Yogurt and strawberry cake

Yogurt and Strawberry Cake – A Sweet Indulgence for Summer Hours

Who doesn’t love a fluffy, fragrant cake brimming with fresh fruit? Today, I will share with you a delicious recipe for yogurt and strawberry cake that is not only easy to make but will surely become a family favorite. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a baking time of 35-40 minutes, this cake will be ready to enjoy in no time.

Servings: 12

Total time: approx. 55 minutes

Ingredients needed:

- 500 g fresh strawberries
- 400 g flour
- 300 g Greek yogurt (for a creamier texture)
- 280 g sugar (adjustable to taste)
- 170 ml oil (preferably sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 3 fresh eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10 g)
- A pinch of salt (to enhance flavors)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the strawberries: Start by washing the strawberries under cold running water. Remove the stems and cut them in halves or cubes, depending on your preference. Mix them with 3 teaspoons of sugar and set aside for a few minutes. This step will not only extract the juice from the strawberries but also make them sweeter.

2. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining sugar (about 250 g) using an electric mixer. Mix until you achieve a creamy and light-colored batter. This is the base of your cake, so make sure it is well-aerated.

3. Adding wet ingredients: Add the yogurt, oil, and vanilla essence to the bowl, continuing to mix on low speed until all ingredients are well combined.

4. Incorporating dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and a pinch of salt. This combination will help achieve a fluffy texture for the cake. Add the flour mixture to the wet batter, stirring with a spatula or wooden spoon until no flour is visible. Avoid over-mixing to prevent a dense cake.

5. Preparing the baking pan: Line a 24/38 cm baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it with oil to prevent the cake from sticking. Pour the batter into the pan, smoothing the surface.

6. Adding the strawberries: Evenly distribute the marinated strawberries over the batter in the pan, gently burying them in the mixture to prevent them from floating to the surface during baking.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C and place the pan inside. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes to allow the cake to rise evenly.

8. Cooling: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, you can dust it with powdered sugar before serving.

Serving suggestions and variations:

The yogurt and strawberry cake can be enjoyed plain or with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or Greek yogurt on top. A wonderful idea is to sprinkle some almond flakes or chopped nuts for added texture. Also, don’t limit yourself to just strawberries; you can try using apples, pears, cherries, raspberries, or peaches, depending on the season and your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake is a healthier option due to the Greek yogurt, which is rich in protein and calcium. Strawberries are also packed with antioxidants and vitamins, providing an energy boost and delicious flavor. However, it’s best to consume in moderation, considering the sugar content. A serving of cake contains approximately 250 calories, depending on the exact ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Yes, but Greek yogurt provides a richer and creamier texture.

2. What if I don’t have white sugar?
You can use brown sugar or honey, but adjust the quantity according to taste.

3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
Reduce the amount of sugar added to the batter or you can use sweeter fruits.

4. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is vegetarian, but not vegan due to the eggs and yogurt.

I hope this yogurt and strawberry cake recipe brings joy and smiles to your loved ones! Don’t forget to share the final result on social media and let us know how it turned out! Enjoy!