Coffee cake with dried fruits

Quick Yogurt and Dried Fruit Cake

Who can resist a fluffy cake that combines the aroma of yogurt with the sweetness of dried fruits? This coffee cake recipe is not only simple and quick but also brings a touch of joy to any moment of the day. Perfect to accompany a cup of flavored coffee or a relaxing tea, this cake quickly becomes a favorite. Let's venture into cooking!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 cup of soft butter (about 225 g)
- 1 ½ cups of sugar (you can combine white sugar with brown for a deeper flavor)
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups of flour (you can use whole wheat flour for added fiber)
- 1 cup of plain or flavored yogurt
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- Vanilla (one teaspoon of extract or a vanilla pod)
- 1 cup of dried fruit of your choice (raisins, nuts, California prunes, pineapple, figs, apricots)

Cake preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients on your work surface. Make sure the butter is soft and all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help achieve a uniform and fluffy texture.

2. Creaming the butter with sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or spatula to cream the butter with the sugar. Mix well until the sugar dissolves in the butter, and the mixture becomes creamy and fluffy. This is an essential step to incorporate air into the cake, giving it a light texture.

3. Adding the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step is important for achieving a homogeneous mixture.

4. Incorporating the yogurt: Add the yogurt and vanilla to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. The vanilla aroma will add a pleasant note, so if you're using a pod, make sure to remove the seeds and add them to the mixture.

5. Mixing the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Mix these dry ingredients well to distribute them evenly.

6. Combining the ingredients: Start adding the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in stages. Don't forget to mix gently with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed to avoid lumps forming.

7. Adding the dried fruits: Once you have a uniform mixture, add the diced dried fruits. They will not only enhance the flavor but also add an interesting texture to your cake.

8. Baking the cake: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a cake pan with butter and dust it with flour or use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Bake the cake for 20 minutes or until it passes the toothpick test. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is ready!

9. Cooling and serving: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Serve the cake as is or dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant look.

Practical tips:
- You can experiment with different combinations of dried fruits, depending on the season or your preferences. For example, adding chopped nuts or dark chocolate can transform this cake into a true delight.
- If you want to enrich the flavor, consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge to keep it longer.

Nutritional information (per serving):
- Calories: approximately 220 kcal
- Fat: 10 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 3 g

Recommended pairings:
This cake is perfect to be served alongside a cup of flavored coffee or a fruit tea. You can add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for an extra creaminess. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream would make a delicious combination for a more elaborate dessert.

Frequently asked questions:
- What can I use instead of yogurt? You can replace yogurt with cottage cheese or another type of flavored yogurt.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar by a third, and the dried fruits will add enough natural sweetness.
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but make sure it is well wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container.

This yogurt and dried fruit cake recipe is not only easy to prepare but will also bring you a piece of simple cooking happiness at home. I encourage you to experiment and put your own stamp on this cake, turning each serving into a delicious story. Enjoy!