Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Combine Yogurt and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and granulated sugar. Whisk until well blended.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Oil, Vanilla, and Lemon Zest: Gradually whisk in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Mix Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth and free of lumps.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cake is completely cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of ice cream.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Flavor Variations: Add a teaspoon of almond extract or a tablespoon of orange zest for a different flavor profile.
- Fruit Addition: Fold in a cup of fresh or frozen berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, for a fruity twist.
- Nutty Addition: Add a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or walnuts, to the batter for extra texture.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple lemon glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cake for added sweetness and tang.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Italian Yogurt Cake is a moist and delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a flavorful and tender cake with minimal effort. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful cake with your family and friends.
Key Takeaway
Grandma’s Italian Yogurt Cake offers a moist, flavorful, and versatile dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any time of day. This classic recipe can be customized with various flavors and add-ins to suit your taste. Enjoy the comforting and delicious goodness of homemade Italian yogurt cake!