If you’ve ever craved a moist, tender coffee cake that’s not only delicious but also a bit healthier, then this Sheet Pan Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine biting into a fluffy, perfectly spiced cake with just the right balance of sweetness and tang—yes, it’s as good as it sounds! The best part? Greek yogurt adds a surprising twist, keeping it light and adding richness to every bite. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, indulging in an afternoon treat, or just looking for something to pair with your morning coffee, this cake is bound to become your go-to.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love Sheet Pan Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake
This recipe isn’t just about creating a great cake—it’s about creating moments of joy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you feel like it, this cake will bring a smile to everyone who tries it. Here’s why it’s a winner:
Versatile: This coffee cake is perfect for any occasion. Serve it at a Sunday brunch, enjoy it with your afternoon tea, or bake it for a family get-together. No matter when you make it, it’s sure to be a hit.
Healthier Twist: Greek yogurt in the batter keeps the cake moist and adds a hint of tang, plus it’s packed with protein. It’s a sneaky way to make your dessert a little lighter without compromising on flavor.
Simple & Quick: With straightforward steps and ingredients you likely already have on hand, this recipe is easy to follow—even for beginner bakers! And the sheet pan method means less mess and fewer dishes, which is always a win in my book.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for both adults and kids, it strikes that perfect balance between sweet and savory. Plus, you can dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible coffee cake:
Greek Yogurt: The secret ingredient! It makes the cake moist, rich, and a bit tangy. It also adds protein and a creamy texture.
Butter: For that tender crumb and buttery richness that coffee cakes are known for. It brings everything together.
Sugar: A little sweetness to balance the tang of the yogurt, ensuring the perfect dessert flavor.
Eggs: Help bind everything together, contributing to the cake’s structure and moisture.
Vanilla Extract: A must-have for that comforting, warm aroma that wafts through your kitchen as the cake bakes.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake that holds everything together. It gives structure to the soft, fluffy texture.
Baking Powder: To make the cake rise beautifully and keep it light and airy.
Cinnamon: Adds that warm, spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the yogurt and butter.
Brown Sugar: Sweetens the cake while adding a little extra depth of flavor with its molasses undertones.
Sour Cream (optional): If you want a slightly richer, more decadent flavor, sour cream makes a great substitute for some of the yogurt.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make your kitchen smell like a bakery? Let’s get started:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. This ensures your coffee cake won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating a tender texture in your cake, so take your time and let the butter and sugar fully combine.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix again until combined. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing at this point!
4. Mix in the Greek Yogurt: Stir in the Greek yogurt (and sour cream if using). This is where the magic happens—this addition gives the cake its rich, moist texture.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Don’t overmix, or your cake might become dense!
6. Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and a little butter. Use a fork or your hands to mix until it forms a crumbly texture. This will give your cake that signature sweet, crunchy topping.
7. Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the top. Bake for about 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your house will smell like heaven!
8. Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into it. This short wait is worth it to get that perfect slice.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy! You can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze for extra sweetness, if desired.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake
This coffee cake is so versatile, it can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas:
With Coffee or Tea: Obviously, this cake pairs wonderfully with your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of tea. It’s a perfect treat for a cozy, relaxing moment.
With Fresh Fruit: Add a side of fresh berries or sliced fruit for a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
As a Brunch Dish: Serve it alongside scrambled eggs, a green salad, or even bacon for a full brunch spread.
As a Dessert: It’s sweet enough to stand alone as a dessert, or you can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Additional Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your coffee cake is a hit:
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of light and fluffy.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter, eggs, and yogurt are at room temperature before mixing.
Try Different Toppings: Feel free to get creative with the streusel topping. You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch, or drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent twist.
Bake Evenly: Ensure the cake is baked evenly by checking it halfway through the baking time. Rotate the pan if necessary to avoid uneven cooking.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make this without Greek yogurt?
A1: Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or regular yogurt, though Greek yogurt will provide the best texture and flavor.
Q2: Can I freeze this coffee cake?
A2: Absolutely! Once it’s cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Q3: Can I make this in a regular cake pan instead of a sheet pan?
A3: Yes, you can! Use an 8×8 or 9×9-inch cake pan and adjust the baking time as needed. It might take a bit longer to bake, so keep an eye on it.
Q4: Can I add nuts to the cake?
A4: Yes, you can! Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter or sprinkle them on top before baking for extra texture.
Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A5: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for the best texture.
Q6: Can I make this dairy-free?
A6: You can use dairy-free yogurt and butter substitutes to make this cake dairy-free. The texture will be a little different, but it should still taste delicious!
Q7: How can I make this cake more decadent?
A7: Try adding a glaze on top made with powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla. You can also top it with whipped cream or serve it with a scoop of ice cream.
Q8: Can I add fruit to the cake?
A8: Absolutely! Fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or raspberries would be a fantastic addition to the batter. Just fold them in gently before baking.
Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q10: Can I make this ahead of time?
A10: Yes! This cake keeps well and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Make it a day in advance for a hassle-free treat.
Conclusion
This Sheet Pan Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake is the perfect blend of light, moist texture and rich flavor. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee or serving it at a brunch gathering, it’s sure to impress. The Greek yogurt gives it a creamy, tangy twist that makes it feel a little lighter, without sacrificing any of the indulgent flavor you love in a coffee cake. Go ahead, give this one a try—you’re going to love it!
Print
Sheet Pan Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Yogurt Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for morning or afternoon coffee. The cake is tender, moist, and topped with a delicious cinnamon crumb. It’s a simple yet flavorful dessert everyone will love!
Ingredients
- For the Crumb:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 12 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
- For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use your hands to mix until the mixture resembles sand.
- In another small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda for the cake mixture.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave and let it cool for a few minutes. Whisk in the sugar until combined, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Stir in the Greek yogurt until smooth, then stir in the remaining dry ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the crumb mixture on top. Spoon the remaining cake batter on top and gently spread it out. Top with the remaining crumb mixture.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The cake is best served once fully cooled to set the crumb texture.
- This coffee cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If desired, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg