The Best Yogurt for Baking, According to 3 Recipe Developers

I'm going to keep a tub of this plain full-fat yogurt on hand for baking and beyond.

By
Molly Allen
Molly Allen
Molly Allen
Molly Allen is a writer and editor with a focus on food, beverage, travel, adventure, and lifestyle content, A former bakery owner, her work spans kitchen guides, food and beverage round-ups, recipe development, etc. She's featured in Taste of Home, Good Housekeeping, Insider, Brides, Simply Recipes, and more.
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Published February 02, 2026
Molly Allen
Bowl of eggs yogurt sugar flour and oatmeal on a wooden surface

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If there’s one area in the grocery store that feels like home to an endless selection, it’s the yogurt section. That spot in the dairy aisle seems to keep expanding, with countless brands, flavors, and styles of yogurt. How do you choose which one to buy, especially when it comes to finding a versatile yogurt you can enjoy plain or with fruit and granola and also use for baking?

Cakes, muffins, quick breads, and scones become more moist and tender when you add yogurt. The acidity in yogurt also activates the baking soda, helping create a fluffy texture in baked goods. It can even be used as a substitute for sour cream or buttermilk in most baking recipes.

Since it isn't possible to buy multiple brands just to keep in the fridge, I like having a tub of plain full-fat yogurt on hand that works for baking and beyond. I asked other recipe developers about their favorite go-to yogurts, and it turns out they all rely on the same brand.

The 3 Experts I Asked

Tub of Dannon plain whole milk yogurt with a spoon on the front against a green pattern background

Simply Recipes / Dannon

The Best Yogurt for Baking

The best yogurt to turn to for baking, according to experts who use it in their home, is Dannon, especially the whole milk plain yogurt. Whole milk is preferred for baking because it's higher in fat, which translates to more moisture.

For Mathis, turning to Dannon is familiar. “It’s a brand I’ve always loved,” she says. “I love that it has a smooth, creamy texture that can be used in both sweet and savory baking recipes.” She uses this yogurt to replace sour cream or oil in cake or muffin recipes, yet it’s versatile enough to pair with fresh fruit and nuts for a satisfying snack. 

Morrisey shares Mathis’ love for Dannon’s smooth, thick, and creamy texture and its ability to work well in both savory and sweet applications. She is a fan of using it in muffin and cake recipes.

Dannon has been McCord’s go-to for many years—she loves it as a great, everyday yogurt that can still help to create a nice, tender texture in baked goods. 

Sweet Treats That Call for Yogurt

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