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4-Ingredient Greek Yogurt Cake Recipe


  • Author: Dianna

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 1/2 cups Plain Greek Yogurt: The star of the show! Greek yogurt is what gives this cake its signature creamy texture and tangy flavor. It also contributes significantly to the cake’s moistness and protein content. For the best results, opt for full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt for a richer flavor and texture. While non-fat Greek yogurt will work, the cake might be slightly less creamy. Ensure you use plain Greek yogurt, not flavored varieties, as we want to control the sweetness and flavor profile ourselves. The thickness of Greek yogurt is crucial; it acts as a binder and structure in the absence of flour.
  • 4 Eggs: Eggs are the binding agents and leavening powerhouses in this recipe. They contribute to the cake’s rise, its light and airy texture, and its overall structure. Use large eggs for consistency. Make sure your eggs are fresh for the best flavor and baking performance. Eggs also add richness and contribute to the slightly eggy, custard-like quality that makes this cake so unique. They work in tandem with the Greek yogurt to create that characteristic creamy interior.
  • 1 tablespoon Sugar: Just a touch of sugar is all you need! This recipe is intentionally low in sugar, allowing the natural flavors of the yogurt and eggs to take center stage. Granulated sugar is perfect for this recipe, dissolving easily into the batter. If you prefer, you could experiment with other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that these will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the cake. The small amount of sugar is primarily to balance the tanginess of the yogurt and enhance the overall sweetness without making the cake overly sugary.
  • 4 tablespoons Cornstarch: Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that transforms this simple mixture into a cake-like consistency. It acts as a thickener and binder, absorbing excess moisture and creating a delicate crumb. Cornstarch is also gluten-free, making this cake naturally suitable for those avoiding gluten. Make sure to use cornstarch and not corn flour, as they are different products with distinct properties. Cornstarch is essential for achieving the right texture – without it, the cake would likely be too wet and not hold its shape as well.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking and ensuring the cake cooks through properly without burning on the outside. While the oven is heating, prepare your 6-inch (15 cm) springform pan. Lining the pan with parchment paper is highly recommended. Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pan and grease the sides of the pan lightly, even if it’s non-stick. This will ensure the cake releases cleanly after baking and chilling, making unmolding a breeze. Using a springform pan is essential for easy removal of the delicate cake without damaging it. Set the prepared pan aside.
  2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, eggs, and sugar. Using a whisk or a hand mixer, mix these ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth. There’s no need to overmix at this stage; just ensure everything is incorporated. The mixture will be fairly liquid at this point, which is perfectly normal. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved into the yogurt and egg mixture.
  3. Incorporate the Cornstarch: Add the cornstarch to the bowl. This is best done gradually to prevent clumps. Whisk the mixture thoroughly until it is completely smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps of cornstarch remaining. Continue whisking until the batter is homogenous and slightly thickened. This step is important for achieving the desired texture of the cake.
  4. Pour and Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan. Gently tap the pan on the countertop a few times. This simple step helps to release any trapped air bubbles in the batter, which can prevent large air pockets from forming in the finished cake and ensure a smoother surface.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness. The cake is ready when the center is puffed up and set, and the edges are slightly browned. A gentle jiggle in the very center is acceptable, as the cake will continue to set as it cools and chills. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cake dry.
  6. Cool and Deflate: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 30 minutes directly in the pan. Don’t be alarmed if the center of the cake deflates as it cools – this is perfectly normal and part of the cake’s characteristic texture. The deflation is due to the steam escaping as the cake cools and the structure setting.
  7. Chill to Firm Up: After the initial cooling period, transfer the cake (still in the pan) to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer. Chilling is absolutely crucial for this cake. It allows the cake to firm up completely and develop its signature creamy, dense texture. The longer you chill it, the firmer and more delicious it will become. Overnight chilling is ideal for the best results.
  8. Unmold and Serve: Once the cake is thoroughly chilled and firm, remove it from the refrigerator. Carefully unmold the cake from the springform pan, removing the parchment paper. Let the cake sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This slight warming allows the texture to soften just a bit, making it even more enjoyable. Slice and serve as desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: One Normal Portion
  • Calories: 180-220
  • Sugar: 2-4g
  • Fat: 8-12g
  • Carbohydrates: 10-15g
  • Protein: 12-15g