Yogurt and berry cream cake

Yogurt and Berry Cream Cake

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes + cooling time
Servings: 10

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today, I invite you to prepare a refined cake that combines the light texture of a fluffy sponge with fresh yogurt cream and delicious berries. This cake is not just a dessert; it's a true culinary experience, perfect for any special occasion or simply to indulge your taste buds. Let's get started!

A Brief History
The yogurt and berry cream cake is a popular choice among modern desserts, based on simple yet flavorful ingredients. Yogurt brings a note of freshness and a creamy texture, while the berries provide a burst of color and flavor. It is a dessert that not only delights the eyes but also nourishes the soul, being a healthier option due to the yogurt and fruit content.

Necessary Ingredients

For the sponge:
- 4 eggs
- A pinch of salt
- 4 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of grated lemon zest
- 8 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

For the syrup:
- 200 ml water
- 2-3 tablespoons of sugar (or to taste)
- Juice of half a lemon

For the cream:
- 200 g full-fat yogurt
- 500 ml heavy cream
- 80 g vanilla powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of blueberry syrup
- Blackberries, cherries, and strawberries (as desired)
- 1 packet of gelatin

For decoration:
- Fresh blackberries and cherries

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the sponge
1. Separating the eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. It's important to have a clean, dry bowl to achieve perfect foam.
2. Beating the egg whites: Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and beat them with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to mix until you achieve a glossy meringue.
3. Preparing the yolks: In another bowl, mix the yolks with the oil and water. Once combined, pour the mixture over the meringue. Use a spatula to gently fold it in, using up-and-down motions to avoid deflating the foam.
4. Adding the dry ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder, then gradually add it to the egg white mixture. Gently fold it in as well.
5. Baking the sponge: Line a 21 cm round cake pan with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the pan and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. After baking, let it cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the syrup
1. Making the syrup: In a saucepan, heat the water along with the sugar, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the lemon juice and let the syrup cool.

Step 3: Preparing the cream
1. Mixing the yogurt: In a bowl, combine the yogurt with the vanilla powdered sugar. Mix well to achieve a smooth texture.
2. Whipping the cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it becomes firm. Take 200 g of the whipped cream and add it to the yogurt mixture, folding gently.
3. Preparing the gelatin: Hydrate the gelatin according to the instructions on the package, then gently heat it to dissolve completely.
4. Adding the fruits: Wash the cherries and blackberries, pit the cherries, and slice the strawberries. Add the blueberry syrup and the fruits to the yogurt cream, mixing gently.

Step 4: Assembling the cake
1. Assembling the cake: On a serving platter, place the first sponge layer, then wrap it with the removable ring from the pan. Soak it with half of the prepared syrup, then pour the yogurt cream over it and level it out.
2. Adding the second sponge layer: Place the second sponge layer on top, soak it, and refrigerate the cake for at least one hour, ideally overnight, to allow the cream to set properly.

Step 5: Decorating the cake
1. Finishing the cake: Once the cake has cooled, carefully remove the removable ring by running a knife around the edges to release it. Cover the cake in whipped cream, making swirls on top, and decorate with fresh fruits.

Practical Tips
- Choose seasonal fruits: Berries are excellent for this cake, but you can also experiment with other fruits like peaches or kiwi.
- Gelatin: Make sure to follow the instructions on the package to achieve perfect gelatin. You can also use agar-agar for a vegetarian option.
- Ingredient temperature: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature to facilitate even mixing.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is it important to separate the eggs?
Separating the eggs helps achieve a fluffier sponge, as the beaten egg whites become aerated and light.

2. How can I enhance the flavor of the cake?
Adding vanilla extract or almond essence to the yogurt cream can intensify the flavors.

3. Can the cake be prepared a day in advance?
Yes! It is even recommended, as the flavors improve as the cake sits in the refrigerator.

Delicious Combinations
This yogurt and berry cream cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent touch. You can also serve it alongside a fruit tea or fresh lemonade, which will perfectly complement the cake's sweetness.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake is not only delicious but also relatively healthy. Yogurt provides protein and beneficial probiotics for the digestive system, while berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, choosing heavy cream made from natural ingredients contributes to a healthier dessert.

Personal Note
I recommend experimenting with different fruit combinations, such as adding raspberries or blueberries to offer a variety of flavors and colors. Each slice of cake will be a delightful surprise!

Enjoy your meal! This yogurt and berry cream cake is sure to become a favorite among your friends and family. Savor every bite!