This blueberry yogurt cake is a delightfully moist and flavorful treat, perfect for anyone looking for simple cake recipes. You’ll love how easy it is to bake and its comforting, fruity taste.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- All-Purpose Flour: You can use a gluten-free baking blend if needed.
- Granola: Choose your favorite flavor, or omit for a plainer topping.
- Plain Yogurt: Greek yogurt works too for a tangier cake.
- Fresh Blueberries: Frozen blueberries can be used (do not thaw).
- Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar or another granular sweetener can be substituted.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- ¼ cup granola (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 320 kcal
- Tools: 9-inch round cake pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside. This creates your foundational dry mix for this delicious cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer if you have one; it makes this step much easier. This forms the sweet base of your simple cake recipe.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating each fully before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. Your mixture will start to look smooth and cohesive.
5. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Yogurt
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the plain yogurt, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. This technique keeps your cake tender.
6. Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold in the fresh blueberries. Be careful not to crush them too much. Your batter is now ready for baking.
7. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan. If using, sprinkle the granola over the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your homemade blueberry yogurt cake!
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a brighter flavor.
- Other Berries: Substitute raspberries or mixed berries for the blueberries.
- Streusel Topping: Instead of granola, mix ½ cup flour, ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ cup cold butter for a crumbly topping.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover blueberry yogurt cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly, for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you use frozen blueberries?
A: Yes, you can use frozen blueberries directly without thawing them. They might bleed a bit more color.
Q: Why is my cake dry?
A: Your cake might be dry from overmixing the batter or baking it for too long. Ensure you mix until just combined.
Q: Can you make this cake in a loaf pan?
A: Yes, you can bake this simple cake in a loaf pan, but the baking time might need to be adjusted slightly longer.
Q: What kind of yogurt works best?
A: Plain yogurt (full-fat or low-fat) or plain Greek yogurt both work well. Avoid flavored yogurts.
Q: Can you reduce the sugar?
A: You can slightly reduce the sugar to ¾ cup, but any more might affect the texture and moisture of the cake.
Q: Is this a good recipe for beginners?
A: Absolutely! This blueberry yogurt cake is one of the easiest simple cake recipes to follow, perfect for new bakers.