Italian Recipes

Fluffy Greek Yogurt Cake with Lemon Zest

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Yogurt Cake Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 8

This moist and fluffy yogurt cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that pairs perfectly with your afternoon coffee or tea. Made with Greek yogurt, eggs, and a hint of lemon zest, it delivers a tender texture and a light, refreshing flavor. Here’s how you can make this irresistible treat from scratch.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Greek yogurt 320g
Eggs 220g (about 4 large eggs)
Butter 150g
Sugar 200g
All-purpose flour 250g
Cornstarch (Maizena) 80g
Lemon zest 1 lemon
Salt A pinch
Baking powder 16g

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Nutrient Amount
Calories 280
Protein 5g
Carbohydrates 40g
Sugars 20g
Fat 12g
Saturated Fat 7g
Fiber 1g
Sodium 120mg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Butter and Sugar Mixture:
    Begin by cutting the butter into small cubes and allowing it to soften at room temperature. Once softened, place the butter and sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Mix them together on medium speed until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture appears light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a tender crumb in your cake.

  2. Add the Eggs:
    Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture. Allow each egg to fully combine before adding the next. This will help create a smooth, emulsified batter. Once all the eggs are added, increase the mixer speed for a few seconds to ensure everything is well-blended.

  3. Incorporate the Yogurt:
    Add the Greek yogurt to the egg mixture. Use a spatula to gently mix it in if needed, ensuring the yogurt is fully incorporated into the batter. The yogurt will contribute to the cake’s moistness and add a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.

  4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
    In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch (Maizena), and baking powder. Sifting ensures that there are no lumps in your dry ingredients and that everything is evenly distributed. Once sifted, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, one small portion at a time.

  5. Mix the Batter:
    As you add the dry ingredients, gently fold them into the batter using a spatula. Use a motion from the bottom to the top to avoid deflating the batter. Continue until the dry ingredients are just incorporated, and you have a smooth, thick batter. Do not overmix, as this could lead to a denser cake.

  6. Prepare the Pan:
    Grease and flour a 22-24 cm round cake pan. This will ensure that the cake easily comes out of the pan once baked. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan using a spatula, smoothing the surface. Avoid tapping or shaking the pan to level the batter, as this could cause the air in the batter to deflate.

  7. Bake the Cake:
    Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) if using static heat, or 155°C (310°F) for a convection oven. Place the pan in the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes. If using a convection oven, reduce the baking time to about 40 minutes.

    Tip: To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, the cake is done.

  8. Cool and Serve:
    Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, the cake can be dusted with powdered sugar or served as is for a simple, understated treat.

  9. Enjoy!
    Your homemade yogurt cake is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it as an afternoon snack with your favorite hot beverage, or as a light dessert after dinner. This cake stays moist for days and makes a wonderful base for topping with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

  • Flavor Enhancements: For an extra burst of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter or incorporate some fresh lemon juice along with the zest.
  • Add-ins: If you prefer a more textured cake, fold in some chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts) or dried fruit (such as raisins or cranberries) towards the end of mixing the batter.
  • Serving Suggestions: This yogurt cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer dessert experience.

This simple yet delicious yogurt cake is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for any occasion or as a treat to enjoy throughout the week. The Greek yogurt lends a delicate tang that balances the sweetness of the sugar, and the lemon zest brightens the flavors, making it a perfect all-round dessert.

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