Vanilla Kefir Pound Cake with Oil

Name: Vanilla Kefir Pound Cake with Oil
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 1 loaf, 8 to 10 slices
Cuisine: Eastern European-inspired
Ingredients: 250 ml plain kefir; 150 g granulated sugar; 100 ml neutral oil; 3 whole large eggs; 350 g all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 pinch fine salt; 60 g raisins or diced apple, optional; 1 tsp orange zest, optional; 1 tbsp icing sugar, optional

A tender vanilla loaf cake made with kefir and a little neutral oil.

By Savva LoginovUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hrMakes 1 loaf, 8 to 10 slices

Jump to Recipe

This kefir cake is a simple loaf with a soft crumb and gentle tang. The source offers raisins, apples or orange zest; this version keeps the base plain and lists those as optional additions. Bring the eggs and kefir near room temperature, whisk the wet ingredients until smooth, then fold the flour in gently. Bake until a skewer comes out clean and cool fully before dusting with icing sugar. Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 23-by-13-cm loaf tin. Whisk eggs and sugar until lighter, then whisk in kefir, oil and vanilla. Whisk flour, baking powder and salt. Fold into wet mixture just until no dry flour remains. Fold in optional fruit or zest.

How to tell when it is ready

Cool in the tin 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack. Dust with icing sugar when cool if desired.

Tips

Heat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Whisk eggs and sugar until lighter, then whisk in kefir, oil and vanilla.
Whisk flour, baking powder and salt.
Transfer batter to tin and smooth the top.

Troubleshooting

If cake is browning before the centre sets, cover loosely with foil.
If batter is lumpy, whisk wet ingredients thoroughly before adding flour.

Substitutions

Use plain buttermilk instead of kefir.
Use a dairy-free yoghurt drink and plant milk mixture.

Variations

Add orange zest.
Fold in a handful of raisins.

Serving suggestions

Dust with icing sugar.
Serve with berries.
Offer tea or coffee.
Add a spoon of plain yoghurt.

Make ahead

Prepare components ahead and store safely. Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Storage

Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Food safety

Cool fully before storing; refrigerate if topped with dairy frosting.

Frequently asked questions

Can I add apples or raisins?

Yes. Fold up to 60 g of raisins or small diced apple into the finished batter.

How should I store kefir pound cake?

Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Dust with icing sugar. Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

About the author

Savva Loginov

Savva Loginov writes about traditional Ukrainian cooking, including regional dishes, heritage baking and the customs behind familiar recipes. His English guides explain each dish’s context alongside clear, practical cooking instructions.

Vanilla Kefir Pound Cake with Oil