Flourless Coconut Greek Yogurt Cake
This moist, naturally gluten-free cake is made with Greek yogurt and coconut, creating a light yet rich texture. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Yield: 8–10 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Ingredients
Cake
- 1½ cups (360 g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (180 g) unsweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup (50 g) coconut flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Optional Topping
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- Fresh berries
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Honey drizzle
- Fresh mint leaves
Equipment
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8-inch cake pan.
- Line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2 – Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- Eggs
- Honey
- Vanilla
- Lemon zest (if using)
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Step 3 – Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in:
- Shredded coconut
- Coconut flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Mix until evenly combined.
Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes so the coconut flour absorbs moisture.
Step 4 – Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until:
- The top is lightly golden.
- The center is set.
- A toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.
Step 5 – Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Yogurt Topping
Mix together:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Spread over the cooled cake.
Top with berries and toasted coconut.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
Freezer
Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (1 of 10 servings, approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Total Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Total Sugars | 10 g |
| Added Sugars | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 170 mg |
| Calcium | 12% DV |
| Potassium | 180 mg |
Nutrition will vary depending on the yogurt and sweetener used.
Nut Information
Contains
- Coconut (shredded coconut and coconut flour)
- Eggs
- Milk (dairy) from Greek yogurt
Does Not Contain
- Wheat or gluten-containing flour
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, or macadamias (unless added as a topping)
Allergy Note
Although coconut is classified botanically as a fruit rather than a tree nut, some people with tree nut allergies may also react to coconut. Anyone with a known coconut allergy should avoid this recipe and consult their healthcare provider if they are unsure about their specific allergies.
Optional Nut Add-Ins
If no one has nut allergies, you can add:
- ½ cup chopped almonds
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup pistachios (sprinkled on top)
Recipe Variations
Lemon Coconut Cake
Increase lemon zest to 2 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice.
Berry Coconut Cake
Fold 1 cup fresh blueberries or raspberries into the batter.
Chocolate Coconut Cake
Add:
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup dark chocolate chips
Tropical Version
Add:
- ½ cup diced pineapple (well drained)
- Toasted coconut on top
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature eggs and yogurt for a smoother batter.
- Let the batter rest before baking so the coconut flour fully hydrates.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.
- Toast the coconut topping separately for extra flavor and crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use vanilla Greek yogurt?
Yes. If you do, reduce the honey or maple syrup by 1–2 tablespoons since flavored yogurt is usually sweetened.
Can I replace the honey?
Yes. Maple syrup or agave syrup work well in equal amounts.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use a thick, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt such as coconut-based yogurt. The texture may be slightly softer.
Why is coconut flour used with shredded coconut?
Coconut flour absorbs a large amount of moisture, helping the cake hold together while the shredded coconut adds texture and flavor.
Can I make muffins instead of a cake?
Yes. Divide the batter into a lined 12-cup muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Is this cake gluten-free?
Yes, provided all ingredients (especially baking powder) are certified gluten-free if needed for medical reasons.
Can I reduce the sweetness?
Yes. The honey or maple syrup can be reduced slightly without significantly affecting the texture.
Can I serve it warm?
Yes. It’s delicious warm on its own or with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. It also slices more cleanly after it has cooled completely.
