This lovely lemon cake was made by Holly as a thank you to her neighbour who often watered her lemon tree over the hot summer. It’s a light and fluffy lemon yoghurt cake, sandwiched with a lemon mascarpone filling and tangy lemon drizzle on top. It takes no time to make and is perfect for those who don’t like overly sweet cakes! The tartness of the yoghurt balances it well.
Be sure to use proper Greek yoghurt not thickened sweet yoghurt and fresh lemons for the zest and juice.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 180ml rice bran oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1T finely grated lemon rind
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup thick Greek yoghurt
- 2 cups caster sugar
- 2 cups self-raising flour
Lemon mascarpone:
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 250g mascarpone
- 1t finely grated lemon zest
Lemon drizzle:
- 1 cup icing sugar
- 1 T lemon juice
Method
- Preheat oven to 160⁰C and line a springform cake tin.
- Mix together the cake ingredients above.
- Then gently fold in 2 cups self-raising flour.
- Pour into tin and bake for approx 50mins.
- Mix the lemon mascarpone ingredients together.
- Prior to filling and once cooled, cut the cake in half to create two layers.
- When cool fill with lemon mascarpone.
- Top with the lemon drizzle.
- Serve immediately or store chilled in the fridge. It can also be decorated with violets and tender thyme tips!
For more recipe inspiration follow Holly on Facebook and Instagram: @madebyhollys
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Holly's Lemon & Yoghurt Cake Comments
Hi, just wondering if 2 cups of sugar is correct for the cake ingredients as this seems like a lot for a not overly sweet cake? Thanks, Belinda
Belinda
Hi Belinda, yes it is correct :) with the tartness of the yoghurt it balances so well. Be sure to use proper Greek yoghurt not thickened sweet yoghurt and fresh lemons for the zest and juice. Enjoy ^Tui Team
Tui Team
This cake is to die for. I made it with just one cup of sugar. Altering the sugar in a recipe makes no difference to the texture of the cake. Deb
Deb
Hi can I use 180ml of melted butter instead of oil, thank you Leigh
Leigh
Hi Leigh, yes you can use butter instead of oil but you may have a slightly denser cake. Holly has also made this cake with gluten free flour and it was lovely! Thanks, Jenna ^Tui Team
Tui Team
What size tin please?
Sue
Hi Sue, Holly recommends the following: a 20cm (diameter) round springform tin works best though you could make it in a loaf tin (add 15mins to the cooking time) or a square tin. As all ovens have slight variations in temperature it’s best to keep an eye on your cake in the final 10mins. Happy cooking, Jenna ^Tui Team
Sue
Goodness, 2 cups of sugar. In this day & age that's a huge amount! I will definitely try it with just one cup.
Marianne Palmer
I have a similar recipe which uses less sugar: whisk together: 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1 cup greek yoghurt (or kefir), 3/4 cup oil. Add 2 cups self raising flour and rind of 2-4 lemons. Bake in 22cm round tin @180 degrees for 40- 45 mins. If not cooked in the center turn off oven and leave for another 5-10 mins. Whilst still hot pour on 1/4cup sugar mixed with 1/4 lemon juice. Delicious.
Carolyn Campbell
Sounds delicious Carolyn! Thanks for sharing.
Tui Team
Wondering if it is a mistake with the 4 cups of sugar altogether in this cake - doesn't seem like not overly sweet to me.
Linda
Hi Linda, it will depend upon your preferred taste and whether the lemon becomes too zingy for you if you reduce the sugar. The sugar could be reduced to 1 1/2 cups and instead of putting the lemon icing on, which will eliminate 1 cup of icing sugar, sprinkle the cake with icing sugar instead. I hope this is helpful.
Lianne