This lemon yogurt cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the tangy flavor of lemon with the creamy texture of vegan yogurt. It's perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat. The recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers.
If you don't usually keep vegan yogurt in your kitchen, you'll need to pick some up at the supermarket. It's a dairy-free alternative to regular yogurt and can usually be found in the refrigerated section. Additionally, make sure you have fresh lemons on hand for the lemon zest and lemon juice. These ingredients are essential for achieving the cake's bright and zesty flavor.
Ingredients For Lemon Yogurt Cake
All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake.
Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the baking powder to leaven the cake.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Vegan yogurt: Adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake.
Vegetable oil: Provides fat and moisture, making the cake tender.
Lemon zest: Adds a concentrated lemon flavor.
Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy taste.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of sweetness and depth of flavor.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mixing the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, be sure to do so gently and only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake. The goal is to keep the batter light and airy to ensure a tender crumb.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the cake denser.
sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar to replace 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder to replace baking soda, but it might affect the taste slightly.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor and contains trace minerals.
vegan yogurt - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce keeps the cake moist and adds natural sweetness.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and is a healthier fat option.
lemon zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest provides a similar citrusy flavor with a slightly different aroma.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds acidity and a slight tang, though it will alter the flavor profile.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a nutty, sweet flavor that complements the lemon.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Cake
How To Store / Freeze Your Cake
To keep your lemon yogurt cake fresh and moist, first ensure it has cooled completely on a wire rack.
Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap. This helps to lock in moisture and prevent the cake from drying out.
For an extra layer of protection, place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you prefer to refrigerate the cake, it can last up to a week. Just make sure it's well-wrapped to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Place the double-wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
When you're ready to enjoy the cake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. For a quicker option, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
To revive the cake's texture, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back some of the cake's original moistness and flavor.
If you have leftover slices, consider wrapping them individually before freezing. This makes it easy to grab a single serving whenever you crave a piece of lemon yogurt cake.
Remember, the key to maintaining the cake's delightful lemon zest and vegan yogurt flavors is proper wrapping and storage. Enjoy every bite!
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the leftover lemon yogurt cake in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place the wrapped cake on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain the cake's moisture and texture.
Microwave Method: Place a slice of the lemon yogurt cake on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check the cake and add more time in 10-second increments if needed. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the cake rubbery.
Steaming Method: If you have a steamer, this method can be quite effective. Place the lemon yogurt cake on a heatproof plate and put it in the steamer. Steam for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps retain the cake's moisture and gives it a freshly baked feel.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the lemon yogurt cake on a piece of aluminum foil or a small baking tray. Heat for about 5-10 minutes. This method is great for reheating smaller portions without using a full-sized oven.
Stovetop Method: If you don't have access to an oven or microwave, you can use a stovetop. Place a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil or vegan butter to the skillet. Place the lemon yogurt cake slice in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method can add a slight crispiness to the edges.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) to bake the cake.
Baking pan: Grease this to prevent the cake from sticking.
Mixing bowl: Use one for the dry ingredients and another for the wet ingredients.
Whisk: Combine the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Spatula: Mix the wet and dry ingredients together without overmixing.
Measuring cups: Measure out the flour, sugar, and vegan yogurt accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measure the baking powder, baking soda, salt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
Zester: Obtain the lemon zest from the lemon.
Juicer: Extract the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Toothpick: Check the cake's doneness by inserting it into the center.
Wire rack: Cool the cake completely after baking.
Cooling rack: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring.
How to Save Time on Making This Cake
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure all ingredients before starting to save time during assembly.
Use a food processor: Quickly mix wet ingredients using a food processor to save time.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin mixing to ensure it's ready when you are.
Line the pan: Use parchment paper to line the baking pan for easy removal and less cleanup.
Combine dry ingredients in advance: Mix all dry ingredients the night before to streamline the process.
Lemon Yogurt Cake
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegan yogurt
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the vegan yogurt, vegetable oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Value
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