Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Lemon Yogurt Cake Recipe, Moist and Delicious


It's not often that I make any sort of dessert, (which has something to do with not being able to stay away from it!) but when springtime finally arrived, I had to try this lemon yogurt cake from Ina Garten. When I told my daughter that I was making this recipe, she asked if I were going barefoot. Very funny, very funny. Not only am I not going barefoot, but I'm wearing a polar fleece jacket today!  Anyway...I couldn't find whole-milk yogurt, but other than that, I followed Ina Garten's recipe exactly. It was moist and delicious and sufficiently lemony, but would have been even better had I found the whole-milk yogurt, rather than 0% fat. This bread needs fat to make it delectably moist. As it was, I'd give my version four stars out of five. I'm pretty sure it would have been a full five stars otherwise.


Lemon Yogurt Cake Recipe:

I make this only about once a year because it is incredibly good. One bite always demands more. It's dangerous, believe me.

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. kosher salt (I used plain old table salt)
1 c. plain whole-milk yogurt (I only had 0% fat yogurt)
1 1/3 c. sugar, divided
3 extra-large eggs
2 t. grated lemon zest (I used a bit more)
1/2 t. pure vanilla extract
1/2 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. freshly squeezed lemon juice

For the glaze:

1 c. confectioners' sugar
2 T. freshly squeezed lemon juice (I used more. When I crave lemon, it's serious business.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a small loaf pan (8.5 x 4.25 x 2.5). Line the bottom with parchment paper. Grease and flour the pan.

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, 1 c. sugar, the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, fold the vegetable oil into the batter, making sure it's all incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes or until a [knife] comes out clean.

Meanwhile, cook the 1/3 c. lemon juice and remaining sugar in a small pan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Set aside.

When the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. [After that, I poked holes in the top of the cake and then drizzled the glaze over it, leaving it in the pan for a while so that it could soak in well. After that, though it was a little messy doing it this way, I removed the cake from the pan and put it on a serving plate.]

I also tend not to follow instructions that tell me to sift this and that and separate items out, or there are too many steps involved. Life is short. I find that it makes very little difference (to me) if I just put all the ingredients in a bowl and mix. Sorry to all you purists, but the end result is pretty close without the tedium.

Original recipe from FoodNetwork.com

And another of my favorite lemony recipes, Lemon Pie Bars.


Check out this amazing lemony recipe Lemon Pie Bars on an older CranberryMorning post. I have included a GF alternative.

The lemon season might be old news to the rest of you, but we're really just getting started with springtime here in NW Wisconsin, so I'm craving lemon!

So, let me dish you up* a piece of dessert, then grab yourself a cup of coffee and sit with me on my front porch.

 Hmm. Guess that coffee needs to be a bit stronger!

* dish you up?? What kind of English is that? I don't know, but it's a familiar way to put it in this neck of the woods. 


***

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This post is linked to some of the following:

Mosaic Monday and Make it Pretty Monday and Amaze Me Monday and  Roses of Inspiration and  Treasure Box Tuesday and KatheWithAnE and Tuesday with a Twist  and  Tweak it Tuesday and It's a Party! and Good Fences and  Home & Garden Thursday  and Freedom Fridays  and Vintage Inspiration Friday

 

40 comments:

September Violets said...

Mmmmm ... lemon anything, and I'm there, lemon loaf is a favourite :) I'm with you on the one-bowl method. My go-to chocolate cake is mixed up in one bowl all together too, and it rises up better than a cake mix.
Wendy

eileeninmd said...

Yum coffee and dessert, I'll be there. Your lemon cake looks delicious. Thanks for sharing your recipes. Have a happy Tuesday!

The Cranky said...

Lemon? I am so there!

MadSnapper said...

I love all things lemon, lemon pie is my favorite pie, i love lemon ade, i love lemon cookies and i know i would love both of these. i even like to eat a sliced lemon..

Debbie said...

Lemon is one of my favorite flavors. Don't think I've seen whold milk yogurt either. Looks delicious! New follower here.

Cheryl said...

Lemon. ~swoon~

I am south of you, but tired of lemon? No way! I've been known to request lemon crumb pie for my birthday at the end of August.

I'd love to have a slice of that cake and a cup of coffee with you on your porch! (And I'd promise not to get quite as relaxed as Mr. Cranberry.)

Linda Kay said...

Judy, that cake looks so delicious! I'll jot down ingredients for the future. Love lemon.

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I like lemon, especially in a tea bread...OK, in anything. :-) And, I've used the phrase 'dish up' too, pretty much sums up what you're doing, doesn't it?

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

Hi Judy! Count me in when you're "serving up" some lemon bars. They look and sound delicious. Jane

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love lemons and limes. We can buy bags of tiny key limes here in Florida and they sure are good. I can't eat sugar so I have to have 'pretend' desserts! haha! Enjoy your day! Hugs, Diane

Anonymous said...

Oh, I would love this cake. (with coffee) John's late parents lived in FL and when we first married they sent us some of the biggest lemons I had ever seen. Back then, I made a banana cake. I had always used a "LITTLE" lemon juice in the recipe to prevent the bananas from turning dark. WITHOUT thinking!!!!!!!!.....I asked John to juice a lemon and he added ALL the juice from that HUGE lemon in the mix. It was a very lemony banana cake!!! lol

Just now noticing you and the Mr.'s photo on your sidebar. Lovely.

Tired Teacher said...

Since I have a raging sweet tooth, I seldom make desserts any more, but this looks and sounds delicious! Enjoy a slice for me.

21 Wits said...

Wonderful recipe,yummy for the tummy!

This N That said...

I have tried both of those lemony treats and they're the best..I don't bake any more..It's just me with no will power..I would eat it until it was gone..

Debby Ray said...

Judy, there is something about lemon that just screams spring and summer, don't you think? Both of these look absolutely mouth watering! I don't bake a lot of desserts either but I think I could go for making these tasty treats...thanks for sharing!
Enjoy your Tuesday :)

Chatty Crone said...

If there is one thing I really love - it is lemon cake - looks delicious!

Jillian's Bella Rosa Antiques said...

Thanks so much for the Recipe! I have already saved it in my computer and printed it out for use this summer. It looks soooooo good.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

~Jill

Rue said...

I love lemon anything.

Mr. Cranberry must have eaten too much of that cake. He looks full, happy and relaxed :)

xo,
rue

Red Rose Alley said...

Judy, this lemon cake and lemon bars look amazing. You know, my sister made these lemon bars one time and they were so yummy. I love anything lemon. I bet the yogurt helps make it so moist and delicious. That picture of your husband is so funny.

Thank you for the comment on my "favorite portrait" post. I so related to what you were saying, and I'm thankful for blog friends like you who "get it, and understand."

Have a great week, Judy.

~Sheri

Debby@Just Breathe said...

Yum, can't wait to try this one!

Maggie Ann said...

I enjoyed your post....and that picture of your hubby is so fun! I copied the lemon bar recipe...it all looks delish...but when I make a dessert....I cannot leave it alone. So, but maybe I'll try the bars....for the church picnic. Now there's a a good idea. Thank you Judy!

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Hi Judy!! I not only have one fleece on today I have TWO!! It is so cold and rainy. We would make great partners in the kitchen - I tend to ignore the sifting and separating instructions. The last pic is priceless. Hope you warm up soon!

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

These look incredible. Thanks for the GF one too. xoxo Su

NanaDiana said...

I am copying over BOTH those recipes. I hardly dare make them for fear I will eat the whole thing, though! xo Diana

Anonymous said...

Wish you could pass me a piece of that delicious looking cake through the computer screen!

Anonymous said...

Wish you could pass me a piece of that delicious looking cake through the computer screen!

L. D. said...

The lemon cake looks wonderful. I like the pie too. All desserts are winners for me though.

Sandi said...

Nothing beats the taste of whole milk yogurt!

Nancy's Notes said...

Oh my word, my mouth is watering, those recipes look scrumptious! I'll be over with coffee or anything you want! Oh dear, I just watched Ina Garten'a show today, I know I gain weight just watching her show! I'm hooked on it! Thanks for sharing the great recipes.
Nancy
xo

Terri D said...

My Joe would love this cake. I'm not a big lemon fan, but would be tempted by this one. It looks delicious! Thanks for sharing! Stay warm!

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Your cake and your comment over at Red Rose Alley caught my eye this afternoon.
First, your cake looks amazing-yum!
Second I applaud you for speaking up on the condition of our world-I did the same yesterday on my Instagram feed.
Kuddos to you!!
Jemma

Judy Goddard said...

The lemon pie bars look mighty yummy!

Thanx for stopping by Christ in Me! I'm with you! I love me some language!

Deb said...

I love loaf cakes and will make this one for sure. Lemon is a favorite here. Yes, haha!, I'd say you do need to strengthen that coffee a bit. Hope it warms up your way. It's chilly here, too. Deb

Michelle said...

Lemon is a favorite flavor of mine and I always enjoy Ina's recipes. I am copying this NOW! It will be dangerous for me, no doubt.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Looks really good!!
Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Hugs,
Debbie

Mimi said...

Oh my! My mouth is watering already! Both of those recipes look scrumptious since I love anything lemon. The picture of the Mister made my day! Ha!

Carla from The River said...

I love LEMON! This looks delicious. I am going to pin it. Thank you for sharing.

Mr. Cranberry looks very comfortable. :-))

Anonymous said...

Hubby is the resident lemon fan here. Maybe I should surprise him sometime with one of these.

Stephanie said...

Lemon is so refreshing during the summer months. Your lemon loaf looks so good! I would love to try the recipe SOON!

Your hubby looks quite comfortable....I had to giggle about the coffee :) Thanks for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. Enjoy your day! Hugs!

Lynne said...

The Lemon Bread looks and sounds so good . . . I need to put that recipe in my "to do" list . . .

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