Lemon and yogurt cake

Lemon and Yogurt Cake

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12

I invite you to embark on a culinary journey full of freshness and flavor with this delicious lemon and yogurt cake recipe. It is a simple yet extremely tasty cake, perfect for any occasion, from a family meal to a party with friends. The lemon adds a touch of acidity that perfectly balances the sweetness, while the yogurt brings a moist and fluffy texture. Let's get started!

Necessary ingredients:

- 3 large eggs
- 70 g butter (at room temperature)
- 195 g sugar
- 320 g flour
- 1 cup of yogurt (approximately 250 g)
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 essence of vanilla
- Zest of one large juicy lemon
- Juice of one large lemon
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Butter for greasing the pan
- Salt (a pinch)

For decoration:
- Powdered sugar
- Coconut (optional)

Step by Step:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure the butter is soft so that it can be easily mixed. If you want to save time, you can take the butter out of the fridge a few hours before starting the recipe. Also, check if the yogurt is at room temperature.

Step 2: Beat the eggs
In a large bowl, add the 3 eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat the eggs together with the sugar for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture becomes white and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving an airy cake.

Step 3: Add the wet ingredients
After the eggs are beaten, add the soft butter, vanilla sugar, vanilla essence, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well after each ingredient added, ensuring everything is well combined. The lemon aroma will start to come through, making the cooking process even more enjoyable!

Step 4: Incorporate the yogurt
Add the yogurt and mix gently until fully integrated. The yogurt not only adds moisture but also a touch of acidity that will make the cake more interesting.

Step 5: Combine flour with baking powder
In a separate bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. This step is important to avoid lumps in the mixture. Then, incorporate the flour into the egg and yogurt mixture, adding it gradually with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix gently until no traces of flour remain.

Step 6: Prepare the pan
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate). Grease a round baking dish with butter, ensuring it is well covered to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 7: Baking
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Give it a gentle tap on the work surface to eliminate air bubbles. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes. To check if it’s done, do the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Step 8: Cooling and serving
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, use a larger knife to detach the edges of the cake from the pan and carefully turn it out onto a platter.

Dust with powdered sugar on top and, if desired, add coconut for an extra flavor and texture. Cut the cake into triangular slices and serve it with a warm tea or fresh lemonade to enhance the lemon flavor.

Helpful tips:
- If you want to enrich the flavor, you can add a few drops of almond or orange essence to the egg mixture.
- The cake can be stored in the fridge for a few days, but it is best the next day when the flavors have intensified.
- If you prefer a fluffier version, you can separate the egg whites from the yolks and beat them into a foam, then incorporate them at the end after adding the flour.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake is not only delicious but also relatively healthy, considering that yogurt provides a good source of protein and probiotics. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, and the butter used in moderation offers essential fatty acids. Each serving has approximately 230 calories, depending on the size of the slices.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use low-fat yogurt? Yes, but the cake will have a slightly different texture and may be less moist.
- What other flavors can I try? You can replace the lemon with orange or lime for a different variation.
- Can I add fruits? Absolutely! Berries or apple slices can be incorporated into the mixture for a fruitier cake.

This lemon and yogurt cake is not only easy to prepare but also a pleasant cooking experience. I invite you to try the recipe and share this delight with your loved ones!