Want to learn how to bake a yogurt cake that’s as rich and fluffy as your grandmother’s? If the answer is yes, read on; at ESdiario, we will tell you a delicious recipe.
The yogurt cake, or “Yoghurt cake, is one of the most popular desserts in France. This is a very easy recipe to prepare with the yogurt container and can be customized with different flavors and toppings.
The history and development of the yogurt cake
The yogurt sponge cake, known in France as “gâteau au yaourt, is a jewel of French pastry that has earned a special place in people’s hearts.
Because of its simplicity, it is often the first baking recipe taught to French children.
Traditional, The ingredients are measured out in small glasses, which gives your preparation a touch of charm. In many ways, the yogurt cake is similar to the French version of sponge cake and has a similar taste with a subtle vanilla aroma.
The mystery of its origin
Despite its roots in French culinary culture, The origin of yogurt cake remains shrouded in mystery and uncertainty. This delicious creation is believed to date back to the second century .of the 20th century, although unfortunately the historical documentation supporting this statement is scarce. However, some interesting clues shed light on its possible origin.
Explore the connection with yogurt
To better understand the origin of yogurt cake, It’s important to trace the history of yogurt itself. Although the first traces of fermented milk occur in Central Asia, with evidence dating back to the Neolithic period About 6000 years ago, the first yogurts, Segun the Grand Larousse Gastronomiquehave their roots near Türkiye in the 11th century.
Yogurt was made in its original form from cow’s milk, see the buffalo, which was boiled until it lost about 30% of its water content. It was then poured into a wineskin or clay vessel where it was allowed to ferment naturally. Although it is manufactured industrially today,
The arrival of yogurt in France
In France, yogurt The move only took place in the 16th century during the reign of King Francis I. It is said that the monarch, suffering from digestive problems, was treated with a yogurt and sheep’s milk.
But over time, the recipe for this “food” was forgotten. It was in the 20th century when the zoologist Russian bacteriologist and immunologist Elie Metchnikoff pHe widely promoted yogurt, arguing that it could promote health and prolong life.
In the early 1920s the Spanish entrepreneur Isaac Carasso began selling yogurt in pharmacies, claiming that its lactic acid bacteria helped relieve digestive illnesses. Later, in 1929, he founded the Parisian yogurt company Danone. After the Second World War, the consumption of yogurt became even more popular.
The birth of the yogurt cake
It is believed that the invention of the yogurt cake took place after the massive spread of yogurt in France. The official recipe for this popular cake probably dates from the middle of the 20th century, specifically from the 1950s or early 1960s.
This period coincides with the widespread development of household appliances such as refrigerators and electric stoves which made the preparation of this delicacy easier. Despite our best efforts, we were unable to accurately identify the date of invention or the inventor of this baking miracle.
The best yogurt for baking
The cake we are describing In the recipe you can see below, is characterized by its versatility and simplicity, aspects that are reflected in its ingredients.
Both Greek yogurt and natural yogurt are reasonable and give the cook the flexibility of not having to rely on last-minute purchases as long as one of these items is in his fridge.
Although it is true that technically it is possible to use skim or low-fat yogurt when preparing this paste. l, the excellent texture and taste develop when whole yogurt is used. one that retains all of its fat content. This yogurt fat is responsible for giving the cake its characteristic tenderness and richness and is also the traditional choice in the original French version.
Grandma’s recipe for yogurt cake
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 150 grams granulated sugar (about 3/4 cup)
- 226 grams of natural whole milk yogurt, either regular or Greek
- Vegetable oil, preferably canola or olive oil, plus a little oil for greasing the pan.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 192 grams all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Powdered sugar, optional for dusting
Preparation
- Preheat the oven and prepare the mold:
We place a rack in the middle position of the oven and preheat it to 180 °.
- Lightly grease a mold with sunflower oil. Thenline the form with baking paper, Leave about an inch of paper on the long sides to serve as a handle.
- Mix the wet ingredients:
Crack the two large eggs into a large bowl. Add the sugar and beat vigorously. until the mixture is light yellow and foamyYes, this takes about 1 minute. Now add yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract. - Add the dry ingredients:
Add to the same container with the wet ingredients baking powder and salt. Then fold in the flour with a spatula. - attention until all ingredients are mixed and the flour is fully incorporated. Don’t worry if there are small lumps in the batter, but be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the dough and bake:
Pour the prepared dough into the previously prepared form. We use a spatula to distribute it evenly. - Bake the cake in the preheated oven or until lightly browned and when a cake tester is inserted into the center, it comes out clean with just a few crumbs for 45 minutes.
- Let the cake cool:
After baking, take the pan out of the oven and place it in it Place on a rack to cool. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before removing the cake from the pan using the baking paper. Then place it back on the rack to cool completely. - Optional: Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage Tips
This delicious cake has an excellent shelf life. You can keep it properly packaged and stored in a container or metal tin for up to 5 days. It is also possible to freeze it for up to 2 months. To defrost, simply place it in your pantry or a cupboard at room temperature overnight before serving to bring it to room temperature.
So easy and delicious is the preparation of a yogurt cake that you will enjoy sharing with friends and family. Enjoy your creation! If you found the article useful, share it on your social networks and leave us a comment with your opinion.
