Easy Yogurt Cake
(5 ounce) container plain yogurt
1/2 yogurt container vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 1/2 yogurt containers white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 3/4 yogurt containers all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/2 yogurt container of mini chocolate chips
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch round springform cake pan.
- Empty the yogurt into a mixing bowl. Measure the oil, using the yogurt container, and add to the yogurt. Set aside. Rinse yogurt container and dry with paper towel to continue using it as a measuring tool.
- Add eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract to the yogurt-oil mixture. Beat well until thoroughly combined. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined; batter will be thick. Pour into the prepared cake pan and spread to level the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes.
Triple Chocolate Cake
Cake
1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
3/4 cup (62g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
1 and 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons espresso powder (optional)
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or canola oil or melted coconut oil)
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
1 cup (240ml) freshly brewed strong hot coffee (regular or decaf)
Chocolate Buttercream
1 and 1/4 cups (282g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
3 and 1/2 cups (420g) confectioners’ sugar
3/4 cup (65g) unsweetened cocoa powder (natural or dutch process)
3–5 Tablespoons (45-75ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half or milk), at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
optional for decoration: semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease two 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper rounds, then grease the parchment paper.
Make the cake: Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and espresso powder (if using) together in a large bowl. Set aside. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or you can use a whisk) mix the oil, eggs, and vanilla together on medium-high speed until combined. Add the buttermilk and mix until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, add the hot water/coffee, and whisk or beat on low speed until the batter is completely combined. Batter is thin.
Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 23-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times vary, so keep an eye on yours. The cakes are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and set on a wire rack. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
Make the buttercream: With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy—about 2 minutes. Add confectioners’ sugar, cocoa powder, 3 Tablespoons heavy cream, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to high speed and beat for 1 full minute. Do not over-whip. Add 1/4 cup more confectioners’ sugar or cocoa powder if frosting is too thin or 1-2 more Tablespoons of cream if frosting is too thick. (I usually add 1 more.) Taste. Add another pinch of salt if desired.
Assemble and frost: If cooled cakes are domed on top, use a large serrated knife to slice a thin layer off the tops to create a flat surface. This is called “leveling” the cakes. Discard or crumble over finished cake. Place 1 cake layer on your cake stand or serving plate. Evenly cover the top with frosting. Top with 2nd layer and spread remaining frosting all over the top and sides. Garnish with chocolate chips, if desired.
Refrigerate uncovered cake for at least 30-60 minutes before slicing to help set the shape. After that, you can serve the cake or continue refrigerating for up to 4–6 hours before serving. Cake can be served at room temperature or chilled.
Cover leftover cake tightly and store in the refrigerator for 5 days.