Freshness
This delightful three-ingredient yogurt cake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, proper storage is key to maintaining its texture and flavor. Due to its yogurt content, it has a relatively quick shelf life and needs to be refrigerated. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This will prevent it from drying out and keep it fresh. While it can be enjoyed chilled, allowing it to come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving can enhance its subtle flavors and tender crumb.
💭 Pro Tip for a Perfect Cake
This unique yogurt cake tends to bake much flatter than most traditional cakes. To achieve a more substantial and visually appealing slice, I highly recommend using a smaller springform pan for this recipe. A 6-inch springform pan is ideal. If you opt for a larger pan, such as an 8 or 9-inch, just be aware that your three-ingredient yogurt cake will likely be even thinner than the one pictured here. While it will still taste delicious, adjusting the pan size can significantly impact the final presentation and overall satisfaction with the cake’s thickness. Alternatively, if you must use a larger pan, consider doubling the recipe to achieve a thicker cake, though this would obviously require more ingredients.
🙋🏻 Common Questions About Yogurt Cakes
It’s incredibly easy to make this yogurt cake at home! This specific recipe calls for just three simple ingredients: yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and cornstarch. You’ll simply whisk all three ingredients together until smooth, pour the mixture into a prepared springform pan, and bake it in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. The most challenging part will genuinely be patiently waiting for it to cool down before you can slice into this delightful treat!
Greek yogurt is a fantastic ingredient that can be used as a healthier substitute for several components in baking. Interestingly, it can replace oil and mayonnaise, contributing moisture and richness with fewer calories and more protein. If you compare an olive oil cake side-by-side with this three-ingredient yogurt cake, you might be surprised by their visual similarities in texture and moistness, though their flavor profiles are quite distinct!
When you incorporate yogurt into a cake recipe, it serves several beneficial purposes. Primarily, it adds a delightful creaminess and an incredible amount of moisture to your cakes, resulting in a tender, often lighter crumb. The natural acidity in yogurt can also react with baking soda (if used in other recipes), helping the cake to rise and become fluffy. In this specific gluten-free recipe, it provides the main liquid and a good portion of the structure.
Yogurt is a versatile substitute that can replace a variety of ingredients in cake recipes. It’s commonly used in place of sour cream for moisture and tang, butter for fat and richness (often yielding a lighter cake), and even eggs in some recipes like ours, acting as a binder and providing structure. This makes it a go-to ingredient for creating healthier or allergy-friendly baked goods.
While technically possible, for the best results, it’s highly recommended to use full-fat yogurt. The fat content contributes significantly to the cake’s moistness, rich flavor, and tender texture. Low-fat or fat-free yogurts can make the cake a bit drier and less satisfying. If you’re aiming for a healthier option, the overall portion size might be a better area to focus on for calorie control.
Absolutely! Despite its minimal ingredients, this yogurt cake is surprisingly moist and tender. The combination of yogurt and sweetened condensed milk ensures a luscious, custardy texture that melts in your mouth. The cornstarch helps to keep it light and airy, preventing it from becoming dense. It’s a delightful experience for your taste buds!
💛 Other Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed the simplicity and deliciousness of this yogurt cake, here are some other fantastic recipes from Combine Good Flavors that you might also adore:
- Apple Yogurt Breakfast Granola: A perfect companion to your morning routine.
- Delicious Almond Cream Cake: For those who love a rich and nutty flavor.
- The Perfect Almond Whipped Cream in Just 5 Minutes: An exquisite topping for any dessert.
- Viennese Sponge Cake Base Recipe: A versatile foundation for countless cake creations.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Pancakes: A fun and indulgent breakfast idea.
If you try this delightful 3-ingredient gluten-free yogurt cake recipe, please let me know how you liked it by giving it a ★★★★★ star rating and leaving a comment below. Your feedback is truly awesome and helps others discover this gem! You can also sign up for our Newsletter to receive delicious homemade recipes weekly, or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and use the hashtag #combinegoodflavors so I don’t miss it!
📖 Recipe Card
Three Ingredient Yogurt Cake
Nora
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5 minutes
20 minutes
25 minutes
Cake, Dessert, Breakfast
Global cuisine, European
12
Servings
115
kcal
Equipment
-
Whisk
-
Parchment Paper
-
Spring form baking pan (6 inches)
-
Oven
Ingredients
-
1 ½
cups
Greek Vanilla yogurt -
1
cup
Condensed milk
sweetened -
4
tablespoon
Corn starch
Instructions
-
To make a simple yogurt cake, whisk 1 ½ cups Greek Vanilla yogurt with 1 cup Condensed milk and 4 tablespoon Corn starch.1 ½ cups Greek Vanilla yogurt,
1 cup Condensed milk,
4 tablespoon Corn starch -
Ensure all corn starch is completely dissolved evenly and don’t leave any clumps, whisking until the batter is silky smooth.
-
Cover a 6-inch springform pan with parchment paper at the bottom for easy release.
-
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake the yogurt cake in a preheated oven at 160 C / 315 F (with the fan speed set to medium if available) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
-
Once baked, let the cake cool down completely in the pan before flipping it over onto a plate. Then, cut it into pieces to your preference.
-
Over each serving, put a spoonful of leftover yogurt or a slice of fresh fruit like apricot, berries, or peaches, and enjoy this refreshing and healthy dessert or breakfast treat.
Notes
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Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Serving:
1
Serving
|
Calories:
115
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
20
g
|
Protein:
4
g
|
Fat:
2
g
|
Saturated Fat:
1
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
0.1
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Cholesterol:
10
mg
|
Sodium:
41
mg
|
Potassium:
120
mg
|
Fiber:
0.02
g
|
Sugar:
17
g
|
Vitamin A:
68
IU
|
Vitamin C:
1
mg
|
Calcium:
73
mg
|
Iron:
0.1
mg
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⛑️ Important Food Safety Guidelines
While this recipe is simple, adhering to proper food safety practices is always important, especially when baking. Keep these guidelines in mind:
- Minimum Cooking Temperature: Ensure your cake is baked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to eliminate any potential harmful bacteria, though typically for cakes, this is reached well before it’s golden brown.
- Cross-Contamination: Always use clean utensils and bowls. While this recipe doesn’t involve raw meat, it’s good practice to prevent any cross-contamination.
- Hand Washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food, especially when preparing ingredients.
- Temperature Control: Do not leave perishable ingredients or finished cake sitting out at room temperature for extended periods. Refrigerate promptly after cooling.
- Supervision: Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when the oven is on.
- Ventilation: Always ensure good ventilation in your kitchen when using a gas stove or oven.
For further comprehensive information on safe food handling practices, please check the Safe Food Handling – FDA website.