If I had kept this cake around, I surely would have met my gain 16 pounds goal this week. As it stands, I still ate half of the loaf…in a day. Sigh. French Yogurt Cake is one of my favorites. It is so moist and dense and with just a hint of lemon running through it. I could say it is healthy because there is yogurt in it…but then I would be lying 😛 Since the flavors are so simple I like to keep the topping simple: a sprinkle or two of powdered sugar, honey and a few slices of strawberries. It really doesn’t get better than that.
French Yogurt Cake
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup ground almonds
2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1 cups sugar
grated zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup plain yogurt
3 large eggs
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup flavorless oil
Center a rack in the oven and preheat the oven to 350F. Generously butter an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch loaf pan and place the pan on a baking sheet.
Whisk together the flour, ground almonds, baking powder and salt.
Put together the sugar and zest in a medium bowl and, with your fingertips, rub the zest into the sugar until the sugar is moist and aromatic. Add the yogurt, eggs and vanilla and whisk vigorously until the mixture is very well blended. Still whisking, add the dry ingredients, then switch to a large rubber spatula and fold in the oil. You’ll have a thick, smooth batter with a slight sheen. Scrape the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the cake begins to come away from the sides of the pan;it should be golden brown and a thin knife inserted into the center will come out clean. Transfer the pan to a rack and cool for 5 minutes, then run a blunt knife between the cake and the sides of the pan. Unmold, and cool to room temperature right side up on the rack.
Source: Adapted from Baking: From My Home To Yours by Dorie Greenspan 2006
Meeta says
Oh my! I think I will have to make that my goal to – gain 16 pounds just looking at the photos. Looks delish.
Hope you have a fantastic 2007 and I really look forward to getting to know you a little more!
Asha says
Drooling over here!:)) Very unique!
rachel says
Yum! I love yogurt cakes of any kind!
Ivonne says
Oh, it’s so pretty! I have yet to try the famous yogurt cake … thanks for the recipe!
Lisa says
You’re killin’ me.. you’re just killin’ me.
xoxo
Tanna says
I’ve been going to try this one. Looks a little like pudding and super good.
Ellie says
I’ve heard of yoghurt cakes but have never tried making them! This picture is so delish that I think this will have to be the next thing out of my oven!
Jann says
this is beautiful-I am going to give this a try tomorrow! Wonderful photo…
Deb says
Looks delish and the photography is beautiful1
rebekka says
Woah mama! That looks so amazing…the texture! I have got to try this one! And I definately share your love for French food (as per posted below) and i could never date a vegan or someone who didn’t drink.
(although I’m sure he is a lovely person.)
🙂
Natalia says
Oh, this is definitely my kind of health food. Yogurt, lemon, strawberries on top… Definitely healthy 🙂
Jeff says
Ok…when are you going to France??? 🙂
Patricia Scarpin says
This cake looks yummy, indeed!
I love cake recipes that call for yogurt and almond meal, they always lend extra moisture and the results are fantastic.
I’ve baked a yogurt cake once and sprinkled the batter with raspberries before baking it. It was delicious.
I liked the idea of sprinkling honey on the cake, will try it sometime!
Kristen says
I’ve missed reading through blogs for the past few days, and I get to yours and I have several days of yummy treat after yummy treat after yummy treat. I think I’ve gained 16 pounds just reading your blog today!
Julie O'Hara says
If that’s what you call “simplicity” I’m all for it! That looks so good. I love a simple cake as long as it’s super-moist. I wish strawberries were cheap and plentiful right now!
Brilynn says
That looks like one of those cakes that sits on my counter and everytime I walk by I nibble a little piece and before I know it, there’s none left and I’m wondering who ate it all and am slightly annoyed, until I realize it was me…
Lea says
I am sitting here in Beverly Hills surrounded by people who have everything and your articles and recipes make me appreciate the simpler and very delicate pleasures of life. You rock!!!