Get ready to fall in love with this soft and fragrant cake, a true hug of flavors that will win everyone over at the first bite!
This recipe is designed to amaze with its simplicity and incredible softness, given by the unexpected yet winning combination of goat cheese and Greek yogurt.
Everything is enhanced by the vibrant freshness of lemon and your favorite vanilla, the one in the bottle I made you buy last time!
Perfect for breakfast, a delicious snack, or to sweetly end 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: Affordable
- 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 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cups Greek yogurt
- 6 1/3 oz goat cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet baking powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla
- 1 lemon
- 1 pinch
Tools
- 1 Pan Famkeep
- 1 Electric whisk Ariete
Steps
Before starting, don’t forget to preheat the static oven to 356°F and prepare your 8-9 inch pan (lining it with parchment paper or greasing and flouring it).
Start with eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, beat the whole eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until you have a light, frothy, and well-risen mixture.
This is the secret to the softness!
Add the wet ingredients and flavors: Now incorporate your Greek yogurt, goat cheese, lemon juice (if using), trusty vanilla (the one in the bottle!) and a pinch of salt.
Mix well with the mixer on low speed or with a spatula until you have 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 stirring with a spatula or with beaters on low speed, just enough to blend the ingredients well without overworking the dough.
Bake the cake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and level the surface.
Bake in a preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes. To make sure it’s done, perform the toothpick test: inserting it in the center of the cake, it should come out clean.
Cool and cut: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.
Allow it to cool completely.
When it’s completely cool, you can slice it into equal parts.
Plate and enjoy: Now all you have to do is place 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 Immediately: During the first 20-25 minutes of baking, resist the temptation to open the oven door.
Temperature fluctuations can affect the rising of the cake.
Quality of Goat Cheese: Use fresh and creamy goat cheese, not too aged, to ensure the right moisture and 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 mandarin zest, creating an interesting aromatic mix.
For the Sweet Tooth: Once cooled, you can sprinkle the cake with powdered sugar or prepare 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 more enveloping 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 Refrigerator: 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 it, so it reaches room temperature and the flavors are enhanced.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of yogurt?
Yes, you can use a traditional plain whole yogurt, but Greek yogurt has a denser and richer consistency that contributes to the cake’s moisture.
Can I substitute the goat cheese?
If you don’t like goat cheese, you can try using well-drained fresh ricotta, although the final flavor will be slightly different.
Is vanilla essential?
Vanilla (or vanilla extract) adds a delightful aroma. If you don’t have it, the cake will still be good but will lose a bit of its characteristic flavor.
What to do if the cake sticks to the pan?
To avoid 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.
