French 1234 Yogurt Cake

Name: French 1234 Yogurt Cake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 5 ounce container of whole milk yogurt; 1 5 ounce container of a neutral oil; 2 5 ounce containers of granulated sugar; 3 5 ounce containers of all purpose flour; 4 large eggs; 1/2 of a 5 ounce container of fresh citrus juice; 1 tablespoon of fresh citrus zest; 1 tablespoon of baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon of salt

January 28, 2026
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If you clicked on this recipe because you are wondering what a “1234 yogurt cake” is then I can’t wait to explain this one to you…

This recipe has been around for over a hundred years and the whole thing is based off of a single container, typically a small glass yogurt container. All of the measurements are either 1 or 2 or 3 scoops of that container, so it is really easy to bring together.

I have always loved the dense, moist texture of pound cakes and yogurt cakes and the fact that this one is so easy to bring together makes it even better. If you are looking for a flavorful cake that is really easy to make and will turn out fabulous every time then you will have to give this cake a try asap.

Let’s get started…

I want to start by saying that I am using cara cara oranges to flavor todays cake, but this is totally optional and this cake will be amazing even if you totally omit the citrus. I promise. So even if you don’t love citrus flavors, please proceed with the recipe and just leave it out.

The first and most important thing in this recipe is a 5 ounce (or close to it) yogurt. My favorite choice is a full fat vanilla greek yogurt, but you can use plain yogurt and don’t have to go with a full fat yogurt if you prefer low fat yogurt.

I like to choose a yogurt in a glass container (like the one above) to it is easy to scoop all of the other ingredients with, but you can technically use any 5 ounce container whether the yogurt originally came in it or not.

Begin by combining 1 container of yogurt, 1 container filled with a neutral oil and 4 large eggs in a large bowl. Whisk vigorously until everything is completely combined.

Now add 2 containers of granulated sugar, 3 containers of all purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and mix until just combined.

If you want a citrus flavored yogurt cake, add 1/2 container of freshly squeezed citrus juice and about a tablespoon of the zest. Mix until the citrus is well incorporated and transfer the batter into a greased and parchment lined loaf pan.

Bake the cake in a 350 degree oven for 50-55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick will come out of the center clean. This is a moist cake, so if the center feels soft or the toothpick comes out with any batter on it, bake it longer or it will collapse as it cools.

Let the cake cool a bit before slicing it, but it is so good while it is still just a little bit warm.

I recommend slicing it with a serrated knife because this cake is quite tender and I find a serrated knife creates the cleanest slices in a tender crumbed cake.

This French 1234 yogurt cake should be a part of everyones baking plans. It is so easy to bring together and can be enjoyed plain or flavored with oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit or any extracts you love. It is versatile and the perfect cake to bake for friends and family as a gift.

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