Easy Orange Yogurt Cake – Light, Moist & Perfect for Brunch

Need a simple dessert that tastes like sunshine? This Easy Orange Yogurt Cake is soft, moist, and loaded with fresh orange flavor—no mixer needed. Made with pantry staples and a splash of citrus, it’s perfect for brunch, tea time, or just a light sweet treat.

At FlashMealsClub, we love desserts that come together quickly but deliver big on taste—and this citrusy cake is no exception.

Looking for more easy citrus-based desserts?
Link To: Dubai Chocolate Strawberry : Fresh, fruit-forward dessert for flavor pairing

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Easy orange yogurt cake loaf with orange zest
Marwa

Easy Orange Yogurt Cake

A fluffy, moist cake made with plain yogurt and fresh orange juice and zest—simple, everyday elegance.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: European, French-inspired
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 1 cup plain yogurt whole‑milk or low‑fat
  • cups all‑purpose flour sifted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 eggs room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice about 1 large orange
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 8‑inch round cake pan or loaf pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and flour an 8‑inch pan (round or loaf).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk yogurt, sugar, eggs, oil, orange juice, zest, and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Sift in flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold until just combined—avoid overmixing.
  4. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
  5. Bake 30–35 minutes (loaf) or 25–30 minutes (round), until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Let cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Optional: Whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp orange juice to make glaze. Drizzle over cooled cake.
  8. Slice and serve with tea or fresh fruit. Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Notes

This cake is wonderfully moist thanks to the yogurt. For variation, add poppy seeds, chopped nuts, or swap the glaze for a light cream cheese frosting. Also delicious served warm with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Yogurt Cake

This isn’t your average loaf cake. Thanks to the yogurt, this one turns out incredibly moist, slightly tangy, and tender. The orange adds brightness without being overly sweet.

Highlights:

  • Moist texture from yogurt
  • Naturally sweet & citrusy
  • One bowl – no mixer needed
  • Versatile – enjoy plain or glazed
  • Great for breakfast, dessert, or gifting

Ingredients You’ll Need For yogurt quick bread

Here’s what goes into this easy orange yogurt cake:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup neutral oil (like canola or sunflower)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Ingredients for orange yogurt cake
All the simple ingredients you need

Optional Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tbsp orange juice

How to Make Easy Orange Yogurt Cake

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan or round 9-inch cake pan.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, oil, orange zest, juice, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt directly into the bowl. Gently fold until no dry spots remain—don’t overmix.

Step 4: Bake

Pour into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool & Glaze (Optional)

Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cake if desired.

Orange yogurt cake slices with glaze
Glazed orange yogurt cake slices

Pro Tips for Success

TipWhy It Helps
Use fresh orange juiceMaximizes real citrus flavor
Don’t overmix the batterKeeps the cake light and tender
Let cool completelyPrevents glaze from melting off
Add a pinch of cardamomFor a slightly spiced twist

Serving Suggestions

This cake is perfect with:

  • A hot cup of tea or coffee
  • A dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt
  • Sliced fresh oranges
  • A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup

Storage & Freezing Tips for one-bowl orange cake

  • Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
  • Fridge: Lasts 5–6 days if well wrapped
  • Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp.

Easy Variations

Add-InFlavor Boost
Mini chocolate chipsOrange + chocolate combo
Chopped pistachiosCrunch + Middle Eastern flair
Swap vanilla for almond extractSweet, nutty undertone
Use lemon instead of orangeFor a zesty variation

Nutrition Info (Per Slice, Approx. 10 servings)

NutrientAmount
Calories~200 kcal
Fat8g
Carbs28g
Protein5g
Sugar16g

Note: Approximate based on ingredients used.

FAQs about citrus loaf cake

Can I use store-bought orange juice?

Yes, but fresh-squeezed gives better flavor. Use unsweetened juice to avoid excess sugar.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check for one with xanthan gum for best texture.

What type of yogurt works best?

Plain Greek yogurt is ideal for richness, but regular yogurt works too—just reduce liquid slightly.

Can I make it into muffins?

Absolutely! Divide into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes at the same temperature.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Orange Yogurt Cake is light, zesty, and ridiculously simple to make. Whether you’re baking for guests, meal prepping for the week, or just satisfying your citrus craving, this cake hits the sweet spot—without the fuss.

For More Recipes

In the mood for something golden and nutty? You’ll love our Sun-Dried Tomato Zucchini Bread.

Explore our Red Skin Potato Salad for a full brunch spread.

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