Craving a delicious treat but short on time? This Cinnamon Swirl Yogurt Cake is a perfect one bowl cake recipe, delivering a moist, flavorful cake with a beautiful cinnamon ribbon. You’ll love how simple it is to bake and how impressive it tastes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Plain Yogurt: Use full-fat or low-fat. Greek yogurt also works but may result in a slightly denser cake.
- All-Purpose Flour: A gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend can be used.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar can be substituted for a deeper caramel note.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that classic swirl.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (240g) plain yogurt
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: 9-inch round cake pan, large mixing bowl, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This prevents sticking and ensures an easy release for your one bowl cake.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In your large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly. This ensures even distribution in your one bowl cake recipe.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Add the egg, yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the well. Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
4. Make the Cinnamon Swirl Mixture
In a small separate bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Mix these together well. This creates the signature swirl for your one bowl cake.
5. Assemble and Swirl
Pour about half of the cake batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the batter. Gently swirl with a knife or skewer. Repeat with the remaining batter and cinnamon sugar mixture.
6. Bake Your Cake
Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
7. Cool and Serve
Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve this delightful one bowl cake.
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter for a brighter flavor.
- Nutty Swirl: Mix finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the cinnamon swirl mixture.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, cream cheese, and a touch of milk.
- Apple Cinnamon: Fold in ½ cup of finely diced apples with the batter for an autumn twist.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Cinnamon Swirl Yogurt Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a fresh-baked taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use flavored yogurt?
Yes, you can, but it will change the flavor profile of your one bowl cake. Plain yogurt is recommended for the purest cinnamon taste.
Why is my cake dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking can lead to a dry cake. Make sure you mix until just combined and check for doneness at the earliest recommended baking time.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes, you can use a loaf pan or an 8×8 inch square pan, but the baking time may vary. Keep an eye on it and test for doneness.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic one bowl cake recipe for beginners due to its simple steps and minimal cleanup.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cooled cake, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
What kind of oil should I use?
Any neutral-flavored oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil works well. Avoid strong-flavored oils.