Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake, a delightful treat that has become a favorite in our household. The combination of creamy yogurt, aromatic vanilla, and toasted almonds creates an incredibly moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion. I love how simple it is to make, yet it feels so special when served. Whether it’s for brunch with friends or a cozy family dessert, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth.
After trying countless recipes for yogurt cakes, I finally stumbled upon the perfect blend of flavors with this Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake. The yogurt not only adds richness but also keeps the cake wonderfully moist, eliminating the need for butter or excessive oil. I experimented with adding almond extract, which elevates the flavor profile beautifully. I suggest using fresh almonds for an added crunch and toasting them just before adding to the batter, as this enhances their nuttiness.
While baking this cake, I've learned that the key to achieving a light texture lies in not overmixing the batter once the dry ingredients are added. Incorporating them gently helps retain the airiness created during the creaming process. This cake is incredibly forgiving, so don't worry if it doesn't look perfect; it will taste divine regardless!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich almond flavor complemented by smooth vanilla
- Incredibly moist texture thanks to yogurt
- A visually stunning cake that's easy to decorate
Understanding the Ingredients
The key to a successful Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake lies in its ingredients, particularly the yogurt. Using plain yogurt not only contributes to the cake's moisture but also provides a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you desire a thicker consistency; just be mindful of the extra creaminess it offers. Moreover, make sure your yogurt is at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
Almond meal is another crucial component in this recipe, imparting a rich flavor and slight nuttiness that enhances the overall taste. If you don’t have almond meal on hand, finely ground blanched almonds or even a gluten-free almond flour mixture can work well. Keep in mind that substituting with other flours like whole wheat may alter the texture slightly, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
Baking Tips for Perfection
When combining your wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than the light, airy texture you want. Aim for just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Additionally, once the batter is in the pan, give it a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles that might have formed during mixing—this step helps achieve a more even rise.
Keep an eye on your cake while it's baking. Every oven is different, and you may find that your cake needs more or less time than the suggested 35-40 minutes. Look for golden edges and a springy center that bounces back when pressed lightly. If the top is browning too quickly, you can lightly cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ingredients for Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
Instructions
Instructions
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, and eggs until smooth. Then, add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, almond meal, baking powder, and salt.
Combine and Bake
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and sprinkle the sliced almonds on top. Bake for 35-40 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 plain or with your favorite frosting or whipped cream.
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. It pairs beautifully with the almond and vanilla.
Serving Suggestions
This Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake is delicious on its own, but dressing it up can make it even more special for gatherings. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh berries or a berry compote would pair beautifully, adding a contrasting tartness that complements the sweetness of the cake. For an elegant presentation, I like to arrange the sliced almonds neatly on top before serving.
You can also transform this cake into a layered dessert by slicing it in half horizontally and spreading a layer of yogurt icing or whipped cream between the layers. This not only boosts the flavor but also elevates its presentation for a special occasion.
Storage and Freezing
To keep your Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, this cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
If you find that the cake has dried out a bit after thawing, a light drizzle of simple syrup or a flavored glaze can help revive its moisture and flavor. Just mix equal parts sugar and water, heat until dissolved, and brush it lightly over the cake before serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, Greek yogurt will work well and may make the cake even richer.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
→ What can I use instead of eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.
Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake
I’m thrilled to share my recipe for Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake, a delightful treat that has become a favorite in our household. The combination of creamy yogurt, aromatic vanilla, and toasted almonds creates an incredibly moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion. I love how simple it is to make, yet it feels so special when served. Whether it’s for brunch with friends or a cozy family dessert, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth.
Created by: Perrie Lawson
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Vanilla Almond Yogurt Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup almond meal
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Then, add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, almond meal, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and sprinkle the sliced almonds on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve plain or with your favorite frosting or whipped cream.
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor kick, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. It pairs beautifully with the almond and vanilla.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 48g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g