Simple Yogurt Cake

Simple Yogurt Cake

A simple yogurt cake is the perfect choice for days when you want to indulge in a delicious dessert but don’t have too much time. This cake is soft, moist, and full of fresh flavors, thanks to the yogurt and orange zest. Let’s embark on this culinary journey!

Preparation Time
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Baking time: 30-40 minutes
- Total time: 3-4 hours (for cooling)
- Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the base:
- 4 eggs (fresh, at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (preferably fine sugar for better mixing)
- 4 tablespoons of flour (wheat flour, preferably type 000)
- Zest of half an orange (make sure the orange is organic to avoid pesticides)

For the cream:
- 1 large glass of plain yogurt (375 g) (opt for a quality yogurt with a higher fat content for a richer cream)
- 500 ml of whipped cream (you can use cream for a more intense flavor)
- 1 packet of unflavored gelatin (about 10 g, make sure to follow the instructions on the package)
- An orange (for decoration and flavor)

Useful tools
- A detachable cake pan
- An electric mixer
- A spatula

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the base
1. Prepare the ingredients: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a detachable cake pan with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Beat the egg whites: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Use a mixer to beat the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a firm meringue.
3. Incorporate the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, gently folding with a spatula to avoid losing the incorporated air.
4. Add the flour: Sift the flour over the egg mixture. Add the grated orange zest. Gently mix with up-and-down motions until everything is well combined.

Step 2: Baking the base
5. Pour the mixture into the pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the surface with the spatula.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, until the base is golden and passes the toothpick test (insert a toothpick into the center of the base; if it comes out clean, the base is ready).
7. Cooling: Once baked, remove the base from the oven and let it cool completely on a rack.

Step 3: Preparing the cream
8. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cream until firm. Make sure the bowl is cold to achieve well-whipped cream.
9. Prepare the gelatin: Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the gelatin. Usually, it dissolves in cold water, then is gently heated to activate.
10. Mix with yogurt: In another bowl, mix the yogurt with the dissolved gelatin. Then, add the whipped cream and gently mix until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
11. Cut the base: When the base has completely cooled, cut it in half horizontally.
12. Assemble the cake: Place the first half of the base in the detachable pan. Sprinkle finely chopped orange pieces on top.
13. Add the cream: Pour half of the yogurt and whipped cream mixture over the bottom base. Then, repeat the process with the second half of the base, add more orange pieces, and top with the remaining cream.
14. Final cooling: Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or until the cream sets well.

Step 5: Decorating the cake
15. Decorate: After cooling, you can decorate the cake according to your inspiration! A wonderful idea is to use rose hip jam, as I did. Place the jam in a bag, cut a corner, and create wavy lines on top of the cake. You can also use slices of orange or grated chocolate for a more elegant look.

Useful tips
- Fruit version: You can replace the orange with other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries or peaches, for an explosion of flavors.
- Yogurt: Choose Greek yogurt for a richer texture and more intense flavor.
- Sweetening: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the base or look for natural sweetener alternatives.

Nutritional information
This simple yogurt cake is a healthier choice compared to other desserts, thanks to the yogurt that provides probiotic benefits, and the orange adds vitamin C. Each serving offers approximately 220-250 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Personal stories
I fondly remember the moments when I made this cake with my grandmother. We enjoyed every step, from beating the egg whites to the final decoration. It’s a dessert that brings not only taste but also beautiful memories.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use another type of flour? Yes, you can try whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will vary.
- Can the cake be frozen? Yes, the cake can be frozen, but it is recommended to decorate it after thawing to maintain a fresh appearance.
- What drinks pair well with this cake? Fresh lemonade or fruit tea are excellent choices to complement this dessert.

This is the simple yogurt cake, an ideal recipe for any occasion or just to indulge yourself on ordinary days. Try it and don’t forget to share the result with your loved ones! Enjoy!