Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake Recipe

This Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake is an absolute dream for chocolate lovers! Imagine a cake that’s rich and decadent with a deep cocoa flavor, yet incredibly moist and tender thanks to creamy Greek yogurt. Every bite just melts in your mouth, especially under that glossy chocolate glaze. Whether you’re making this for a special celebration or just to treat yourself on a Tuesday, this homemade chocolate cake with a tangy twist is about to become your new best friend in baking. Trust me, it’s the kind of dessert that disappears fast—so maybe sneak a slice for yourself first!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the wonders of this Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake is how simple and familiar the ingredients are, yet each one plays an essential role in creating a beautifully moist crumb and deep chocolate flavor. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get started — and why each ingredient matters:

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake’s structure, providing stability while keeping the crumb tender.
• Cocoa powder: Essential for that signature chocolate kick—spring for a good-quality unsweetened version for the best flavor.
• Baking powder: Lifts your cake, making it light and fluffy despite all the rich ingredients.
• Baking soda: Works with the Greek yogurt for extra softness and a gentle rise.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate notes.
• Sugar: Gives classic sweetness and helps the cake brown beautifully.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deeper, caramelly sweetness and extra moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake super moist and tender from the first bite to the last.
• Eggs: Bring everything together and help your cake set up as it bakes.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors, enhancing both the cocoa and the tangy yogurt.
• Greek yogurt: The star ingredient! Its creaminess makes the cake moist and adds a gentle tang that brightens up all the chocolatey goodness.
• Hot water (or coffee): Makes the cocoa bloom, unlocking its full chocolatey depth. If you’re feeling bold, use coffee for extra richness!
• Dark chocolate: Chopped up for the glaze, it melts down to a shiny, intense chocolate finish.
• Heavy cream: Gives the glaze its silky smoothness and luxurious feel.
• Butter: Just a tablespoon in the glaze turns everything ultra-creamy and glossy.

How to Make Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat

Start things off right by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease an 8-inch round cake pan with butter or line it with parchment paper—it’ll help your cake unmold without a hitch! Having everything set up before you mix ensures a smooth baking process and a picture-perfect cake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This gets all your leavening and chocolate flavors evenly spread throughout the cake, so every forkful is just right—no dry streaks, just pure chocolate bliss from top to bottom.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat together both sugars, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything’s beautifully smooth and well combined. Then, fold in the creamy Greek yogurt. The yogurt not only adds moisture but also promises a soft, irresistible crumb that’s the signature of a great Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake.

Step 4: Combine and Add Hot Water

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet mixture—take it slow to avoid lumps! Once you’ve got a smooth batter, stir in the hot water or coffee. This may seem a little runny at first, but that’s exactly what makes this cake so exceptionally moist and tender.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your luscious batter into the prepared cake pan. Pop it into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean—just a few crumbs mean it’s perfect. Be sure to let the cake cool completely before glazing, so the chocolate sets into a silky coat instead of running off the sides!

Step 6: Make the Chocolate Glaze

While your cake cools, chop the dark chocolate and place it in a heatproof bowl. Warm the heavy cream until just steaming (avoid boiling—it can scorch!), then pour it over the chocolate. Wait a minute, then stir until completely melted and glossy, and finish with that knob of butter for extra shine and smoothness.

Step 7: Glaze and Assemble

Here comes the fun part! Pour the luscious chocolate glaze over your cool cake, letting it trickle down the sides. Use a spatula to gently coax it over the edges for that irresistible, bakery-style finish. Allow the glaze to set at room temperature—if you’re patient!—before slicing and serving your masterpiece.

How to Serve Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake

Garnishes

Make your Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake look just as stunning as it tastes by topping it with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a flurry of chocolate shavings, or even a handful of fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of raspberry sauce takes things over the top for special occasions—or just because!

Side Dishes

This cake is rich and decadent, so simple sides work best. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a delicate fruit salad, or even just a steaming cup of good coffee or espresso. These companions balance out the cake’s intensity and help highlight that deep chocolate flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, slice the cake into petite fingers and arrange them on a platter for an elegant dessert table centerpiece. You can also layer slices in parfait glasses with whipped cream and extra berries for a decadent trifle. Or, try cutting the cake into cubes and skewering with fresh strawberries for a fun, poppable treat—so many ways to show off your Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow have leftover Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake (miracles do happen!), wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or airtight containers. Store them at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to five—a quick zap in the microwave revives the chocolatey goodness.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Simply wrap individual slices or the whole cake (minus the glaze, ideally) in a double layer of plastic and foil. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before glazing or enjoying as is.

Reheating

Nothing beats a slice of warm chocolate cake, right? Reheat individual slices for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave. If you’ve frozen the cake, allow it to come to room temperature first, then gently warm to coax out all that lovely moisture and rich chocolate aroma.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

While you can substitute regular yogurt in a pinch, Greek yogurt’s thick, creamy texture is what really sets this cake apart. If you use regular yogurt, reduce any added liquid slightly, and expect a softer crumb.

What kind of cocoa powder works best?

Use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the deepest chocolate flavor. Dutch-process will yield a darker, smoother cake, while natural cocoa brings a brighter note—both are delicious in this Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake.

Is coffee necessary in the recipe?

The hot water (or coffee) is mainly there to “bloom” the cocoa powder and intensify the chocolate flavor. Coffee won’t make the cake taste like coffee, just extra chocolatey! But if you’d rather not use it, hot water is perfectly fine.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend. Double-check your other ingredients are gluten-free and bake as directed—your Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake will still be moist and delicious.

How do I keep the glaze from running off the cake?

Let your cake cool completely before glazing. If your glaze seems a bit thin, allow it to cool and thicken for a few minutes before pouring—it should blanket the cake with a smooth, elegant shine rather than slipping right off.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for the perfect homemade chocolate cake, this Greek Yogurt Chocolate Cake is going to win over your heart (and tastebuds). It’s an absolute showstopper that’s still simple enough for everyday baking. Give it a try—even just once—and you’ll want to make it again and again. Happy baking!