Yogurt Cupcake Recipes

Yogurt Cupcake Recipes 

When it comes to baking, few ingredients are as magical as yogurt. It adds moisture, richness, and a slight tang that makes cupcakes irresistibly tender and flavorful. Whether you're in the mood for something fruity, chocolatey, or just classically sweet, yogurt can take your cupcakes to the next level. Here are three fantastic yogurt cupcake recipes you’ll want to bake again and again.

1. Classic Vanilla Yogurt Cupcakes

Sometimes, simplicity is perfection. These classic vanilla yogurt cupcakes are soft, fluffy, and packed with a sweet, comforting vanilla flavor. They're perfect on their own or as a base for any kind of frosting.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

½ cup plain or vanilla yogurt

¼ cup milk

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Mix the yogurt and milk together in a small bowl.

Alternate adding the flour mixture and the yogurt mixture to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix just until combined—don't overmix!

Scoop the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting Tip:

These pair beautifully with a simple whipped cream frosting or a classic buttercream for a sweeter treat.

2. Strawberry Yogurt Cupcakes with Fresh Strawberry Frosting

If you love fruity desserts, these strawberry yogurt cupcakes are for you. The yogurt keeps them moist, while chopped strawberries give them bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

½ cup vegetable oil

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup plain yogurt

1 cup diced fresh strawberries

For the Fresh Strawberry Frosting:

1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed

½ cup unsalted butter, softened

3–4 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners.

In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, combine oil and sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla.

Add the yogurt and mix well.

Fold in the dry ingredients, then gently stir in the diced strawberries.

Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 18–22 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool completely before frosting.

For the Frosting:

In a saucepan, cook the pureed strawberries over medium heat until reduced by half. Let it cool.

Beat the butter until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla.

Mix in the cooled strawberry puree until fluffy. Add more powdered sugar if necessary for consistency.

Frosting Tip:

For a naturally pink color and fruity flavor, don't skip reducing the strawberry puree—it makes the frosting thick, flavorful, and stable.

3. Chocolate Yogurt Cupcakes with Chocolate Ganache

For chocolate lovers, these cupcakes are pure heaven. Yogurt adds an extra tender crumb to the rich, deep cocoa flavor, and the silky ganache topping makes them feel extra decadent.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup plain yogurt

½ cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup brewed coffee (or hot water for milder flavor)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup heavy cream

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin pan.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk the sugar, yogurt, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.

Stir in the coffee or hot water—it will make the batter thin, but that's okay.

Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling 2/3 full.

Bake for 16–18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool before topping with ganache.

For the Ganache:

Heat the cream in a small saucepan until just simmering (don't boil).

Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 2–3 minutes, then stir until smooth.

Spoon or drizzle over cooled cupcakes.

Chocolate Tip:

For an extra fancy touch, sprinkle a little sea salt over the ganache before it sets—it adds a beautiful contrast to the rich chocolate.

Why Yogurt Makes Cupcakes Better

You might be wondering: what’s so special about yogurt in cupcakes? Yogurt acts like a tenderizer, making the crumb softer without adding tons of fat like heavy cream or butter would. Its slight acidity reacts with baking soda, giving cupcakes a better rise and lighter texture. Plus, it adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness, making each bite feel fresh and exciting.

Using yogurt also gives bakers flexibility. You can swap in Greek yogurt for even more protein and richness, or use flavored yogurts (like strawberry or lemon) to create a whole new layer of flavor without changing the base recipe too much.

Baking yogurt cupcakes is a delightful experience that combines creativity, flavor, and a little bit of kitchen science. Whether you're sticking to a classic vanilla treat, diving into fresh berries, or indulging in chocolate bliss, these recipes show how versatile and delicious yogurt cupcakes can be.

Helpful Reading 

Homegrown Cabbage Smoothies and Juices for Gut Healing 

https://www.amazon.com/Homegrown-Cabbage-Smoothies-Juices-Health-ebook/dp/B0F6474KCT/

Organic Pest Control for 3 Sisters Gardening 

https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Control-Gardening-Homegrown-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F5ZCDY4S/

Salmon for the Active Soul 

https://www.amazon.com/Salmon-Active-Soul-Protein-Packed-Enthusiasts-ebook/dp/B0F5DWJZ66/

The Low Carb Homegrown Cabbage Cookbook: Keto and Diabetic -Friendly Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Carb-Homegrown-Cabbage-Cookbook-Diabetic-ebook/dp/B0F63ZF9BT