Vegan yogurt cake is one of those delightful treats that combines the moist richness of traditional cake with the tangy freshness of yogurt — all without any animal products. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to try something new and wholesome, these cakes offer a delicious and healthy alternative that everyone can enjoy.
The beauty of vegan yogurt cakes lies in their versatility: you can customize flavors, add fruits or nuts, and even experiment with different plant-based yogurts for unique textures and tastes. In this blog post, I’ll share some of the best vegan yogurt cake recipes that are easy to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for any occasion.
From classic lemon yogurt cake to a spiced vanilla version and a luscious berry-studded delight, these recipes ensure that your vegan baking game is on point. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you don’t need to be a pro baker to whip up these cakes.
Let’s dive into these scrumptious recipes that prove vegan desserts can be just as decadent and satisfying as their traditional counterparts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan yogurt cake recipe is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, the use of plant-based yogurt keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender without relying on eggs or dairy.
It also adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness perfectly. These cakes are simple to make with pantry staples and require minimal equipment, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Moreover, these recipes are highly adaptable. You can easily swap out flavors, fold in your favorite fruits or nuts, or top with vegan glazes or frostings.
With fewer calories and less fat than traditional cakes, these vegan yogurt cakes are healthier options without compromising on taste or texture. Whether it’s an afternoon tea, a birthday celebration, or a guilt-free dessert, this recipe fits any occasion beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for a healthier twist)
- 1 cup plant-based yogurt (such as soy, coconut, or almond yogurt)
- ¾ cup sugar (cane sugar or coconut sugar)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a tangy boost)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins: fresh berries, chopped nuts, lemon zest, cinnamon
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 8-inch round cake pan or loaf pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cooling rack
- Spatula
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pan with oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the plant-based yogurt, sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Incorporate wet into dry: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture with a spatula. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Add optional flavorings: Fold in any berries, nuts, or zest you like at this stage.
- Pour batter into the pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Serve as is or top with a vegan glaze, powdered sugar, or fresh fruit.
Tips & Variations
Use full-fat plant-based yogurt for a richer, moister cake.
Try coconut yogurt for a tropical flavor or soy yogurt for a neutral base.
To make a lemon yogurt cake, add the zest of one lemon and increase lemon juice to 2 tablespoons.
Swap sugar for maple syrup or agave nectar, but reduce the oil slightly to maintain texture.
For a spiced version, add 1 tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp nutmeg.
Experiment with mix-ins like chopped dark chocolate, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vegan yogurt cake warm or at room temperature for the best flavor. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee.
For a decadent treat, top slices with a dollop of coconut whipped cream or vegan vanilla ice cream.
Try dressing the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice or dust with cinnamon and sugar for extra sweetness. Fresh berries or fruit compotes also complement the tangy yogurt flavor beautifully.
For celebrations, decorate with edible flowers or a sprinkle of toasted nuts.
Looking for more delightful vegan desserts? Check out our Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe or the refreshing Christmas Parfait Dessert Recipes for festive options.
Best Vegan Yogurt Cake Recipes
Classic Lemon Vegan Yogurt Cake
This bright and zesty lemon cake is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, made with lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. The plant-based yogurt keeps it moist, while the lemon adds a refreshing tang.
- Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup lemon-flavored vegan yogurt, ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup oil, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, zest of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp lemon juice, pinch of salt.
- Instructions: Follow the main recipe above, adding lemon zest and juice to the wet ingredients. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Vanilla Almond Vegan Yogurt Cake
This recipe features almond yogurt and a rich vanilla extract for a subtly nutty and aromatic cake. Toasted slivered almonds on top add a delightful crunch.
- Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup almond yogurt, ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup oil, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of salt, ¼ cup toasted slivered almonds.
- Instructions: Prepare batter as usual, folding in vanilla extract. After pouring batter into the pan, sprinkle almonds on top. Bake 45 minutes until golden.
Mixed Berry Vegan Yogurt Cake
Celebrate the season with juicy, fresh or frozen berries mixed into this tender vegan yogurt cake. The berries add bursts of sweetness and color.
- Ingredients: 1 ½ cups flour, 1 cup plain vegan yogurt, ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup oil, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries), pinch of salt.
- Instructions: Fold berries gently into the batter. Bake for 50 minutes or until the cake springs back when pressed.
For more inspiration on vegan baking and desserts, don’t miss our Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe or the delightful Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for vegan savory pairings.
Conclusion
These vegan yogurt cakes are a fantastic way to enjoy a moist, flavorful dessert that’s both healthy and animal-friendly. Their simple ingredients and easy preparation make them suitable for any baker, from novices to seasoned pros.
Whether you prefer the bright zing of lemon, the comforting sweetness of vanilla almond, or the juicy burst of berries, there’s a vegan yogurt cake here to satisfy your cravings.
Experimenting with different plant-based yogurts and add-ins allows you to tailor the cake perfectly to your taste and dietary needs. Plus, these cakes pair wonderfully with a variety of toppings and beverages, making them perfect for casual treats or special occasions.
Give these recipes a try and discover how delightful vegan baking can be!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Yogurt Cake
Description: A moist and fluffy vegan cake made with plant-based yogurt for a tender crumb. Perfect for a light dessert or snack.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup vegan yogurt (plain or vanilla)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix vegan yogurt, oil, vinegar, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest.
- Combine wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 35 g
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