- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and lemon or orange zest (if using) until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cooling:
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Glaze:
- If desired, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice or milk until smooth and drizzle consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the fluffy Greek yogurt cake and serve it as is or with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scoop of ice cream.
Tips for Success:
- Greek Yogurt: Use plain, full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture and flavor.
- Mixing: Be gentle when folding the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake.
- Zest: Adding lemon or orange zest enhances the flavor profile of the cake, but it’s optional if you prefer a more neutral taste.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Variations:
- Add-ins: Fold in 1 cup of fresh berries or chocolate chips into the batter before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- Citrus Glaze: Instead of a simple powdered sugar glaze, use citrus juice and zest for a tangy topping that complements the cake.
Enjoy this fluffy Greek yogurt cake as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat with your favorite hot beverage. It’s simple to make yet impressively light and moist, perfect for any occasion!