whole wheat clementine yogurt cake
This week has been one of the slowest weeks of my life in the last year. Truth? I kind of hated it. You see, I thrive on being a busy little bee.
I like to have a mild to moderate level of stress in my life at all times because it keeps me motivated. One day of nothing on the agenda, then two, then three… well, you’ll eventually find me on the couch surfing Pinterest or watching videos of cats on Buzzfeed for hours and hours. At 26 years old, I still don’t yet know how to make the most of my downtime, you see.
It’s not like there wasn’t anything to do, or that I really didn’t do anything. We started decluttering the basement and setting up the spare bedroom (as in, we no longer use an upside-down storage bin as a nightstand but an actual, real-life adult nightstand). I made some foodstuffs, like this cake, and we had visiting family over for a mid-afternoon snack time. We did some boring bank and tax prep stuff (snore) and bought paint samples and a crib for le nursery (yay!). And I did some real hard life-thinking about my 2014 and what I want it to look like (which is to say, come up with things I expect to happen and/or change that will inevitably not turn out the way I planned, but still in a perfectly agreeable manner anyway).
And yet, here I am, complaining because I didn’t feel busy enough.
I know there’s this “word of the year” thing floating around the interwebs and last year, I got so flustered by the idea of narrowing my goals down to one word that I gave up. And in some ways I’m glad I did, because I think 2013 turned out just dandy without one. But this year, I reintroduced myself to the idea — just to have more focus, more clarity on my goals. And before I let myself become flustered again by narrowing a whole year down to one word, my friend Madison came up with two words for her year. And then I realized that’s totally a thing I can do, too.
The word “authentic” immediately came to mind when I thought about my word for the year, and so I’m sticking with it. I want to make this year authentic — as in, I want to live my life more genuinely to myself, to God and to those around me whom I love. I want to be more accepting and grace-giving to others, to myself and to who I am as a person. I want to really focus on the gifts I’ve been given and how I can best use those gifts. I want to be more authentic with you guys on this blog. I want to be more real here, to focus on working with brands I actually use in daily life, to share recipes I’d actually make even if my blog didn’t exist (in other words, all the cookies. Just kidding. Kind of).
And then after this week — you know, the one where I had a bunch of time to just do the things I wanted to do? The one I should have embraced but instead felt icky about because it made me feel unproductive? Yeah that one… that one led me to my second word, “rest.” I know all y’all with kids are probably giggling at me right now because, come May, I will have anything but. I know that. Still, I think there is something to be said for seeking out rest in the time I have to prepare for this baby. I think if I focus on finding rest and enjoying it and what it does for my life, I will appreciate it more and find it in smaller moments when rest is more difficult to seek out.
So what does this all have to do with a whole wheat clementine yogurt cake? Well this cake, you see, is delicious. And when I made it, I didn’t intend to put it on the blog. I actually just made it for family because they were coming over, as I mentioned. It has no fanfare. It’s not necessarily photogenic or blogworthy. But it’s something I made because I really wanted to make it — because it sounded tasty. And tasty it was. So much so, obviously, that I couldn’t bear the thought of not sharing it with you all. It’s adapted from a recipe by The Great Ina (who we all know makes fabulous everything for her Hamptons folk), and friends, it is one of the best cakes, ever. Perfectly sweet and satisfying, and easy to assemble. And from experience, I can tell you it tastes better in the days after it’s baked.
So there it is. 2014, for me, will be the year of authenticity, of rest and of the unassumingly delicious clementine cake. I hope that, whatever your station, you can find these things in your life this year, too.
Whole Wheat Clementine Yogurt Cake
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 9-inch round cake 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons grated clementine zest (from about 2 clementines)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/3 cup fresh-squeezed clementine juice
- Powdered sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom and sides of a 9-inch round cake pan with baking spray with flour; line bottom with parchment paper and spray paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flours, baking powder and salt until combined. In a separate large bowl, whisk together yogurt, 1 cup sugar, eggs, clementine zest and vanilla until combined.
- Slowly stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in oil. Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake 40 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then carefully remove from cake pan and transfer to a cooling rack with a rimmed baking sheet or clean sheet of parchment or wax paper underneath.
- Meanwhile, cook the clementine juice and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Carefully pour evenly over warm cake on cooling rack. Cool completely.
- Sprinkle top with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
I am like you I HATE to not be busy. You know if I baking I am bored. That is such a beautifully written passage about life; only if I had determination you had to stick to it.
I would love to see your Normal food bakes. Even though they may be boring to some ; I love them as they are the recipes that taste the best.
Lovely cake Stephanie; it is simply delightful.
what a gorgeous cake!
This is so pretty! And we have a ton of clems sitting in the kitchen looking cute… but I think they’d look even better in this cake 🙂
What an interesting concept. I’m crazy for clementines right now and this cake looks so moist. It can be nothing but delicious!
Fabulous post Steph. I love your two words for the year. I participated in the one word thing last year, but haven’t taken the time this year to narrow down my thoughts to one word. Soon, I swear! 🙂 I’m so glad you decided to share this cake, because it’s just the kind of cake I love. Simple, without fanfare, tasty sweetness. It looks wonderful!
I’m so with you. I don’t like having nothing to do but since the crazy holiday season I’ve been trying to relax more. Spend more time doing things I enjoy like baking for myself and family and not so much blog. I love this beautiful cake. So so inviting :). I’m glad you decided to share!!
lovely post. You chose two perfect words for the year. I’m extremely inspired. This cake looks pretty darn delicious as well 🙂 Rest up mama and keep the delicious food coming!
I LOVE anything Ina 🙂 And I am NOT a “busy person”. I hate being busy. Hate it hate it hate it. And I love your words! I’ve done this for a few years now. Mine for 2014 is “Better” 🙂 Love ya!
Belinda — Thanks, dear. So glad I have a kindred spirit out there. 🙂
Ali — Thanks, love! Happy weekend!
Ashley — That’s why I used ’em! No use letting them go to waste when a cake can be made. 🙂 Thanks, lady!
Melanie — It is definitely moist! (though ick, I hate that word :)) Makes it extra tasty, though.
Courtney — Thanks, friend. No need to fret over setting a word for the year — if it comes to you, great, if not, all will work out anyway. 🙂 Happy weekend!
Zainab — Thanks, dear! I hope I can keep up the momentum of taking time to relax and bake for fun as long as possible. I like it. 🙂
dishing up the dirt — Thanks, friend 🙂 I hope you have a good weekend ahead of you!
Natalie — I love your word. And can you rub off some of that “I don’t want to be busy”-ness onto me, please? 🙂
I think it’s cute that you limit an entire year to two words when your recipe title is five words. I’ve been following you for a while and you’ve never struck me as a two word woman. It would take me a whole year to decide on the two words. You are way ahead of the game. Good luck with your challenge.
Schnackies — It’s not that having two words for the year will completely dictate my life, but rather they act as inspiration and motivation for how I plan to live going forward. It may not be right for you, but it felt right for me at this time.
I’m going to try it. I will work on my two words this weekend. You should do a follow up post at the end of the year to so we can see how it goes.
When in clementine season! This seems perfect and sometimes the best recipes are those never intended for the blog!
Awesome resolution for the new year – it’s easy to lose ourselves in the hustle and bustle of everyday life! Lovely cake as well 🙂
After 35 years of teaching, I’m joyfully retired. I have busy moments serving/giving to others…and then I have quiet down times. I enjoy both moments and those in-between, because they are all gifts from God.
My parents love clementines, they would go crazy over this cake!
This is one gorgeous looking cake!
Steph, I hope you continue to find your authentic self in motherhood. There may not always be rest, but there will always be cake. 🙂
Simple cakes are my favorite cakes, and this one is absolutely gorgeous!!!
Erica — Thanks so much!
Shikha la mode — Thank you!
Michele — That’s a lovely way to look at things. I hope I can cultivate more of that for myself this year. Thanks 🙂
Mimi — Oh yay! I hope you make it for them 😉
Jocelyn — Thank ya, lady!
Anna — Thank you, friend. 🙂 I hope so, too. (And so glad there’s always cake involved ;))
Meghan — Oh hey, lady! 🙂 Thank you!
This looks delicious! I don’t make good use of my spare time either. Authentic is good and admirable! Good word of the year!
I think you’re wrong, sometimes the most simple of cakes can be very special and your photos looks beautiful. Just from the look I can tell this is delicious.
This cake looks spectacular!
Looks authentically awesome.
Wonderful post, Stephanie! My one word for the year is “relax”. I try to do too much and worry a lot so my goal for the year is to relax. Whether that means reading a magazine once a week or just going for a long walk. It’s a big challenge but one that I think will pay off.
P.S- I love the presentation of this gorgeous cake!
We are on the same page with our citrusy treats today – wish we could trade slices! 😉 Love this post and your words for the year! I think picking two words sounds just perfect :).
Haha! The cats that buzzfeed post are the cutest and weirdest videos and photos. Good use of time I would say! 🙂
But really, this cake!! Simply amazing and stunning! Perfect winter cake!
Amen, sister. I pray you get all of those things. I think this is going to be THE year for so many of us. Just great. Authentically so. Pun intended.
Very nice cake, I baked it today! Thanks for sharing .)
Laura — Thank you!
Susan — Oh, thank you 🙂
Katrina — Thanks, dear!
Sarah — Ha! Well thanks. 🙂
Ashley — Ooooh, I like that word a lot. I hope you can make it happen more for you this year!
Laura — Hooray for citrus treats! They’re the best. 🙂 Thanks!
Tieghan — I mean really, sometimes you do just need to watch a good cat video. 😉 Thanks, girl!
Stephie — YES. I authentically agree.
Campasimpukka — Great! I’m so glad you liked it!
I make this version for GF family members. Fabulous!
http://www.alwaysorderdessert.com/2013/01/low-carb-flourless-clementine-almond.html
I love simple and delicious cakes like this, sometimes it’s just what you need. I think authentic is a great and honest word for the year, I used to be just like you and always needed to be busy, but now I truly appreciate those free moments. Enjoy them now, that little babe will keep you busy 🙂
What a great post and I love your two words for the year. I definitely agree that you should get some more rest especially since you definitely need this time to prepare for your new baby both emotionally and physically – you and your little one will appreciate it once you meet each other:) This cake looks beautiful Steph and I’m so glad you decided to share it with us 🙂
Robin — Oh yum, that version looks fantastic! I’ll have to try it sometime.
Jessica — Thanks, dear. I have a feeling I’ll find new appreciation for those free moments once the babe is here. 🙂
Kelly — I know, I really need to take advantage of this time while I have it so I’m much better prepared for when the bundle is here. 🙂 Thanks for the kind words of advice!
The texture of the cake looks so moist and soft! The clementines must give a sweet and tang!?
Kira — They do! It’s really tasty. 🙂
This looks delicious! I love clementines as snacks but have never baked wit them.
Terrific cake! I saw the photo posted online…. something about the recipe looked right. It was. I made it this evening. Many thanks. The only thing different that I did was to boil the syrup for a while and use a pastry brush rather than pour it over the top. Many thanks.
This looks amazing!! BTW I just found your blog… soooo cute!! I hope that you have a great week!!
Authentic is such a good word & one that I think is so important in the blogging world. Can’t wait to see what this new year will bring you. I love the sound of this cake – I made something very similar over the weekend and it’s lovely in its simplicity.
YES for your two words!! Those are great and I think pretty perfect for your year ahead. I never know what to do with downtime either…it’s always so weird!
This clementine cake is just lovely. Simple and yet totally satisfying.
ooooh I am making this asap! like…tonight. Looks amazing!
Rachel — Oh yay! I hope you love it!
I shared this cake with my mom last week when you posted it; we have yet to make it, but I love the ingredients. Looks outstanding. But, just today I came over to your blog, not via my reader where I normally read, and saw your adorable blog layout. I love it. Not sure how long it has been in place, but it’s awesome. Hope you are enjoying it.
Love, love, love this. The cake and the post. Authentic – what a fantastic word and an amazing goal! I can’t wait to follow your triumphs on here! 🙂 (I’m working towards less stress and more grace in 2014. Here’s to success in our resolutions!)
I’m pretty sure it would be a crime to not post this cake! I am so glad you decided to! The name alone has my tummy growling! And your pictures – beautiful!
Rest any time you can – and don’t feel guilty about it! You need it! 🙂
SnoWhite — Thank you so much! I love the blog layout — Wooden Spoons Kitchen did a fantastic job. I hope you and your mom both love the cake — it’s a keeper around here, for sure. 🙂
Citrus desserts are my favorite! So I am absolutely charmed by the Whole Wheat Clementine Yogurt Cake, just fabulous!
Beautiful photos – I wish I wasn’t avoiding dairy or else I’d be making this asap. But I could try it with vegan dairy or something… hmm 🙂
Oh. My. Goodness. This cake looks amazing, I love using greek yogurt in desserts, so I am definitely going to have to try this recipe! I just came across your blog today and it is absolutely gorgeous!
Phi — Thanks so much (and thanks for stopping by)! 🙂
This looks delish! I love simple flavors like this.
Gorgeous cake! I’ve been eating a couple clementines a day but maybe I should give them a chance to be cake. 😉
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I have this in the oven right now. As I sat down to look again at the recipe, I realized I forgot to add the oil! Argh. It certainly didn’t seem dry after I mixed it and it’s looking beautiful as I bake it. We shall see! Oops!
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I volunteered dessert for an impromptu family bbq yesterday…what a success this cake was! Absolutely every single person had a slice. It’s decadent enough for those with a sweet tooth, yet not overly so for those who don’t typically indulge. I grudgingly gave my mom the last two tiny slices left to take home…she has already requested this cake for her birthday. One quick question: do you prick holes in the cake before pouring the juice mixture or leave as is? Thanks for a great recipe.
Sandra — Oh wonderful! I’m so glad everyone enjoyed it. 🙂 I do not prick holes in the cake but you definitely can if you want as much of the juice to soak in as possible!
Thank you Stephanie!
I just made this cake and it is DELICIOUS!!!!!! We can’t stop eating it!!! Perfectly sweet but light!! The clementine glaze is perfect!!
Oh my goodness. I just made this and it is delicious. And since it’s not overly sweet, I’m having a hard time not just eating the whole thing….
Would it be ok to substitute regular oranges? I have some I thought I would eat, but I think I’d rather put them in this cake!
Lisa — For sure! It might be a little less sweet than the clementine version but still tasty. 🙂
could you make this a day ahead?
Yes, certainly can!