The 3-Ingredient Creamy Yogurt Cake is a minimalist’s dream come true. With just yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and eggs, this delicate dessert delivers the perfect combination of light texture and subtle sweetness. It’s wonderfully moist and bakes up with a golden top and custard-like center—ideal for those who love simple but elegant desserts.
Perfect for brunch, tea time, or a light post-dinner treat, this cake doesn’t require fancy ingredients or baking skills. The result? A crowd-pleaser that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Chill it for a firmer bite or serve it slightly warm for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. This is a versatile bake you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cup plain whole milk Greek yogurt
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1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
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4 large eggs
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 6-inch round cake pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly until pale and frothy (you can use a hand mixer or whisk by hand).
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Gently fold the beaten eggs into the yogurt mixture in batches, mixing until fully incorporated and smooth.
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Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
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Place the pan on a baking sheet filled with about 1 inch of hot water (creating a water bath).
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Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
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Let the cake cool completely before removing from the pan. Chill in the refrigerator for a few hours for best texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour
Kcal: 165 kcal per slice | Servings: 6 servings
What is a Yogurt Cake?
A yogurt cake is a wonderfully simple and moist dessert that uses yogurt as its main ingredient, often replacing traditional fat sources like butter or oil. This specific version is even more minimalist, using just three ingredients: yogurt, sweetened condensed milk, and eggs. The result is a soft, airy cake with a texture that falls somewhere between a custard and a traditional sponge cake. It’s perfect for those who appreciate light desserts with a creamy, subtle flavor profile.
This cake has gained popularity due to its ease and versatility. Whether you’re a beginner baker or simply someone who wants a quick sweet treat without dealing with complex techniques or a long list of ingredients, this yogurt cake fits the bill. Its simplicity allows the yogurt’s tangy richness to shine, balanced perfectly by the condensed milk’s sweetness.
Why This 3-Ingredient Yogurt Cake is So Popular
The internet is full of show-stopping dessert recipes, but this 3-ingredient yogurt cake stands out for a few powerful reasons. First, it’s highly accessible. Almost everyone has yogurt, eggs, and condensed milk at home—or can grab them easily at any local store. Second, it requires no mixer or special baking tools, just a bowl and whisk. Third, the outcome is incredibly rewarding for the effort involved.
People also love how customizable this cake is. You can serve it plain, dust it with powdered sugar, top it with fresh fruit, drizzle it with honey, or even add a dollop of whipped cream. Some even flavor the batter slightly with vanilla extract, lemon zest, or cinnamon to give it a personalized twist.
But the most loved aspect of this cake is the texture—it’s melt-in-your-mouth soft, like a light cheesecake but without the dense richness. It feels indulgent while still being on the lighter side of the dessert spectrum.
Healthier Than Most Traditional Cakes
One of the standout qualities of this yogurt cake is how much healthier it is compared to most classic cakes. There’s no butter, oil, or refined sugar added (aside from what’s already in the condensed milk), and no flour. Greek yogurt provides protein, calcium, and probiotics, making this not just a dessert but one that offers a few nutritional perks. Of course, moderation is key, but it’s comforting to know that a slice of this cake doesn’t come with the same calorie-heavy baggage as many other baked treats.
You can also choose to use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt if you prefer. Just keep in mind that full-fat yogurt gives the creamiest result. For those who want to experiment further, there are dairy-free yogurt alternatives available, and condensed coconut milk can be swapped in for a completely dairy-free version.
A Great Recipe for Beginners and Busy Bakers
This yogurt cake is often recommended for beginners because it’s nearly foolproof. There’s no creaming of butter and sugar, no complicated folding techniques, and no need to worry about over-mixing. It’s a simple mix-and-bake process.
Busy moms, students, or anyone short on time will also appreciate this cake for its speed. You can have it mixed and in the oven in less than 10 minutes. It’s the type of recipe that allows you to enjoy fresh, homemade dessert even on your busiest days.
Perfect for Every Occasion
Despite how easy it is, this yogurt cake still feels elegant enough for special occasions. It’s light and creamy enough to be served after a heavy meal, making it a great choice for dinner parties, family get-togethers, or even a tea-time treat.
If you’re hosting brunch, you can serve it alongside fresh berries and coffee. If you’re preparing dessert for a picnic or casual gathering, slice it into squares and pack it with ease. You can dress it up or down depending on your mood or the setting.
Tips for Best Results
While the recipe is straightforward, there are a few tips that can help you get the best texture and flavor:
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Use room temperature eggs – This helps the mixture combine more smoothly and ensures even baking.
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Don’t skip the water bath – This baking method helps regulate the heat and keeps the cake moist and silky, preventing cracks or over-baking.
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Chill before serving – The flavor and texture improve significantly once the cake has cooled and set in the fridge for a couple of hours. The chilled cake has a firmer, custard-like bite that’s especially delightful.
Storage and Leftovers
Another reason this cake is so loved? It stores well. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps for up to 4–5 days, maintaining its soft and creamy texture. You can also freeze slices by wrapping them individually—just thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
If you’re entertaining or meal-prepping, this make-ahead-friendly quality is a huge plus. You can bake it the day before, chill it overnight, and it’ll be ready to serve the next day without losing quality.
Flavor Variations to Try
This cake is wonderful in its original form, but it’s also a perfect base for a variety of flavor add-ins. Here are some ideas:
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Vanilla extract or almond extract for a deeper flavor
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Fresh lemon or orange zest to add brightness
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Cocoa powder for a light chocolate twist
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Fresh or frozen berries folded into the batter before baking
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Chopped nuts or shredded coconut for added texture
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using flavored yogurt like vanilla or honey instead of plain. Just be aware that this may change the sweetness and texture slightly.
Perfect Pairings for Serving
Serving this cake is where you can get creative. It’s delicious on its own, but here are a few pairing ideas to elevate it:
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Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness
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Top with fresh strawberries, blueberries, or peaches
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Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar before serving
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Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
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Pair with a warm mug of tea or coffee
The cake’s neutral, creamy flavor profile means it can go with nearly any topping or accompaniment you like.
Why This Cake is Worth Adding to Your Repertoire
In a world full of complex and over-the-top dessert recipes, this 3-ingredient creamy yogurt cake is a breath of fresh air. It proves that you don’t need a mile-long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something truly delightful. It’s a gentle, comforting dessert that works year-round and pleases just about everyone—from kids to adults, from the health-conscious to the sweet-toothed.
Conclusion
The 3-Ingredient Creamy Yogurt Cake is more than just a simple dessert—it’s a celebration of how minimal ingredients can produce maximum flavor and comfort. Whether you’re looking to simplify your baking, use up leftover yogurt, or impress your guests with a light, elegant cake, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Its soft, custard-like texture and naturally creamy flavor make it a unique treat that stands apart from traditional cakes. Add in the fact that it’s budget-friendly, beginner-proof, and easy to customize, and you’ve got yourself a staple recipe worth making again and again.
Whether enjoyed plain, topped with fruit, or served chilled with a drizzle of syrup, this yogurt cake is a quiet star in the dessert world—one that surprises and satisfies with every bite.