Extra Moist Butter Cake with Yogurt - Easy Square Cake Recipe
This tender butter cake gets its exceptional moisture from plain yogurt, creating a rich, soft crumb that stays fresh for days. The classic vanilla flavor and golden exterior make it perfect for afternoon tea, birthday celebrations, or as a base for frosting and decorations. What sets this version apart is the low baking temperature and yogurt addition, which prevents the cake from drying out while developing a beautiful golden color.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flouralmond flour1:1gluten-freegluten-free
Note: cake will be denser
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 300 F
- 2
Sift the flour and baking powder, then stir in the salt
- 3
Beat the butter and sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy
- 4
Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides of the bowl between each addition
- 5
Add the yogurt and vanilla extract to the batter
- 6
Fold in the flour and mix well
- 7
Grease a 9x9-inch square pan with butter and line with parchment
- 8
Pour the batter into the pan
- 9
Bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean
- 10
Let cool for 5 minutes in the pan, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing
Tips
Room temperature ingredients cream together more easily and create a smoother batter for better texture
The low baking temperature prevents the edges from overcooking while the center sets properly
Don't overmix once flour is added to avoid a tough cake - fold just until combined
Good to Know
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week
Can be made 1 day ahead - wrap tightly once completely cooled
Serve at room temperature, plain or with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or your favorite frosting
Common Mistakes
Don't open the oven door during first 30 minutes to avoid collapse
Ensure butter is properly softened to avoid lumpy batter
Test doneness with a skewer - wet batter means it needs more time
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, but thin it with a tablespoon of milk as Greek yogurt is thicker and may make the cake denser than intended.
What if I don't have a 9x9 pan?
Use an 8-inch round pan but start checking for doneness at 35 minutes as it may bake faster in the different shape.
How long will this cake keep fresh?
Properly stored at room temperature, this cake stays moist for 3-4 days thanks to the yogurt. Refrigerate for longer storage.