This Moist Glazed Greek Yogurt Orange Cake is pure comfort in loaf form. It has a soft crumb, a bright citrus smell, and a sweet glaze that makes every slice feel special. I love recipes like this because they taste homemade in the best way, yet they still feel simple enough for an ordinary day.
What makes this cake shine is the balance of ingredients. You get 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsp orange zest, 3/4 cup (170 g) Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil, 3 large eggs, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice for rich flavor and moisture. Then 1 3/4 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt give the loaf structure. The glaze is simple too, with 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tbsp orange juice, and optional candied orange peel for a pretty finish. The flavor is fresh, sunny, lightly tangy, and sweet without feeling heavy.
The method is easy to follow, too. First, you preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a standard loaf pan. Then you rub the orange zest into the sugar so the oils bloom and the sugar turns fragrant. After that, you whisk in the Greek yogurt, olive oil, eggs, and orange juice, add the dry ingredients, and bake until golden and set. Once the cake cools, you pour on the glaze and let it settle before slicing. With 15 minutes of prep time, about 50 minutes of baking, plus cooling time, this recipe takes around 2 hours 15 minutes from start to finish and serves 10.
This is the kind of cake that fits many moments. It is lovely with afternoon tea, welcome at brunch, and just right when you want something homemade after dinner. Because it keeps well, it is also a smart choice for potlucks, holiday tables, and weekday snacking.
Why You’ll Love This Moist Glazed Greek Yogurt Orange Cake
- It is easy to make, even if you do not bake often.
- It uses simple pantry ingredients that are easy to find.
- The cake stays soft and moist thanks to Greek yogurt and olive oil.
- The orange flavor is bright and fresh, so each bite tastes lively.
- It works well for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, which makes it very flexible.
Greek Yogurt Tips
Greek yogurt is the key ingredient that helps this orange cake stay tender and rich. For the best results, use plain Greek yogurt that is not flavored. Full-fat yogurt gives the softest crumb, but low-fat Greek yogurt also works if that is what you have on hand. Just make sure it is thick and smooth, because watery yogurt can change the texture of the cake. If your yogurt looks a little separated, stir it well before measuring. That way, the batter blends evenly, and the cake bakes up moist from edge to center.
Options for Substitutions
- Use plain whole milk yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a slightly lighter texture.
- Swap orange juice with fresh lemon juice for a sharper citrus flavor.
- Replace extra virgin olive oil with a mild avocado oil if you prefer a more neutral taste.
- Use gluten-free 1:1 baking flour in place of all-purpose flour if needed.
- Reduce the sugar slightly, then add a little extra glaze, if you want a less sweet cake.
- Skip the candied orange peel and top with a light dusting of powdered sugar instead.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common mistake is overmixing the batter. Once you add the flour, stir only until the dry streaks disappear. If you mix too much, the cake can turn dense instead of soft. Gentle mixing helps keep the crumb light and tender.
Another issue is using a pan that is too small or not greased well enough. A standard loaf pan works best here, and it should be coated with olive oil or baking spray before the batter goes in. Otherwise, the cake may stick, and that can ruin a pretty loaf.
Also, watch the bake time closely. Every oven runs a little differently, so begin checking the cake at the 50-minute mark. If the top browns too fast, but the center is still wet, tent it loosely if needed. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Finally, do not glaze the cake too soon. If the loaf is still warm, the glaze may melt and slide off too quickly. Let the cake cool completely first, and then add the glaze so it sets nicely on top and drips down the sides in a pretty way.
What to Serve With Moist Glazed Greek Yogurt Orange Cake?
This orange cake pairs well with simple sides that do not overpower its citrus flavor. Try it with a bowl of fresh berries, a spoonful of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla Greek yogurt for a cool, creamy contrast. It also tastes lovely beside hot tea or coffee, and for a brunch spread, you can serve it with fresh fruit salad or scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. If your kitchen is warm, you can refrigerate it instead, where it will last up to 1 week.
Freeze: Wrap individual slices well and freeze for up to 3 months. For the best texture, wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag.
Reheat: For a quick warm-up, microwave a slice for about 10 to 15 seconds. If you prefer the stovetop, place a slice in a dry skillet over very low heat for a minute or two per side, just until gently warmed.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes, plus 10 minutes cooling in pan and 1 hour cooling on rack
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 10
Kcal: 331 kcal per serving
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
Calories: 3,100 to 3,400 kcal total
Protein: 35 to 45 g total
Fat: 150 to 170 g total
Carbohydrates: 420 to 470 g total
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp orange zest (from about 3 oranges)
- 3/4 cup (170 g) Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
- 1 3/4 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- Olive oil or baking spray, for the pan
- 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp orange juice, plus extra as needed
- Candied orange peel, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by heating the oven to 350°F. Then grease a standard loaf pan, about 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, with olive oil or baking spray. This step matters because it helps the cake release cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Build the Orange Flavor
In a large bowl, rub the orange zest into the sugar with your fingers. Keep going until the sugar looks lightly orange and smells fragrant. This simple step helps release the natural oils from the zest, so the cake gets a stronger orange taste.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
Whisk in the Greek yogurt, olive oil, eggs, and orange juice until the mixture looks smooth. Next, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix, because that can make the cake tough.
Step 4: Bake Until Set
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If needed, check a little early, since oven temperatures can vary.
Step 5: Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack and cool it to room temperature. After that, whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice together for the glaze. It should be thick but still pourable, so add more orange juice one teaspoon at a time if needed. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, let it set, and finish with candied orange peel if you like.
Conclusion
This Moist Glazed Greek Yogurt Orange Cake is soft, bright, and easy to love. The Greek yogurt keeps it tender, the orange zest brings fresh flavor, and the simple glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness. Best of all, it is easy enough for a relaxed afternoon, yet special enough to share with guests.
If you try this orange cake, I would love to hear how it turned out. Share your thoughts, save the recipe for later, or browse more easy homemade desserts for your next baking day.
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Moist Glazed Greek Yogurt Orange Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A soft and vibrant cake with Greek yogurt and orange zest, topped with a sweet glaze, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp orange zest
- 3/4 cup (170 g) Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
- 1 3/4 cups (210 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- Olive oil or baking spray, for the pan
- 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp orange juice, plus extra as needed
- Candied orange peel, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a standard loaf pan.
- Rub the orange zest into the sugar until fragrant.
- Whisk in the Greek yogurt, olive oil, eggs, and orange juice until smooth.
- Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring gently until no dry streaks remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice together for the glaze and pour over the cooled cake.
Notes
Let the cake cool completely before glazing to ensure the glaze sets nicely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 331
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
