Welcome to our blog! Today, we’re excited to share a classic French dessert that’s simple to make and incredibly delicious: French Yogurt Cake. This moist and tender cake is perfect for any occasion, from afternoon tea to special celebrations. Topped with a creamy yogurt frosting and fresh strawberries, it’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, room temperature
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting:
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, room temperature
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, Greek yogurt, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Combine ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour batter into pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Baking the Cake:
- Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add yogurt and sugar: Add the Greek yogurt, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat until well combined. If you prefer a sweeter frosting, add the additional 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
Assembling the Cake:
- Frost the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the top.
- Garnish: Arrange fresh strawberries on top of the frosted cake for a beautiful garnish.
Serving:
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy this delightful and moist French Yogurt Cake with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cooking Notes
- Yogurt: Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture and flavor. Ensure the yogurt and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist. You can substitute with canola oil or melted coconut oil.
- Frosting: Adjust the sweetness of the frosting by adding more or less powdered sugar to taste.
- Strawberries: For the best presentation, use fresh strawberries. You can also use other berries like blueberries or raspberries for variety.
Variations
Lemon French Yogurt Cake:
For a refreshing twist, add lemon zest and juice to the cake batter and frosting.
Ingredients:
- Cake Batter: Add the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the wet ingredients.
- Frosting: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the frosting.
Chocolate Chip French Yogurt Cake:
For a chocolatey version, fold in mini chocolate chips to the cake batter.
Ingredients:
- Chocolate Chips: Fold 3/4 cup of mini chocolate chips into the cake batter before baking.
Gluten-Free French Yogurt Cake:
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour.
Ingredients:
- Flour: Substitute the regular flour with an equal amount of gluten-free all-purpose flour.
This French Yogurt Cake is a delightful and versatile dessert that is sure to become a favorite. With its moist and tender crumb, creamy frosting, and fresh strawberry garnish, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this cake is sure to impress. Try it out and enjoy the delicious simplicity of French baking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it covered at room temperature and frost it just before serving.
2. How long can I store this cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
3. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting and serving.
4. What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
You can use regular yogurt, but the cake may be slightly less dense. If using regular yogurt, reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1-2 tablespoons.
5. Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use canola oil, melted coconut oil, or even olive oil for a different flavor profile.
6. What other fruits can I use for garnish?
You can use any fresh berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of your favorites. Sliced kiwi or mango would also be delicious.
7. Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes, you can use dairy-free yogurt and dairy-free cream cheese to make a dairy-free version of this cake.
Enjoy making and indulging in this delightful French Yogurt Cake! Happy Baking!
