The Creamiest 3-Ingredient Low-Carb Yogurt Cake (Custard Magic)
Stop overcomplicating dessert. This flourless 3 ingredient yogurt cake creates a texture hovering between a light soufflé and creamy cheesecake. Sink your fork into the velvety, custard-like center that melts instantly upon contact. It is pure, airy perfection without the fuss.


Why This Recipe Works
- Impossibly Creamy Texture
By relying on the chemistry between eggs and thick Greek yogurt, this batter transforms into a dessert that hovers deliciously between a light soufflé and a dense cheesecake. - Zero-Fuss Preparation
There is no need for separating eggs, whipping whites to stiff peaks, or using water baths; you simply whisk everything in one bowl and pour. - A Blank Flavor Canvas
The natural tang of the yogurt creates a sophisticated, neutral base that pairs effortlessly with lemon zest, fresh berries, or a dusting of sweetener.
Smart Snacking for Busy Days
I love recipes that work as hard as I do. This cake is a fantastic staple because it is packed with protein from the Greek yogurt and eggs, making it a “smart sweet” that feels nourishing rather than just sugary.
Because it is naturally low in carbohydrates, it fits perfectly into a balanced day without weighing you down. I often enjoy a slice in the afternoon when I need something that feels like a treat but keeps me feeling steady and ready for the evening rush.
If you love this kind of simple, protein-forward treat, you might also adore The “Cloud” Protein Blender Cheesecake for a similar vibe. Or, for those hotter days when you need a cool down, the Velvety 3-Ingredient Strawberry Creami is an absolute must-try.
How to Make It
Prep the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small 6-inch springform pan and line it with parchment paper—crumpling the paper first helps it fit the curves.
Whisk the Base
In a mixing bowl, loosen up your Greek yogurt with a whisk, then crack in the eggs. Beat this mixture vigorously until it is completely smooth and silky.
Add the Structure
Sift in the cornstarch (or tapioca flour) to avoid any lumps. Whisk again until the batter is perfectly uniform.
Bake and Cool
Pour into the pan and bake for 50–60 minutes until puffed and golden. Let it cool on the counter, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set the custard fully.


Kristina’s Kitchen Tips
- Size Matters: This recipe relies on height for that creamy texture, so a 6-inch pan is non-negotiable; a larger pan will result in a flat, rubbery pancake.
- Sweetness Adjustment: This cake is quite tart on its own, similar to plain cheesecake. If you have a sweet tooth, serve it with honey or fruit, or check out my Creamiest 3-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse for a naturally sweeter option.
- The “Deflate” is Normal: Don’t panic when the cake sinks as it cools; this is exactly what a custard cake is supposed to do, creating that dense, fudgy center.
- Texture Twist: For a completely different experience, try eating a slice warm—it tastes almost like a bread pudding!


Common Questions
Can I use non-fat Greek yogurt?
I don’t recommend it. The fat content in 5% or whole milk Greek yogurt is crucial for that velvety mouthfeel; non-fat versions can turn out rubbery or grainy.
Is this cake sweet?
It has a very mild, tangy flavor. Think of it as a base. If you prefer a traditional dessert sweetness, you will definitely want to add a glaze or sweetener on top.
Can I freeze this?
While fresh is best, you can freeze slices wrapped in parchment. Thaw them in the fridge overnight, though the texture may be slightly denser.


The American Table’s 3-Ingredient Yogurt Custard Cake
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 1 6-inch cake (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Greek Fusion
Description
This miraculously creamy cake feels like a cross between a light soufflé and a dense cheesecake, yet it comes together with just three simple kitchen staples. Because it relies on the natural tang of Greek yogurt without added sugar, it serves as a wonderful, low-carbohydrate canvas for fresh berries or a drizzle of sugar-free syrup. It is a fantastic, protein-packed dessert option that fits well into a balanced diet.
Ingredients
- 5 tablespoons cornstarch (or substitute with tapioca flour)
- 4 large eggs (room temperature preferred for better blending)
- 1 ½ cups plain 5% Greek yogurt (approx. 300g; do not use non-fat for best texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-inch springform pan lightly with cooking spray, then line both the bottom and sides with parchment paper. Tip: Crumpling the parchment paper into a ball and then smoothing it out makes it much easier to press into the curves of the pan.
- Combine the Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the Greek yogurt to loosen it up. Crack in the eggs and whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely combined and silky smooth.
- Incorporate the Starch: Sift the cornstarch (or tapioca flour) directly over the yogurt mixture to prevent lumps. Whisk again until fully incorporated and the batter is uniform.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for roughly 50 to 60 minutes. You are looking for the top to puff up significantly and turn a lovely golden brown.
- Cool and Set: Remove the cake from the oven. Do not panic when the top deflates within a minute or two—this is the expected behavior for this custard-style cake. Let it cool on the counter for 30 minutes, then transfer the cake (still in the pan) to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours to allow the custard to set firm before slicing.
Notes
- Flavor Expectation: This cake is very lightly sweet and tart, similar to a plain cheesecake. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, serve it with fruit, honey, or a dusting of powdered sweetener. For a zero-calorie sweetness boost inside the cake without adding ingredients, use a vanilla-flavored Greek yogurt (check carb counts) or simply top generously.
- Allergy Alert: This recipe contains Eggs and Milk (Dairy).
Personal Twist
- The “Brulee” Top: For a contrasting texture, sprinkle a tiny amount of granular monk fruit sweetener on top right before serving and torch it quickly for a crackly crust.
- Zesty Lift: While keeping the ingredients to three, serving this with fresh lemon zest grated over the finished slice adds a bright aroma that complements the yogurt’s tang perfectly.
- Warm or Cold: While the recipe calls for chilling to set, eating a slice slightly warm gives it a texture closer to a bread pudding—try it both ways to see which you prefer!
Nutritional Info (per slice, 1/8th of cake): Calories: 93 | Total Fat: 4.5g (Saturated: 2g) | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 50mg | Total Carbs: 7g (Fiber: 0g, Sugars: 2g) | Net Carbs: 7g | Protein: 6.5g
These are approximate estimates based on standard nutritional data. Values may vary based on brands, exact measurements, and specific ingredients. For precise calculations, use a nutrition tracking app like MyFitnessPal or consult a reliable database.
Final Word
This yogurt cake is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. It’s become a regular in my rotation for those moments when I want something elegant yet effortless. Disclaimer: I’m just a mom sharing what works for my family, not a nutritionist. Always listen to your own body (and your doctor) when trying new dietary changes!
Kristina Hanson is an independent wellness researcher and the founder of DailyZests. She specializes in translating nutritional science into simple, delicious recipes that fit into real life. When she isn’t in the kitchen, you’ll find her hiking the trails or enjoying a slow morning coffee with her Golden Retriever, Barnaby. Read her full story.
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I actually swapped the cornstarch for arrowroot powder because that’s what I keep in my pantry, and the texture still came out incredibly silky. I was a little nervous when it deflated so fast on the counter, but after chilling it overnight, it was perfect. We served it with some warm stewed blueberries and it felt so fancy for a Tuesday night!
That sounds like such a nourishing way to end your day.It really does require a little trust to watch it settle, but I am so glad you gave it that time to rest and firm up. Warm berries over a cool, creamy slice sounds like absolute balance in a bowl.Thank you for sharing your lovely adaptation!
I was honestly a little skeptical that three ingredients would actually turn into a cake, but I tried this yesterday and it really works! I didn’t have a 6-inch pan, so I used a standard loaf pan and just watched it closely took about 45 minutes. It definitely needs that chill time in the fridge to get that custard texture right. We served ours with some warm strawberry compote to add a little sweetness.
That is wonderful to hear, Jessica. I love that you improvised with the loaf pan sometimes the kitchen calls for a little intuition! A warm fruit compote sounds like such a nourishing way to add brightness and balance to the dish. I hope you enjoy this gentle treat.
I made this over the weekend and it turned out amazing! The custard is so silky and creamy after chilling, and the golden top looked just like your photos. That natural yogurt tang is perfect not overly sweet, which I love. I tried the brulee twist with monk fruit and the crackly top was the best part!
Stephanie, that crackly brulee top is such a fun upgrade! It adds the perfect textural contrast without changing the simple spirit of the recipe. So happy the silky texture and tang hit the spot for you this one’s a favorite of mine for keeping desserts satisfying while staying gentle on blood sugar.Thanks for trying the twist! 📚
Used tapioca flour because my stomach does much better avoiding corn when my PCOS flares up. The batter was very runny but it baked up exactly as described. Deflated almost instantly when I pulled it out, but the texture after two hours in the fridge was great. Very light.
Tapioca is a wonderful, gentle alternative to cornstarch that still provides the necessary binding matrix for the eggs and yogurt. It’s completely normal for a custard structure lacking gluten to fall as the steam escapes, so I’m glad you trusted the process!
I couldn’t wait the full two hours for it to chill. We cut into this high-protein dessert while it was still slightly warm. The texture was closer to a dense bread pudding than a cheesecake. Very comforting with a cup of black tea on a rainy afternoon.
There is something so restorative about a warm dessert on a rainy day, Elena! When eaten warm, the starches haven’t fully set yet, which creates that lovely pudding-like consistency. Have you tried it fully chilled yet, or was it all gone before it made it to the fridge?