Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Cooking method: Oven baking
Dietary style: Flourless, gluten-free when using certified gluten-free ingredients, and suitable for a keto-style dessert when the ingredients and portions fit your carbohydrate allowance.
Ingredients
For the flourless lemon Greek yogurt cake
- 2 cups (approximately 450 g) plain Greek yogurt, preferably unsweetened and full-fat
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup (approximately 100 g, depending on the product) granulated keto-friendly sweetener
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch-free thickener suitable for your dietary needs, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- A small amount of butter or neutral oil for greasing the baking pan
For a completely flourless version, leave out all flour and starch-based ingredients. The cake will be softer and more custard-like, so chilling it thoroughly is especially important.
Optional lemon topping
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1–2 teaspoons keto-friendly powdered sweetener
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- A little finely grated lemon zest
Optional serving ingredients
- A few fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries
- A little additional lemon zest
- A small spoonful of unsweetened whipped cream
- A few fresh mint leaves, if desired
Check the labels on your sweetener and yogurt. Some products contain added sugar or carbohydrates that can affect the nutritional value of the finished cake.
Choosing the Best Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is one of the most important ingredients in this recipe because it influences both the taste and the texture.
Full-fat, plain Greek yogurt generally produces a richer and creamier result. It also provides a pleasant contrast to the sharpness of the lemon. Choose a thick variety rather than a thin, watery yogurt.
Unsweetened yogurt is preferable because flavored varieties frequently contain added sugar. Even plain Greek yogurt naturally contains some lactose, so it is not completely carbohydrate-free.
If your yogurt appears watery, place it in a fine-mesh strainer lined with clean cheesecloth and allow some of the excess liquid to drain in the refrigerator. This can help the cake set more firmly.
Avoid using a heavily sweetened yogurt because it may make the cake too sweet and change the overall consistency.
