Coffee Cake Using Yogurt Recipe [FULL GUIDE]

Oh, coffee cake – that warm, comforting treat that pairs perfectly with your morning cup of joe or an afternoon tea. But what if I told you there’s a way to make it even better? Enter: Coffee Cake Using Yogurt. This isn’t just any coffee cake; it’s a tender, moist, slightly tangy, and downright irresistible cake that’s easy to whip up and will quickly become a family favorite.

Why yogurt, you ask? Well, yogurt adds this wonderful moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. Plus, it keeps the cake soft for days! So if you want a coffee cake that’s not dry or crumbly but downright luscious, this recipe is your golden ticket.

Ready to roll up your sleeves and get baking? Let’s break down everything you need to know!

Coffee Cake Using Yogurt Recipe

Here’s a sneak peek of what we’re going to make: a soft, moist coffee cake with a cinnamon-sugar streusel topping that’s perfectly crumbly, all built on a yogurt-infused batter that’s rich and tender. Imagine biting into a slice where the crumb melts in your mouth, punctuated by bursts of cinnamon sweetness and a hint of tangy yogurt underneath. Heavenly!

Ingredients Needed

Before we get messy with the batter, let’s talk about what you need. Don’t worry – all these ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store or maybe even hanging out in your pantry!

• All-purpose flour – The backbone of your cake’s structure.
• Baking powder & baking soda – These leaveners help your cake rise beautifully.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the batter.
• Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a caramel-y depth, especially important for the streusel topping.
• Ground cinnamon – The star spice of coffee cake.
• Plain yogurt (full-fat or Greek yogurt works best) – Adds moisture, tang, and tenderness.
• Butter – For richness; melted for the batter, cold for the topping.
• Eggs – Bind everything together and give the cake lift.
• Vanilla extract – Because everything’s better with vanilla.
• Optional nuts (like chopped walnuts or pecans) – Adds crunch and texture.

How To Make Coffee Cake Using Yogurt

Alright, here’s where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and you’ll have that dreamy coffee cake in no time.

1. Prep Your Oven And Pan

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and a good shake of cinnamon.

3. Create The Streusel Topping

   In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped nuts. Cut in cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until it’s crumbly and resembles wet sand. Set aside.

4. Whisk Wet Ingredients

   In another bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the yogurt, melted butter, and vanilla extract.

5. Combine Wet And Dry

   Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix – you want the cake tender!

6. Layer It Up

   Pour half the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel topping evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and finish with the remaining streusel.

7. Bake

   Pop the cake in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Cool And Enjoy

   Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a cup of coffee or your favorite hot drink.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Let’s geek out for a minute – why does this recipe work so well? Yogurt is the secret hero here:

• Yogurt’s acidity reacts with baking soda, creating carbon dioxide bubbles that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• It also breaks down gluten strands slightly, which makes the cake more tender, soft, and moist.
• The fat content in yogurt adds richness without heaviness.
• Plus, that subtle tang from yogurt balances the sweetness, making the flavor more complex and less cloying.

The butter in the streusel helps it crisp up in the oven, creating that perfect crunchy topping that contrasts with the soft cake beneath.

Expert Tips

Now, to really take this cake next level, here are some pro tips I’ve learned from years of baking and testing:

• Use room temperature ingredients: Eggs and yogurt blend better with room temp butter and sugar.
• Don’t overmix: Stir until just combined to avoid a tough cake.
• Chill your streusel topping butter: Cold butter makes crumbly bits, not greasy clumps.
• Let the cake cool fully (or at least mostly) before cutting, so it sets properly and slices cleanly.
• If you want extra moistness, add a splash of buttermilk or use Greek yogurt for thicker tang.
• For a more pronounced cinnamon flavor, add a cinnamon stick to your sugar while mixing, then remove before baking.

Recipe Variations

The beauty of this coffee cake is how flexible it is. Want to switch it up? Here are some fun ideas:

• Fruit additions: Toss in fresh blueberries, chopped apples, or even diced pears for fruity bursts.
• Chocolate twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle some cocoa powder into the streusel.
• Nutty delight: Use toasted pecans or almonds for a richer crunch.
• Gluten-free version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, and be sure to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
• Vegan option: Use flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg), dairy-free yogurt, and coconut oil instead of butter.

Final Words

This coffee cake recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a cozy moment in a bite. It’s the kind of treat that makes you slow down, savor, and maybe even feel a little nostalgic. Whether you’re feeding guests or treating yourself, the yogurt keeps it moist and tender – a subtle but game-changing twist on the classic.

FAQs

Can I Use Greek Yogurt For A Coffee Cake Using Yogurt Recipe?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for regular yogurt in a coffee cake recipe. It will provide a thicker texture and a slight tang, which can enhance the flavor of the cake. However, you may need to adjust the moisture content slightly, as Greek yogurt is thicker than regular yogurt.

What Type Of Yogurt Is Best For Making Coffee Cake?

Plain, unsweetened yogurt is the best choice for coffee cake. It ensures that the sweetness and flavor of the cake are not affected. You can use low-fat, full-fat, or Greek yogurt, depending on your preference for texture and richness.

Can I Replace Yogurt With Sour Cream In A Coffee Cake Recipe?

Yes, sour cream can be used as a substitute for yogurt in a coffee cake recipe. Both sour cream and yogurt provide moisture and a slight tanginess, though sour cream will make the cake slightly richer and denser due to its higher fat content.

How Does Yogurt Affect The Texture Of Coffee Cake?

Yogurt helps to make the coffee cake moist and tender. It also contributes to a slight leavening effect due to the acidity, which reacts with the baking soda or baking powder, making the cake rise and have a light, airy texture.

Can I Make A Dairy-free Coffee Cake Using Yogurt?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free coffee cake using plant-based yogurt alternatives such as almond, soy, or coconut yogurt. Ensure the yogurt substitute is unsweetened and plain to maintain the correct flavor balance in the cake.

How Can I Make A Coffee Cake Using Yogurt More Flavorful?

You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. You can also incorporate fruit, such as berries, or swirl in a bit of jam or chocolate chips for added richness and flavor depth.

Can I Freeze Coffee Cake Made With Yogurt?

Yes, you can freeze coffee cake made with yogurt. After baking, let the cake cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Is Coffee Cake Made With Yogurt Lower In Fat Than Traditional Coffee Cake?

Coffee cake made with yogurt can be lower in fat than traditional coffee cake, especially if you use low-fat or non-fat yogurt. Yogurt provides moisture and tenderness, allowing you to reduce or eliminate some of the butter or oil typically used in coffee cake recipes.

Can I Add Streusel Topping To A Coffee Cake Made With Yogurt?

Yes, adding a streusel topping is a great way to enhance the texture and flavor of a yogurt-based coffee cake. A streusel made from flour, sugar, butter, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can add a deliciously sweet and crunchy contrast to the moist cake.

How Long Should I Bake A Coffee Cake Made With Yogurt?

The baking time for a coffee cake made with yogurt is typically around 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the pan and your oven. It’s best to check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.