Irresistible 3 Ingredient Yogurt Cake : Light Dessert

Some of the best desserts I’ve ever had came from the most unexpected simplicity—like this 3 Ingredient Yogurt Cake. It reminds me of the fluffy cheesecakes my aunt from Osaka used to make during the holidays. Light, creamy, and with just the right amount of sweetness, this cake is a dream come true for busy home bakers and minimalists alike.

In this recipe, we’re turning sweetened vanilla Greek yogurt into the star of the show. Whether you need a quick dessert for guests or a comforting slice of sweetness for yourself, this easy yogurt cake delivers with zero fuss.

Save

📝 Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Yogurt Cake

• Made with only three pantry-friendly ingredients
• No need for flour or butter
• Creamy texture with a light and airy crumb
• Versatile for all seasons and occasions
• Can be baked in the oven or air fryer

It’s the perfect introduction to baking for beginners—or a delightfully stress-free project for seasoned bakers looking to keep it simple.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup sweetened vanilla Greek yogurt
  (Full-fat for best results)
• 3 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
  (or 1/4 cup if measuring loosely packed)

Optional Add-ins:
A teaspoon of vanilla extract, lemon zest, or even a spoonful of fruit jam swirled into the batter.

🕐 Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes (oven) or 20 minutes (air fryer)
• Cooling Time: 1 hour (includes chilling)
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

🔥 How to Make 3 Ingredient Yogurt Cake

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 6-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. For the air fryer version, use a heat-safe cake pan that fits your model.

2. Whisk Eggs

In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs vigorously until frothy and light in color. This step adds air to the batter, helping the cake rise without baking powder.

3. Mix in Yogurt

Add yogurt to the eggs and stir gently until fully combined.

4. Sift in Cornstarch

Sift the cornstarch over the mixture to avoid lumps. Fold it in carefully using a spatula or whisk until smooth.

5. Bake

Pour batter into the prepared pan. Tap lightly on the counter to release air bubbles.

• Oven: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
• Air Fryer: Bake at 320°F (160°C) for 18–20 minutes.

6. Cool & Chill

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Chill for at least 1 hour before slicing for the best texture.

Tip: For extra decadence, serve chilled with powdered sugar or fresh berries.

Save

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Top with fruit compote (blueberry, raspberry, or mango)
• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish
• Serve with whipped cream or crème fraîche
• Layer with lemon curd or jam for a fancier touch

🧂 Customization Ideas

This recipe is a beautiful base to experiment with:

• Make it chocolate: Add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
• Make it fruity: Fold in a few teaspoons of crushed berries
• Make it citrusy: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter

🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake can be made a day ahead and actually tastes better chilled overnight.

Note: Freezing isn’t recommended due to the delicate texture.

🥄 Texture & Flavor Profile

Think of it as a cross between a Japanese soufflé cheesecake and a baked custard. It’s soft, creamy, and melts in your mouth, with a gentle tang from the yogurt that keeps it refreshing even after a rich meal.

🧁 Is Yogurt Cake Healthy?

Compared to traditional cakes loaded with butter, sugar, and flour, this yogurt cake is:

• Lower in calories
• Higher in protein (thanks to the Greek yogurt)
• Gluten-free (when using cornstarch)

Approximate nutrition per slice (8 servings):
Calories: 100–120
Protein: 5g
Fat: 3g
Carbs: 10–12g

🌍 Cultural Inspiration

While this version leans American in ingredients and convenience, the concept is a clear nod to Japanese cheesecake, known for its airy texture and custard-like lightness. It’s the kind of global comfort food that brings cultures together through simplicity and joy.

Save

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use plain or unsweetened yogurt?

Yes, but you may want to add 1–2 tablespoons of sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance the tang.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Try using a dairy-free Greek-style yogurt like almond or coconut. Just make sure it’s thick and sweetened for similar results.

Why didn’t my cake rise?

The most common reason is under-whisking the eggs or over-mixing after adding cornstarch. Be gentle with the batter once air has been incorporated.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Use an 8-inch pan and increase bake time by 5–10 minutes. Keep an eye on the center for doneness.

Does this taste like cheesecake?

Yes and no—it’s creamy and custardy like cheesecake but much lighter, with a subtle tang from the yogurt instead of cream cheese.

🔗 External Links

Explore more light dessert ideas and baking techniques:

• Kirbie’s Cravings Yogurt Cake Inspiration
• Understanding Greek Yogurt in Baking
• Japanese Soufflé Cheesecake Guide
• Air Fryer Baking Tips

💬 Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this 3 Ingredient Yogurt Cake is gaining popularity across blogs and Pinterest boards—it’s delightfully easy and refreshingly light. Perfect for when you want dessert without the guilt or the hassle. Whether baked in the oven or air fryer, it’s a slice of joy ready in under an hour.

Print