Chocolate Yogurt Loaf Cake

Name: Chocolate Yogurt Loaf Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients: 1 cup plain yogurt; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Indulgence

I love experimenting with new ingredients, and using yogurt in baked goods has been a game changer for me. The result is a moist and tender cake that’s not overly sweet, making it perfect for any occasion. This Chocolate Yogurt Loaf Cake combines rich cocoa with creamy yogurt, resulting in a delightful treat that my family enjoys. Whether for brunch or dessert, this cake is sure to impress, and I can’t wait to share the recipe with you!

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-02-08T05:57:36.357Z

When I first baked this Chocolate Yogurt Loaf Cake, I was pleasantly surprised by the texture. The yogurt adds moisture, leading to a cake that stays fresh longer. I used high-quality cocoa powder, which made a noticeable difference in flavor, giving the cake a deep chocolate richness that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s become a favorite in our home!

One unexpected tip I have is to let the cake cool completely before slicing it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and each slice reveals a tender crumb. You can even serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a little extra indulgence!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with creamy yogurt
Moist and tender texture that's hard to resist
Perfect for sharing with family and friends

The Role of Yogurt in Baking

Using yogurt in this loaf cake significantly enhances its moisture content, leading to a tender crumb that is hard to achieve with traditional cake recipes. The acidity in yogurt helps to activate the baking soda, which contributes to the cake's lightness and rise. This combination of rich flavors and pleasant texture means that you can enjoy a slice without it being overly sweet, allowing the chocolate to shine through beautifully.

For anyone looking to replace yogurt in this recipe, you can substitute with sour cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. Both options will provide similar moisture and tanginess, ensuring your Chocolate Yogurt Loaf Cake remains delicious and satisfying.

Baking Tips for a Perfect Cake

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be sure to combine them gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour. Aim for a just-combined batter that may still have a few lumps; this will ensure your cake stays light and fluffy after baking.

Keep an eye on the baking time, as all ovens are slightly different. Start checking the cake around the 45-minute mark. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached when inserted into the center. If your cake has risen unevenly, rotating the pan halfway through baking can help achieve an even bake.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to get started:

Ingredients

1 cup plain yogurt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

Now that you have all the ingredients, let's move on to the steps!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your cake:

Prepare the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Serve & Enjoy!

Once the cake has cooled completely, slice it and serve as desired. Enjoy it plain, or top with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent treat!

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Yogurt Loaf Cake!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider folding in chocolate chips or nuts into the batter before baking. These additions can elevate the texture even more.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Chocolate Yogurt Loaf Cake stores beautifully! After cooling completely, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices individually. Just make sure they are wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn, and they can be stored for up to a month.

If you want to enjoy this cake in the future, consider making a double batch and freezing one loaf right after baking. This way, you’ll have a delicious treat on hand whenever a craving strikes, or you need a quick dessert for unexpected company!

Serving Suggestions

While this cake is delightful on its own, you can elevate it by pairing it with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can also complement the rich cocoa flavor perfectly, making each bite more indulgent and satisfying.

For an appealing presentation, consider dusting the top with powdered sugar or serving slices with a side of yogurt mixed with honey and nuts. This adds an interesting flavor twist and makes your chocolate loaf cake even more enticing for family gatherings or brunch parties.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?

Yes, Greek yogurt will work well and add a bit of tanginess, but your cake might be slightly denser.

→ How do I store the leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; it will last for up to 3 months.

→ Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.