Imagine a cake so simple yet so delectable that it becomes your go-to dessert for every occasion. The Easy French Yogurt Cake, or Gâteau au Yaourt, is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that brings the charm of French home cooking right into your kitchen. With just a few basic ingredients and no complicated techniques, this cake promises to turn even novice bakers into confident pastry chefs, delivering a moist, tender crumb that melts in your mouth and fills your home with an irresistible aroma.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of plain yogurt, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add 3 large eggs to the yogurt mixture. Continue whisking until the eggs are fully incorporated and the batter is light and fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. This helps to aerate the flour and ensure an even rise in the cake.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the zest of 1 lemon to add flavor and freshness to the cake batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake has cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar or serve it plain. Enjoy your Easy French Yogurt Cake with tea or coffee!
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure eggs and yogurt are at room temperature for a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Don't overmix: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to maintain the cake's light, tender texture.
- Choose the right yogurt: Whole milk plain yogurt works best for richness and moisture.
- Zest matters: Fresh lemon zest adds a bright, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire cake.
- Check for doneness: A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, but remove the cake just before it looks completely dry to maintain its moistness.
- Cooling is crucial: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to prevent it from becoming soggy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
