The Secret to Grandma’s Perfect Cake
Discover the magic of a traditional French yogurt cake – a simple yet incredibly delicious dessert that has been warming hearts for generations. This foolproof recipe promises a tender, moist cake that’s both elegant and comforting.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 3 large eggs
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil
- 180 ml (3/4 cup) plain yogurt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Dry Ingredients
- 230g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
Glaze
- 50g (1/3 cup) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Chopped pistachios for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Prepare a 24 cm (9-inch) baking pan:
- Grease thoroughly with butter
- Dust with flour to prevent sticking
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Eggs
- Sugar
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
- Until light and creamy
- Gradually mix in:
- Oil
- Yogurt
- Lemon zest
- Sift and fold in dry ingredients:
- Add flour and baking powder in two stages
- Mix until just combined
- Avoid overmixing
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes:
- Check with a toothpick for doneness
- Toothpick should come out clean
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes
- Prepare lemon glaze:
- Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice
- Drizzle over slightly warm cake
- Sprinkle with chopped pistachios
Nutritional Information
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 55 minutes
Nutritional Breakdown (per slice)
- Calories: 250-300
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fat: 12-15g
Baking Tips and Tricks
- Use room temperature ingredients for best results
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender
- Check cake doneness with a toothpick
- Let cake cool slightly before glazing
Recipe Variations
- Flavor Alternatives:
- Replace lemon zest with orange zest
- Add almond extract
- Substitute pistachios with sliced almonds
- Dietary Modifications:
- Use gluten-free flour
- Replace sugar with alternative sweeteners
- Use dairy-free yogurt
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this cake in advance? A: Yes, it stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Q: What type of yogurt works best? A: Plain, full-fat yogurt provides the best texture and flavor.
Q: Can I freeze this cake? A: Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I prevent the cake from sticking? A: Thoroughly grease and flour the pan, or use parchment paper.
Q: Can I make this without a stand mixer? A: A whisk and mixing bowl work perfectly fine.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Cool completely before storing
- Keep at room temperature, covered
- Refrigerate for extended freshness
- Bring to room temperature before serving
Enjoy this timeless French classic that’s sure to become a family favorite!