Strawberry, yogurt, and chocolate cake

Strawberry, yogurt, and chocolate cake is a wonderful choice to bring a touch of sunshine to each day, especially during strawberry season when the fruits are full of flavor and aroma. This cake is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for cooking together with little ones or surprising loved ones with a quick and flavorful dessert. Throughout the recipe, I will share with you not only the necessary steps but also some useful tips and interesting variations.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Necessary ingredients

- 1.5 cups flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 3 tablespoons soft butter (at room temperature)
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 250 g fresh strawberries
- 50 g dark chocolate
- Powdered sugar for decoration

The history of strawberry cake

Fruit cakes have always been an excellent way to combine sweetness with the natural flavor of fresh ingredients. Strawberries, with their sweetness and juiciness, often steal the show in desserts, and the combination with yogurt adds a touch of creaminess and a fresh taste. Chocolate, on the other hand, adds a decadent note, making this cake a perfect choice for any occasion.

Preparing the cake

1. Preparing the strawberries
Start by washing the strawberries well under a stream of cold water. Remove the stems and let them drain. Once drained, cut each strawberry in half or into thirds, depending on their size. I recommend choosing very ripe strawberries, as they will add an intense and sweet flavor to the cake.

2. Mixing the dry ingredients
In a larger bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is important as it ensures an even distribution of the leavening agent and salt in the dough.

3. Preparing the composition
In another bowl, mix the soft butter, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla sugar at medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the mixture becomes creamy. At this step, you can use an electric mixer, but a manual whisk will also work well. Then, reduce the mixer speed and add the egg, grated lemon zest, and milk. Mix until everything is well combined.

4. Combining the ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Start mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed to avoid splattering flour all over the kitchen. Mix until the dough becomes uniform.

5. Adding the chocolate
Grate the dark chocolate using a large grater. Incorporate three-quarters of the grated chocolate into the prepared dough, mixing gently.

6. Preparing the baking tray
Make your work easier by greasing a baking tray with butter or lining it with baking paper. Pour the dough into the tray and level it evenly. Place the strawberry pieces on top, cut side down, as close together as possible. This will not only look good but will also allow the juice from the strawberries to seep into the dough during baking. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate on top.

7. Baking
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. Check the cake with a tester (a toothpick) – if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

8. Cooling and serving
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a serving platter. Dust powdered sugar on top for a more attractive appearance and slice it.

Tips and variations

- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar depending on the sweetness of the strawberries, especially if you are using very ripe fruits.
- Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture, but you can also experiment with natural yogurt or flavored yogurt.
- Chocolate: If you prefer a less intense flavor, use milk chocolate or you can even omit the chocolate completely for a lighter version.
- Alternative fruits: This recipe can be easily adapted. Instead of strawberries, you can use raspberries, blueberries, or even peaches.

Combining with other recipes and drinks

The strawberry, yogurt, and chocolate cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a serving of fresh whipped cream. Additionally, a cup of fruit tea or a fresh orange juice will perfectly complement this dessert.

Nutritional benefits

This cake offers a combination of carbohydrates from the flour, proteins from the yogurt and egg, as well as antioxidants from strawberries and dark chocolate. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and low in calories, making them a healthy ingredient for desserts.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of flour? Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or almond flour, but be mindful of the liquid proportions.
- How can I store the cake? The cake can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week, covered with plastic wrap.
- Is it suitable for vegans? This recipe is not vegan, but you can replace the butter with vegan margarine, the egg with an egg substitute (such as banana puree or a mixture of water and flaxseeds), and the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.

I hope this captivating and delicious recipe for strawberry, yogurt, and chocolate cake will inspire you to try it! Enjoy!