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Looking for a cake that tastes like cheesecake but takes zero baking skills? This 3-ingredient yogurt cake is your new best friend. No fancy mixers. No long ingredient lists. Just a bowl, a whisk, and a little patience while it bakes. Trust me—you won’t believe how something this simple turns into something this good.
Whether you’re craving something light and tangy for breakfast or need a quick dessert for last-minute guests, this cake’s got you covered. It’s soft, creamy, slightly sweet, and it works with all kinds of yogurt—plain, vanilla, coconut, even lemon.
Let me walk you through how this magic happens.
Why You’ll Love This Yogurt Cake
- Only 3 ingredients (plus a couple of optional ones)
- Naturally gluten-free thanks to cornstarch
- Light, creamy texture that melts in your mouth
- Great for breakfast, dessert, or snack time
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the thing—you only need three basic ingredients. That’s it. No flour. No butter. No stress.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yogurt | 1.5 cups (315g) | Plain or vanilla work best. Use Greek-style for a denser cake. |
| Eggs | 4 large | Room temperature is ideal. |
| Cornstarch | 5 tablespoons (55g) | This replaces flour and keeps it light and creamy. |
Optional but tasty:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup sugar (if using plain yogurt and want a sweeter cake)
Yogurt Notes:
Use whatever yogurt you love—plain, vanilla, coconut, even fruity ones like peach or strawberry. Just keep in mind that flavored yogurts will make the cake sweeter and slightly different in color. I once made it with mango yogurt, and it looked like sunshine on a plate. Zero regrets.
Equipment You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here—just basic kitchen gear:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (lined with parchment for easy removal)

How to Make 3-Ingredient Yogurt Cake
This is one of those recipes where you feel like you’re forgetting something… because it’s that easy.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it fully preheated by the time you’re done mixing.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt and eggs until smooth. No lumps. No fuss. Just whisk it like you mean it.
Pro tip: If your yogurt is super thick (like some Greek brands), give it a little stir beforehand to loosen it up.
Step 3: Add Cornstarch and Optional Vanilla
Now add your cornstarch and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until completely smooth. The batter will look silky and pale—like a thin custard.
If you want to add sugar, mix it in now too.
Step 4: Pour and Bake
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, then pour in your batter. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Your house will smell like a cozy bakery. It might even trick your neighbors into thinking you’re hiding a cheesecake in there.
Step 5: Cool and Top
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes, then lift it out and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This part is important—it firms up as it cools, so don’t rush it.
Top it with whatever your heart desires. A dusting of powdered sugar. A spoonful of honey. Maybe some fresh berries or maple syrup if you’re feeling extra. Heck, I once drizzled melted dark chocolate on top and called it dinner.

Flavor Variations to Try
Once you make this cake once, you’ll start thinking of ways to riff on it. Here are some easy ideas to get you started:
Berry Boost: Stir in a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter. They’ll burst and create little pockets of juicy goodness.
Citrus Zing: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the mix for a bright, fresh twist.
Choco-Swirl: Drop in a few spoonfuls of Nutella or chocolate chips and gently swirl before baking.
Coconut Dream: Use coconut yogurt and top with toasted shredded coconut. Big beachy vibes.
Fall Cozy: Add cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and use vanilla yogurt for a fall-inspired flavor.
Storage Tips
This cake is great fresh, but it also holds up well for a few days.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze it too! Just slice it up, wrap in parchment, and seal in a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave for a quick fix.
Troubleshooting
Cake too soft in the center?
It probably needed a little more time. Ovens can be sneaky. Bake until that toothpick comes out clean.
Cracked top?
That’s totally normal! Think of it as rustic charm. The inside will still be dreamy.
Not sweet enough?
Try using flavored yogurt next time, or stir in sugar or maple syrup if using plain. Everyone’s sweet tooth is different.
Final Thoughts
There’s something almost magical about a cake this simple. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard, even if baking isn’t your thing. It’s light, creamy, and totally adaptable—whether you’re serving it with your morning coffee or dressing it up for a dinner party.
Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, comes together in five minutes, and doesn’t leave you with a sink full of dishes. Win-win-win.
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If you’re out of eggs or just prefer not to use them, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of yogurt, so for 3 eggs, you’ll need 3/4 cup of yogurt. Just keep in mind, the texture may turn out softer and slightly denser than usual—but still delicious.
Yogurt pulls double duty in baking. It can replace eggs, oil, or even sour cream, depending on what you need. It adds moisture, richness, and a subtle tang that works especially well in muffins, cakes, and quick breads. It’s kind of the quiet MVP in the baking world.
Totally—it depends on what else you’re adding to it, of course. Yogurt itself is packed with protein, calcium, and probiotics, and baking it doesn’t strip away all of those benefits. If you’re using low-sugar or plain yogurt and keeping the add-ins simple, baked yogurt treats can be a nourishing option.
Yes, and it’s actually a fun way to tweak the flavor without extra ingredients. Vanilla, coconut, lemon, or berry-flavored yogurts all work beautifully. Just remember: flavored yogurts are usually sweetened, so you might want to cut back on any added sugar in your recipe.


3-Ingredient Yogurt Cake (Soft, Creamy & Totally Foolproof!)
The cake’s texture is soft and creamy, while the taste is rich and tangy, with a subtle sweetness that is perfectly balanced.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 pieces 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups yogurt (plain or vanilla), (315 grams)
- 4 eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, optional
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch, (55 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, add the yogurt and eggs. Whisk well.
- Add the pure vanilla extract and cornstarch. Whisk again until the batter is completely smooth.
- Pour it into a lined loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool and top with fresh berries, maple syrup, or honey! Enjoy.
Notes
This cake can be made with vanilla yogurt or any flavored yogurt like coconut. The cake will turn out sweeter if the yogurt is flavored. You can also add 1/4 cup of sugar to the plain yogurt if you don’t want a lower-sugar option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece






