Citrus Greek Yogurt Cake: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Dessert

Citrus Greek Yogurt Cake is a delightful treat that brings a burst of sunshine to any occasion. As I first tasted this cake, I was immediately captivated by its moist texture and zesty flavor, making it a perfect dessert for both casual gatherings and special celebrations. This cake has roots in Mediterranean cuisine, where yogurt is a staple ingredient, celebrated for its health benefits and rich taste. The combination of citrus and creamy Greek yogurt not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the cake incredibly moist, which is why so many people adore it.

What I love most about Citrus Greek Yogurt Cake is its versatility; it can be enjoyed as a light dessert or even as a sweet breakfast option. The refreshing citrus notes paired with the tangy yogurt create a harmonious balance that is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, making it a convenient choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Join me as we explore this delightful recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Fresh citrus slices, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will help the cake rise properly.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, giving the cake a nice rise.
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
5. Next, add the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The batter should be thick and smooth, with no visible flour streaks.

Baking the Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
3. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
4. After 10 minutes, carefully run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you used parchment paper, simply lift the cake out using the edges of the paper.

Making the Glaze (Optional)

1. While the cake is cooling, you can prepare a simple glaze to drizzle over the top. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice. Whisk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice or powdered sugar as needed.
2. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful presentation.

Assembling and Serving

1. If desired, you can garnish the cake with fresh citrus slices for an extra pop of color and flavor. Simply slice some lemon and orange into thin rounds and arrange them on top of the cake.
2. Dust the top of the cake with additional powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch. This step is optional but adds a nice sweetness and visual appeal.
3. Slice the cake into wedges and serve it at room temperature. This Citrus Greek Yogurt Cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat or dessert.
4. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious the next day!
   

   Conclusion:

   In summary, this Citrus Greek Yogurt Cake is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful dessert that’s both refreshing and satisfying. The combination of zesty citrus flavors and the creamy texture of Greek yogurt creates a cake that is not only delicious but also moist and light. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply treating yourself to a sweet afternoon snack. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also sprinkle some fresh berries on top for a pop of color and added flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different citrus fruits like blood oranges or limes to give the cake a unique twist. I truly encourage you to give this Citrus Greek Yogurt Cake a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve baked it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the joy of baking together!
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   Citrus Greek Yogurt Cake: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic Dessert

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
   • Yield: 1 cake (serves approximately 8-10 slices) 1x

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   Description

   This Citrus Greek Yogurt Cake is a light and fluffy dessert infused with vibrant lemon and orange flavors. Made with creamy Greek yogurt, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion, perfect for pairing with tea or serving as a sweet ending to a meal.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
   • 1 teaspoon baking powder
   • ½ teaspoon baking soda
   • ¼ teaspoon salt
   • 1 cup granulated sugar
   • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
   • Zest of 1 lemon
   • Zest of 1 orange
   • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
   • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
   • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
   • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
   • Fresh citrus slices, for garnish (optional)

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   Instructions

   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
   2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
   4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
   5. Add the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined.
   6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. The batter should be thick and smooth.
   7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
   8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   9. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
   10. Carefully run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
   11. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice. Whisk until smooth.
   12. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
   13. Garnish the cake with fresh citrus slices if desired.
   14. Dust the top of the cake with additional powdered sugar for a lovely finishing touch.
   15. Slice the cake into wedges and serve at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

   Notes

   • For a more intense citrus flavor, you can increase the amount of lemon and orange zest.
   • The glaze is optional but adds a nice sweetness and visual appeal to the cake.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes