3 Ingredient Greek Yogurt Cake – Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Last Tuesday, I was craving something sweet but didn’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen or raid my pantry for a dozen ingredients. Sound familiar? That’s exactly how this 3 ingredient Greek yogurt cake was born in my kitchen.
This recipe is perfect for busy moms who need a quick dessert win, health-conscious women looking for a protein-packed treat, or anyone who believes that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. What makes this cake special? It’s impossibly fluffy, naturally moist, and packs 15 grams of protein per slice – all while tasting like you spent hours perfecting it.
You’ll learn how to make this foolproof cake, why Greek yogurt works magic in baking, and my favorite ways to customize it for any occasion. Trust me, once you try this low-ingredient cooking approach, you’ll wonder why you ever needed those 20-ingredient recipes.
3 Ingredient Greek Yogurt Cake – Ingredients and How to Make It
What You’ll Need
The Magic Three:
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1½ cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat works best)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
Dietary Notes:
- Gluten-free: Swap self-rising flour for gluten-free flour blend + 2 tsp baking powder
- Lower sugar: Use ½ cup sugar or try sugar substitutes for keto-friendly versions
- Dairy-free: Use coconut yogurt (texture will be slightly different)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
- Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour and sugar. Give it a quick whisk.
- Add Greek yogurt and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
Chef Greeny’s Tip: The batter will look thick – that’s normal! The yogurt creates the most incredible tender crumb as it bakes.
Chef Greeny’s Tip: Avoid opening the oven door for the first 25 minutes. This cake rises beautifully, but temperature changes can cause it to sink.
Recipe Notes & Storage
Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The cake actually gets more moist after day one!
Scaling up: Double the recipe for a 9×13 pan (bake for 35-40 minutes).
Make-ahead: This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go treats.
Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with fresh berries for an elegant finish.
3 Ingredient Greek Yogurt Cake – Nutrition Facts & Smart Tips
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 185 |
| Carbs | 35g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Health Talk
Here’s why this 3 ingredient Greek yogurt cake is a smart choice: Greek yogurt brings probiotics for gut health and doubles the protein content compared to traditional cakes. According to the USDA FoodData Central, plain Greek yogurt contains significantly more protein per serving than regular yogurt, making this cake a more nutritionally dense option.
At just 185 calories per slice, you’re getting a satisfying dessert that won’t derail your healthy eating goals. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes that protein-rich foods like Greek yogurt can help with satiety and muscle maintenance, making this cake a smarter dessert choice.
This recipe fits beautifully into moderate carb diets and provides sustained energy thanks to the protein content. Unlike butter-heavy cakes, the yogurt keeps you fuller longer while delivering that rich, moist texture we all crave.
Compared to a traditional vanilla cake (which can pack 400+ calories and 20g sugar per slice), this version cuts calories by half while adding nutritional value. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you feel good about your choices.
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3 Ingredient Greek Yogurt Cake
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 8 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This incredibly fluffy 3-ingredient Greek yogurt cake is perfect for busy home cooks who want a protein-packed dessert without the fuss. Made with just flour, Greek yogurt, and sugar, it delivers bakery-quality results in under 35 minutes. The Greek yogurt creates an amazingly moist texture while adding 8g of protein per slice.
Ingredients
2 cups self-rising flour
1½ cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat works best)
¾ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round cake pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour and sugar. Give it a quick whisk.
3. Add Greek yogurt and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine.
4. Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly with the back of a spoon.
5. Bake for 28-32 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
6. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
Notes
The batter will look thick – that’s normal! The yogurt creates the most incredible tender crumb as it bakes.
Avoid opening the oven door for the first 25 minutes to prevent the cake from sinking.
Storage: Keep covered at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Make-ahead: This cake freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour blend + 2 tsp baking powder instead of self-rising flour.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 2
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 5
3 Ingredient Greek Yogurt Cake – Creative Variations to Try
Chocolate Lover’s Version: Add 3 tablespoons cocoa powder to the flour mixture and increase sugar to 1 cup. You’ll get a rich chocolate cake that rivals any bakery version.
Lemon Zest Twist: Fold in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor that’s perfect for spring gatherings.
Berry Bliss: Gently fold in ¾ cup fresh or frozen blueberries before baking. The berries create beautiful pockets of sweetness.
Spiced Comfort: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon nutmeg for a warming fall variation.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Press mini chocolate chips into the top before baking, or swirl in a tablespoon of jam for a marble effect.
Holiday Version: Add ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and fold in chopped dried cranberries and orange zest for a festive touch.
3 Ingredient Greek Yogurt Cake – How to Serve It
This versatile cake shines at any time of day. Serve it warm with coffee for a cozy morning treat, or pair with fresh fruit for a light dessert. It’s substantial enough for a post-workout snack (hello, protein!) and elegant enough for unexpected guests.
My favorite serving combinations:
- Breakfast: Slice with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of honey
- Afternoon snack: With a cup of tea and a dollop of Greek yogurt
- Dessert: Topped with whipped cream and seasonal berries
Chef Greeny’s favorite serving idea: I love making mini versions in a muffin tin (bake for 18-20 minutes) and freezing them for grab-and-go breakfasts. Just pop one in the microwave for 30 seconds, and you’ve got a warm, protein-packed start to your day.
3 Ingredient Greek Yogurt Cake – Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make a cake with Greek yogurt?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt works as an excellent substitute for oil or butter in baking. It creates incredibly moist cakes while adding protein and reducing calories. The key is using full-fat yogurt for the best texture.
What does adding Greek yogurt to cake mix do?
Greek yogurt adds moisture, tenderness, and a slight tang that balances sweetness. It also increases protein content and creates a denser, more satisfying texture than traditional cakes. The probiotics are an added bonus for gut health.
What does Greek yogurt do when baking?
Greek yogurt acts as a binding agent while keeping baked goods moist. The acidity reacts with baking soda/powder to create lift, while the proteins help structure the cake. It’s like having a secret weapon for healthier baking.
Is Greek yogurt good for cakes?
Yes! Greek yogurt is excellent for cakes because it provides moisture without excess fat, adds protein, and creates a tender crumb. It’s particularly great for people looking to reduce calories or increase nutritional value without sacrificing taste.
How long does Greek yogurt cake last?
This cake stays fresh at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. The yogurt actually helps maintain moisture longer than traditional cakes.
3 Ingredient Greek Yogurt Cake – Final Thoughts from Chef Greeny
There’s something magical about creating something delicious with just three simple ingredients. This 3 ingredient Greek yogurt cake proves that minimalist meals don’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. Whether you’re a kitchen shortcuts enthusiast or someone just starting their easy meal prep journey, this recipe delivers every time.
The beauty of low-ingredient cooking is that it removes the stress and expense of complicated recipes while still giving you that homemade satisfaction. This cake has become my go-to for everything from quick family desserts to potluck contributions.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own – try the variations, experiment with toppings, and don’t be afraid to adapt it to your family’s preferences. The best recipes are the ones that become part of your regular rotation.
“Tried this 3-ingredient magic? Tag us @3ingredientrecipe on Pinterest or share your twist in the comments — Chef Greeny reads them all!”
Want more protein-packed treats? Check out my cottage cheese ice cream or try these healthy 3-ingredient brownies for your next simple dessert adventure.
