Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake is a delightful treat that brings sunshine to your morning. This Italian-style coffee cake features a moist, fluffy texture and a refreshing lemon flavor. Perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike. With its easy preparation and delicious outcome, it stands out as a versatile choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and quick steps, this cake comes together in no time.
- Flavorful: The bright lemon flavor combined with creamy yogurt creates a deliciously unique taste.
- Versatile: Great for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert, this cake fits any meal of the day.
- Moist Texture: Thanks to the yogurt and oil, every slice is soft and moist.
- Perfect for Sharing: Makes 12 servings, making it ideal for gatherings or family meals.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake, you’ll need some essential tools to assist you in the kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Bundt pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Bundt pan: Creates a beautiful shape and ensures even baking throughout the cake.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the eggs, resulting in a light texture.
- Rubber spatula: Ideal for folding ingredients gently without deflating the batter.

Ingredients
Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake is an Italian style coffee cake with a soft, pillowy texture and a delicate lemon flavor.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup full fat yogurt
- Zest from 1 or 2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (zest your lemon before juicing!)
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
How to Make Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Bundt Pan
Butter and flour your bundt pan thoroughly. This step prevents sticking and helps achieve that perfect release after baking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:
1. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Set aside until needed.
Step 4: Beat the Eggs
In another bowl:
1. Beat the eggs for about 2 minutes until they become pale and thick.
2. Gradually add in the granulated sugar while continuing to beat until fully combined.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
Blend in the yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vegetable oil into the egg mixture. Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Fold in your dry ingredient mixture:
1. Gently mix until just blended. Be careful not to overmix; you want the batter to remain light.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Transfer the batter into your prepared bundt pan:
1. Bake for 30-35 minutes.
2. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean without wet batter clinging to it.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before flipping it out of the pan. Let it cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Enjoy your Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake!
How to Serve Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake
Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake is a delightful treat that pairs well with various accompaniments. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing with friends and family, here are some serving suggestions to enhance the experience.
With Fresh Berries
- Serve slices of the cake with a medley of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of color and flavor.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture complements the cake’s lemony goodness perfectly.
Drizzled with Honey
- A light drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness and enhances the lemon flavor. It’s a simple yet elegant touch.
Paired with Tea or Coffee
- Enjoy this cake alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. The citrus notes will brighten your morning routine.
Topped with Powdered Sugar
- Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving for an added touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Served as Dessert
- Slice it into smaller pieces and serve as a light dessert after dinner. It’s perfect for those who want something sweet without being too heavy.
How to Perfect Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake
To ensure your Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake turns out moist and flavorful, follow these tips for perfection.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and yogurt are at room temperature for better emulsification, leading to a lighter cake texture.
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Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in dry ingredients to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
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Check Doneness Early: Start checking your cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to prevent overbaking; it should be golden brown when ready.
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Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack to maintain its structure and prevent sogginess from trapped steam.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and honey for a refreshing contrast in textures.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Cottage Cheese Bowl: Serve cottage cheese topped with sliced peaches or berries for added protein alongside your cake.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy dessert made from chia seeds soaked in almond milk adds nutrition and complements the lemon flavor beautifully.
- Savory Spinach Quiche: A slice of quiche provides savory balance, making for a delightful brunch spread.
- Herbal Tea: Brew up some herbal tea like chamomile or mint for soothing flavors that pair well with lemon.
- Granola Bars: Chewy granola bars offer crunch and can be made ahead as an easy grab-and-go option.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds for added nutrition and color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake, it’s easy to stumble into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
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Skipping the Room Temperature Eggs: Using cold eggs can prevent the batter from mixing well. Always let your eggs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using them.
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Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined, and stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour.
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Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Incorrect measurements can ruin the texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
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Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
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Failing to Cool Properly: Removing the cake too soon can cause it to break. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake:
Can I use different flavors of yogurt?
Yes! You can substitute with any flavored yogurt, but make sure it’s a similar consistency.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour.
What toppings pair well with Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake?
Fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar work beautifully!
What if I don’t have lemon juice?
You can use lime juice or even orange juice as a substitute for a different citrus flavor.
Can I add fruits into the batter?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples would be delicious additions.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake is a delightful treat that brings brightness to your mornings. Its soft texture and zesty flavor make it versatile enough for breakfast or dessert. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or yogurt flavors!
Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Lemon Yogurt Breakfast Cake, a delightful treat that brightens your mornings. This Italian-inspired coffee cake boasts a moist and fluffy texture, enriched by creamy yogurt and zesty lemon. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dessert, it’s easy to make and sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of fresh lemon juice and zest gives this cake its signature refreshing flavor, while the yogurt ensures each slice remains soft and delectable. Gather your loved ones around the table with this crowd-pleasing delight that’s as versatile as it is delicious!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup full-fat yogurt
- Zest from 1–2 lemons
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter and flour a bundt pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- In another bowl, beat eggs until pale. Gradually add sugar and mix well.
- Blend in yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vegetable oil until combined.
- Fold in the dry ingredients gently until just blended.
- Pour batter into the bundt pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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