This Simple French Yogurt Cake is a delightful treat that requires minimal effort and ingredients. You can whip up this elegant cake for any occasion, making it a perfect addition to your collection of cake recipes with few ingredients. Its light texture and subtle tang will quickly become a household favorite.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Plain Yogurt: Use full-fat plain yogurt for the best texture. You can substitute with a dairy-free plain yogurt if needed.
- All-Purpose Flour: Cake flour can be used for an even finer crumb.
- Granulated Sugar: Light brown sugar can add a slightly richer flavor.
- Eggs: No substitutes for eggs in this recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain full-fat yogurt
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300
- Tools needed: 9-inch round cake pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly. This step ensures your cake doesn’t stick and releases easily.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. This forms the liquid base of your cake recipes with few ingredients.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and pinch of salt. Make sure there are no lumps for an even texture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Pour into Pan and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired. You’ve just made one of the easiest cake recipes with few ingredients!
Variation Ideas:
- Lemon Zest: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter for a bright citrus flavor.
- Berries: Fold in ½ cup of fresh berries (like blueberries or raspberries) into the batter before baking.
- Almond Extract: Substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different aroma.
- Chocolate Chips: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet addition.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Simple French Yogurt Cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use Greek yogurt? Yes, you can use Greek yogurt, but thin it with a tablespoon or two of milk to achieve the consistency of plain yogurt.
- Why is my cake dry? Overmixing the batter or overbaking the cake can lead to a dry texture. Ensure you mix until just combined and check for doneness at the earliest suggested bake time.
- Can I make this cake in a different pan size? A loaf pan or an 8-inch square pan can work, but baking times may vary. Adjust accordingly.
- Is this cake good for breakfast? Absolutely! Its light and simple flavor makes it a wonderful breakfast or brunch item.
- Can I add fruit to the batter? Yes, gently fold in about ½ cup of your favorite berries or diced fruit just before pouring into the pan.
- What if I don’t have baking powder? You can substitute with a mixture of baking soda and cream of tartar, but baking powder is ideal for this cake.