Yogurt cake with cherries and berries

Yogurt Cake with Cherries and Berries

Total time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Welcome to the wonderful world of baking! Today, I invite you to prepare a quick and delicious dessert – yogurt cake with cherries and berries. This cake is perfect for serving alongside loved ones, whether it’s a gathering with friends or a lazy afternoon with family. It’s a simple dessert, yet full of flavor, that will bring a touch of joy to every slice.

Recipe History
The yogurt cake has deep roots in culinary traditions, being appreciated for its fluffy and moist texture. Yogurt, the key ingredient, adds a subtle flavor and contributes to the perfect consistency of the batter. Cherries and berries not only provide a tempting contrast of colors but also a note of freshness, transforming this dessert into a true delicacy.

Ingredients
- 280 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 300 g sugar
- 5 eggs
- 300 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 fruit yogurt (preferably 400 g)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)
- 200 g cherries (pitted)
- 100 g berries (optional, blueberries, blackberries or raspberries)

Ingredient Details
Cherries are more than just a simple ingredient; they are rich in vitamins A, B, and C, as well as essential minerals like iron and calcium. These fruits are not only delicious but also have diuretic and laxative properties. However, consumed in excess, they can cause gastric discomfort, so it is recommended not to exceed 200-300 g per day.

Preparing the Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Mixture
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, add the soft butter and sugar. Use a mixer to combine them well until you obtain a fluffy and homogeneous cream. This will be the airy base of your cake. Add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are perfectly integrated into the mixture.

Step 2: Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. This will ensure a good rise for the cake. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture, mixing with a spatula or with the mixer on low speed. Make sure there are no lumps remaining.

Step 3: Add the Yogurt
Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, add the yogurt. If you are using fruit-flavored yogurt, it’s good to choose one that complements the taste of the cherries. Mix everything until you obtain a uniform composition.

Step 4: Cherries and Berries
Add the pitted cherries and berries, gently mixing to avoid crushing them. They will provide a fresh taste and a pleasant texture to your cake.

Step 5: Baking
Grease a loaf pan well with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Pour the mixture into the pan, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Place the pan in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cooling and Serving
After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. Before serving, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for an elegant look and an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions
This yogurt cake with cherries and berries is delicious served plain, but it can be enhanced with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A cup of herbal tea or an espresso provides a wonderful contrast and perfectly completes the experience.

Variations
For a more exotic experience, you can replace cherries with peaches or apricots. You can also add a bit of cinnamon or vanilla to the batter to intensify the flavors. If you want to try a dairy-free version, yogurt can be replaced with a plant-based yogurt.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to completely thaw and drain them well before adding them to the batter.

2. How can I check if the cake is baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If there are still batter clumps on the toothpick, let it bake for a few more minutes.

3. What can I do if the cake browns too quickly on top?
If you notice that it is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil in the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent the surface from burning.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake offers not only a taste pleasure but also nutritional benefits, thanks to the yogurt and fruits. Yogurt provides beneficial probiotics for digestion, while cherries and berries are rich in antioxidants, contributing to overall health.

Calories
A serving of yogurt cake with cherries and berries contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used. This dessert can be a healthy indulgence if consumed in moderation.

Try this simple and delicious recipe for yogurt cake with cherries and berries and let yourself be carried away by its enticing flavors. Each slice will bring joy to the hearts of your loved ones. Enjoy the moments spent in the kitchen and every delicious bite!