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To make a Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf Cake, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s the list: - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt - 1 cup granulated sugar - 3 large eggs - 1/3 cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - Zest from 2 medium lemons - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt Each ingredient plays a key role in the final taste and texture. The Greek yogurt keeps the loaf moist and adds a slight tang. The sugar sweetens the batter, balancing the lemon's zing. Eggs help bind the mix and add fluffiness. Vegetable oil keeps it tender, while vanilla adds warmth. Lemon zest brightens the flavor, and fresh lemon juice adds a refreshing kick. All-purpose flour gives structure, and baking powder and baking soda ensure it rises well. Salt enhances all these flavors and rounds out the taste. Gather these ingredients before you start. You’ll love how easy and rewarding this recipe is! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Prepare the loaf pan by greasing it or using parchment paper. - In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt and sugar. - Whisk until smooth and creamy. - Add eggs, one at a time. Make sure each egg blends well before adding the next. - Pour in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice. - Whisk everything together until it is well mixed. - In another bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - This step helps mix the dry items evenly. - Carefully fold the dry mix into the wet ingredients. - Stir gently until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix! - Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. - Use a spatula to smooth the top. - Bake for 50-60 minutes. Check with a toothpick to see if it comes out clean. - Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. - After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. - This step helps the flavors develop and keeps the cake from getting soggy. To make your Greek yogurt lemon loaf cake just right, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, the loaf can become dense and tough. Instead, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix. This keeps the cake light and airy. Using room temperature ingredients is also key. When eggs and yogurt are warm, they mix better. This helps trap air, giving your cake a nice rise. Take your ingredients out of the fridge for about 30 minutes before you start baking. For an extra burst of lemon flavor, add lemon extract. Just a teaspoon can make your cake more zesty. It enhances the lemon zest and juice already in the mix. You can also incorporate poppy seeds for a fun crunch. About two tablespoons will do the trick. These little seeds add texture and a visual pop to your loaf. They pair well with the lemon flavor and make each slice even more delightful. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and yogurt are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a lighter loaf. Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it down. Accurate measurements are key to a successful bake. Check for Doneness: Start checking the loaf at the 50-minute mark. Ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake. Flavor Variation: For an extra twist, consider adding poppy seeds or blueberries to the batter for added texture and flavor that pairs wonderfully with lemon. {{image_4}} You can make this lemon loaf cake healthier with a few swaps. First, try using low-fat Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. This change cuts down on fat while keeping the cake moist. You won't lose that creamy texture! Next, switch vegetable oil for coconut oil. Coconut oil adds a light flavor and healthy fats. Melt it first for easy mixing. Both swaps help you enjoy this treat with less guilt. Want to mix up the flavor? Try adding almond extract instead of vanilla. Almond gives a nice twist that pairs well with lemon. A little goes a long way, so start with half a teaspoon. You can also customize the citrus zest. Instead of lemon, use orange or lime zest. Each option brings a unique taste to the loaf. Mix and match to find your favorite! To keep your Greek yogurt lemon loaf cake fresh, cool it completely before storing. This step is key to avoid sogginess. Once it's cool, place it in an airtight container. This will help keep moisture in and protect it from outside air. If you store the cake at room temperature, it stays fresh for about three days. Just make sure to keep it covered. If you want it to last longer, the fridge is a better choice. In the fridge, it can last up to a week. For even longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This method can help it keep well for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To make your cake more moist, you can try a few tricks: - Add an extra egg. - Use buttermilk instead of some yogurt. - Include a bit of sour cream in the mix. - Increase the lemon juice slightly for extra flavor. These changes will help keep your cake soft and tasty. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Here are some best practices: - Bake the cake and let it cool completely. - Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. - Store it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for up to a week. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, try these alternatives: - Regular yogurt will work, but it may change the texture slightly. - You can use sour cream for a richer taste. - Silken tofu blended until smooth is a good dairy-free option. These substitutes will help you achieve a similar creamy texture. To check if your cake is done, use a toothpick. Here’s how: - Insert the toothpick in the center of the cake. - If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. - If it has wet batter on it, bake a little longer. This simple test will help you avoid underbaking. This blog shared the recipe for a tasty Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf Cake. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for baking. You learned about variations and storage options too. Baking is fun and rewarding. With these tips, you can make a perfect loaf. Enjoy your creation and impress friends and family with this delicious treat!

Zesty Greek Yogurt Lemon Loaf Cake

A light and refreshing lemon loaf cake made with Greek yogurt for added moisture and tang.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine Greek
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1.33 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 medium lemons (zest)
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt and granulated sugar, whisking vigorously until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  • Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully blended into the mixture before adding the next.
  • Pour in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until no streaks of flour remain.
  • Carefully pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few crumbs.
  • Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with lemon slices or mint.
Keyword Greek yogurt, lemon cake, loaf cake