Chocolate Yogurt Cake (Extra Moist)

Moist, rich, and wonderfully chocolatey, this yogurt-based cake delivers a tender crumb and satisfying depth of flavor. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake’s secret is yogurt—it transforms an ordinary chocolate cake into something incredibly moist and tender. With minimal effort and classic pantry ingredients, you get an indulgent dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee, fruit, or even ice cream.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ cups all‑purpose flour
1 cup sugar
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup plain yogurt (regular or Greek)
½ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat your oven to 180 °C (350 °F). Grease and flour a cake pan (eight- or nine-inch round works well).
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with yogurt, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogeneous.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined and smooth—avoid overmixing.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes one 8–9 inch cake; serves 8–10
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling time: 10 minutes before slicing
Total time: Approximately 1 hour

Variations

Chocolate chips: Stir in ½ cup of dark or semi‑sweet chocolate chips into the batter for extra bursts of chocolate.
Citrus twist: Add the zest of 1 orange or 1 teaspoon orange extract to the wet mixture for a bright flavor.
Topped with ganache: Once cooled, pour warm chocolate ganache over the cake for a glossy finish.
Almond infusion: Swap half the oil for melted butter and swirl in ½ teaspoon almond extract for a nutty depth.
Healthier version: Replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce for reduced fat content.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Keep in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or heat the whole cake in a 300 °F (150 °C) oven for 5–10 minutes to refresh texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat or Greek yogurt?

Yes. Full-fat yogurt yields the richest flavor, but low-fat and Greek yogurt work well too.

2. Why use both baking soda and baking powder?

Baking soda aids rise and browning, while baking powder ensures balanced leavening for a perfect crumb.

3. My cake is crumbly—what went wrong?

Overbaking or overmixing can cause a dry texture. Always check early and stir gently.

4. Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes—replace the flour with a 1:1 gluten‑free baking flour and ensure cocoa powder is certified gluten‑free.

5. Can I add nuts or fruit?

Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, raspberries, or dried cherries folded into the batter enrich flavor and texture.

6. Why does yogurt make it moist?

Yogurt adds fat, moisture, and acidity, which tenderizes the crumb and enhances texture.

7. Can I bake this as cupcakes?

Yes. Fill lined muffin cups two-thirds full and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

8. My cake sank slightly—why?

This could be due to opening the oven door too early or minor underbaking. Let it cool gradually in the oven after baking to stabilize.

9. What frosting pairs well?

Cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar complement this cake beautifully.

10. Can I freeze the cake?

Yes. Wrap cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Yogurt Cake offers exceptional moisture and a comforting chocolate flavor with minimal effort. Adaptable and delightful, it’s perfect for weeknight treats or special gatherings. Enjoy each tender, chocolate-rich bite!

[tasty-recipe id=”15307″]