Quick cake with yogurt cream and strawberries

Quick Strawberry Yogurt Cake

If you're looking for a quick, easy-to-make, and incredibly delicious dessert recipe, you've come to the right place! The strawberry yogurt cake is an excellent choice for warm days when you don't want to heat up your home with the oven, but you're craving something sweet and refreshing. This cake is not only simple to make, but it is also a true feast for the senses, with a light texture and fresh flavor thanks to the strawberries.

The history of the yogurt cake is rich in traditions where simple and accessible desserts have always been appreciated. Over time, people have found ingenious ways to combine ingredients they had on hand, creating delights that have become favorites in many households.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients:
- 2 packages of ladyfingers (approximately 300 g)
- 300 g strawberry yogurt (or plain yogurt for a less sweet option)
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 120 g sugar
- 1 ½ packets of gelatin (approximately 15 g)
- 500 g fresh strawberries
- Syrup or fruit juice for soaking the ladyfingers (you can use strawberry syrup, orange juice, or sugar water)

Cake preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. This will help with even mixing and a better consistency of the cream.

2. Mix the yogurt with sugar: In a large bowl, add the strawberry yogurt and sugar. Use an electric mixer to mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved in the yogurt. This step is essential to obtain a smooth cream, and the strawberry yogurt will add a wonderful flavor.

3. Prepare the gelatin: In another bowl, prepare the gelatin according to the instructions on the package. Usually, you need to dissolve it in hot water. Once the gelatin is completely dissolved, let it cool slightly, then add a tablespoon of yogurt to the cooled gelatin, mixing gently to avoid lumps. Then, combine all the yogurt with the gelatin.

4. Whip the cream: Use a mixer to whip the heavy cream until it becomes firm. It is important not to overbeat it, as it can turn into butter. Add the whipped cream to the yogurt mixture, folding gently with a spatula, using light up-and-down motions to keep the air in the cream. This is the secret to an airy and fluffy cream!

5. Prepare the strawberries: Wash the strawberries well, remove the stems, and cut them into small pieces. Keep a few for the final decoration. Add the chopped strawberries to the yogurt cream and mix gently.

6. Assemble the cake: In a springform pan, place a layer of ladyfingers. Soak them in the chosen syrup, making sure they are well moistened but not too much to become too soft. Then, pour half of the strawberry yogurt cream over the ladyfingers, smoothing the surface. Continue with another layer of ladyfingers, followed by the remaining cream.

7. Chill: Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake for at least one hour. This step is essential to allow the gelatin to set and to achieve a stable structure.

8. Decorate: After the cake has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator. Decorate it with the reserved strawberries and, if desired, you can add a few mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness.

9. Serve: Cut the cake into slices and enjoy it with a cup of iced tea or fresh lemonade. You can also serve it with a fruit sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Practical tips:
- If you want to try a version with other fruits, peaches, raspberries, or mango are excellent combined with yogurt. Adapt the recipe to your preferences!
- You can replace sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier option.
- If you don't have gelatin on hand, you can use an alternative ingredient like agar-agar, but be sure to follow the specific preparation instructions.

Nutritional benefits:
This strawberry yogurt cake is a healthy choice, rich in protein due to the yogurt and cream. The strawberries add vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making this dessert a delicious and nutritious option, perfect for warm summer days.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use plain yogurt instead of strawberry yogurt? Yes, but you may want to add a little more sugar or another sweetener to compensate for the lack of flavors.
- How long can the cake be kept in the refrigerator? The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed within the first 24 hours.
- Can I freeze the cake? It is recommended to avoid freezing, as the texture of the cream may change, but you can freeze the ladyfinger layers for a quick dessert in the future.

This quick strawberry yogurt cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, a gathering with friends, or just a personal treat. Enjoy it with pleasure and don't forget to share this recipe with your loved ones!