Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
Optional Toppings
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Lemon zest
- Fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and line an 8‑inch round cake pan with parchment paper to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine plain yogurt, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, egg yolks, and granulated sugar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the cake.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a clean mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites along with cream of tartar (if using) until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial to give the cake its airy cloud-like texture.
- Fold in Egg Whites: Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in two batches. Use a spatula and a gentle folding motion to maintain the airiness of the whites, preventing the batter from deflating.
- Bake Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess and lets the cake set properly.
- Optional Serving: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and a touch of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Top the cooled cake with this whipped cream and garnish with fresh berries or lemon zest for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Make sure to use room temperature eggs for better volume when whipping the whites.
- Folding the egg whites gently is key to retaining the light texture of the cake.
- Cream of tartar is optional but helps stabilize the egg whites.
- Use plain yogurt; Greek yogurt can make the batter thicker, adjust flour accordingly if used.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt and cream with plant-based alternatives, but texture will vary.
- The cake is best served the same day but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, covered tightly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian