Why You’ll Love This French Yogurt Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful and easy dessert, you’ll love this French yogurt cake recipe. It’s moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, thanks to the hint of lemon zest.
What I adore most is how simple it’s to whip up—perfect for any skill level. This cake’s texture is light yet satisfying, making it a fantastic companion to your afternoon tea or coffee.
Plus, it keeps well, so you can enjoy it for days. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake never disappoints.
Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
Ingredients of French Yogurt Cake
To whip up a delicious French yogurt cake, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. This recipe is straightforward, which is one of the reasons I love it. Just gather your items, and you’ll be on your way to baking a delightful treat that can brighten up any day.
Seriously, who doesn’t love a warm slice of cake paired with a cup of coffee or tea? Let’s get to what you need for this scrumptious cake.
Here’s your ingredient list:
- Nonstick vegetable cooking spray
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
- 3/4 cup whole-milk Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Now, when it comes to these ingredients, don’t sweat it too much if you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand—regular yogurt works too, though I personally think the Greek version gives that extra creaminess that makes this cake shine.
Also, when it comes to the lemon zest, if you have access to fresh lemons, go for it! The zest adds a bright, fresh flavor that really elevates the cake. Just remember to wash the lemons well before zesting.
And don’t worry if you accidentally get a little more zest than you intended; it only adds to the flavor, right? Just make sure to have fun with it.
After all, baking should be enjoyable, not stressful. Happy baking!
How to Make French Yogurt Cake
Making a French yogurt cake is a breeze, and I promise you’ll feel like a baking pro as you whip this up. First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F. While that’s warming up, grab your nonstick vegetable cooking spray and coat your pan. You want it to be well-sprayed so your beautiful cake doesn’t stick like it’s trying to avoid leaving the pan.
After that, dust the pan with a little extra flour—just a light sprinkling. Tap out the excess flour, and you’re ready to go.
Now, let’s get mixing. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. It’s like a little party of dry ingredients.
Meanwhile, in a larger bowl, take your 1 cup of sugar and rub it together with 1 tablespoon of finely grated lemon zest. This step is key. It releases the oils from the zest, and trust me, your cake will thank you for that zesty touch.
Next, add in 3/4 cup of whole-milk Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely blended—think of it as a team-building exercise for your ingredients.
Once your wet and dry mixtures are ready, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ones. Be careful not to overmix; we’re not trying to work out here, just combining until you see no more flour.
Pour that luscious batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Now, it’s time for the oven magic to happen. Bake your cake for about 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a lovely golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
When it’s all baked, let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely, and voila—you’ve got yourself a delightful French yogurt cake that’s perfect for any occasion, or, let’s be honest, just because you deserve a slice.
French Yogurt Cake Substitutions & Variations
When it comes to French yogurt cake, there are countless ways to personalize this delightful treat. For a fruity twist, I love adding fresh berries or diced apples to the batter.
You can also swap the lemon zest for orange or lime for a different citrus flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using almond or coconut yogurt instead.
To make it chocolatey, simply replace a portion of the flour with cocoa powder. Finally, adding a splash of your favorite liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Amaretto, can elevate the flavor even more.
Enjoy experimenting!
What to Serve with French Yogurt Cake
After personalizing your French yogurt cake with delicious variations, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside it.
I love pairing it with fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, for a burst of flavor. A dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy richness that complements the cake’s texture.
If you’re in the mood for something warm, a scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonders, too. For a cozy touch, serve it with a cup of tea or coffee.
No matter what you choose, these accompaniments enhance the experience and make your dessert truly delightful. Enjoy!
Additional Tips & Notes
Although the French yogurt cake is simple to make, a few additional tips can elevate your baking experience.
First, don’t skip the lemon zest; it adds a delightful brightness. If you want a richer flavor, try substituting half the vegetable oil with melted butter.
Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for better blending. I recommend using a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean.
For added flair, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or serve it with fresh berries.
Finally, remember to store it in an airtight container to keep it moist and delicious!