Get ready to fall in love with this soft and fragrant cake, a true embrace of flavors that will captivate everyone at the first bite!
This recipe is designed to amaze with its simplicity and incredible softness, given by the unexpected but winning combination of goat cheese and Greek yogurt.
Everything is heightened by the vibrant freshness of lemon and your favorite vanilla essence, the one from the bottle I made you buy last time!
Perfect for breakfast, a delicious snack, or to sweeten the end of a meal, this cake will surprise you with how easy it is to make and its irresistible aroma that will flood your kitchen.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Economical
- Rest time: 2 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 8 People
- Cooking methods: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, All seasons
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 6.3 oz goat cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanillin
- 1 lemon
- 1 pinch
Tools
- 1 Mold Famkeep
- 1 Electric whisk Ariete
Steps
Before starting, remember to preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare your 8-inch pan (lining it with parchment paper or greasing it with oil and flouring it).
Start with eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the whole eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until you get a light, frothy and well-aerated mixture.
This is the secret to fluffiness!
Add wet ingredients and flavors: Now fold in your Greek yogurt, goat cheese, lemon juice (if using), your trusty vanilla essence (the one in the bottle!), and a pinch of salt.
Mix well with a spatula or at low speed with the mixer, until you get a smooth and creamy mixture.
Incorporate the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder.
Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamy mixture, gently mixing with a spatula or at low speed with the beaters, just enough to combine the ingredients well, without overworking the batter.
Bake the cake: Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes. To ensure it’s done, perform the toothpick test: inserting it into the center of the cake, it should come out clean.
Cool and slice: Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it and placing it on a wire rack.
Let it cool completely.
When it’s completely cool, you can cut and slice it into equal parts.
Plate and enjoy: Now all that’s left is to arrange the slices on plates and enjoy this wonderful cake!
Tips, Variations and Storage:
Tips for Perfect Results:
Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth batter and soft cake, make sure eggs, yogurt, and goat cheese are at room temperature before starting.
Don’t Open the Oven Too Soon: During the first 20-25 minutes of baking, resist the temptation to open the oven door.
Temperature fluctuations can affect the cake’s rise.
Quality of Goat Cheese: Use fresh and creamy goat cheese, not too aged, to ensure the right moisture and a delicate flavor.
Variations and Creative Ideas:
With Fresh Fruit: Enrich the batter with pieces of fresh figs, blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries.
Their flavor pairs beautifully with lemon and goat cheese.
Citrus Touch: If you love citrus, you can also add some orange or tangerine zest, creating an interesting aromatic mix.
For the Sweet-Toothed: Once cooled, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar or make a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) for an extra touch of sweetness and shine.
Almonds or Walnuts: For a crunchy note and a richer flavor, add a handful of sliced almonds or chopped walnuts to the batter.
Storage:
Given the presence of fresh ingredients like goat cheese and yogurt, it’s essential to store this cake properly to maintain its freshness and flavor.
In the Fridge: Once the cake is completely cool, place it in an airtight container or wrap it well with plastic wrap.
Duration: It will keep best in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
I recommend taking it out of the fridge about half an hour before serving, so it reaches room temperature and the flavors are enhanced.
I recommend taking it out of the fridge about half an hour before serving, so it reaches room temperature and the flavors are enhanced.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of yogurt?
Yes, you can use traditional whole plain yogurt, but Greek yogurt has a denser and richer consistency that contributes to the cake’s moisture.
Can I replace goat cheese?
If you’re not fond of goat cheese, you can try using well-drained fresh ricotta, although the final taste will be slightly different.
Is vanillin essential?
Vanillin (or vanilla extract) adds a delicious fragrance. If you don’t have it, the cake will still be good, but it will lose some of its characteristic aroma.
What to do if the cake sticks to the pan?
To prevent sticking, make sure to prepare the pan well: always use parchment paper for the bottom and sides, or generously grease it with vegetable oil and flour it before pouring the batter.
