Traditional French Yogurt Cake – Easy to Make and Delicious

French cuisine is known for its decadence and rich flavors, but there are also simple and delicious recipes that anyone can make at home. One of the most loved treats in France is the traditional French yogurt cake. It is also known as gâteau au yaourt, Gâteaux de Mamie, meaning granny cake, yogurt cake, a no-measure cake, or a 1-2-3 cake.

The Origin of a French Yogurt Cake

The history of this classic French yogurt cake dates back to the 1950s and 60s, when yogurt was becoming a popular ingredient in French households. The recipe’s simplicity made it accessible to everyone, regardless of their baking skills. The use of yogurt in the cake not only adds moisture but also gives it a tangy flavor that sets it apart from other cakes. Over the years, this cake has become a staple in French homes, often enjoyed as a snack cake with a cup of tea or coffee.  It is great for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Simple Ingredients and Foolproof to Make

To make a traditional French yogurt cake, you will need simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. This includes flour, sugar, eggs, plain yogurt, oil, and baking powder. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can customize it by adding lemon zest for a citrusy twist or adding chocolate chips or nuts for a decadent treat. Once you mix all the ingredients together and pour the batter into a greased pan, all that’s left to do is bake it until golden brown and fragrant.

One of the best things about making a French yogurt cake is how forgiving it is. This recipe is nearly foolproof, even if you’re not an experienced baker. The yogurt ensures that the cake stays moist even if slightly overbaked. Its simple nature means there’s no need for fancy decorations or techniques. This makes it an excellent option for beginner bakers looking to impress their friends and family with a homemade treat.

When you take your first bite of a slice of traditional French yogurt cake, you’ll enjoy a tender crumb and a slight tanginess from the yogurt. It’s not overly sweet like some desserts can be, making it perfect for enjoying any time of day. Pair it with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether serving it at brunch or as an afternoon snack, this cake will surely become a favorite in your household.

Here are the ingredients for this French yogurt cake recipe.

• All-Purpose Flour
• Sugar
• Greek Yogurt – can be substituted with plain whole milk yogurt
• Olive Oil = can be substituted with vegetable or canola oil
• Eggs
• Baking Powder
• ​Pure Vanilla Extract
• Salt
• ​Zest of one Lemon

Instructions to make French yogurt cake.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C.).
2. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper. Try my Homemade Cake Pan Release, perfect for baking cakes.
3. Add sugar, yogurt, oil, eggs, vanilla, and fresh lemon zest in a medium bowl and whisk until combined.
4. Add the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt to a bowl and mix well.  Then, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
5. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick comes out clean.
6. ​Allow the cake to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing it from the baking pan.

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Make it simpler, do as the French people do.

I love making this with my grandkids; they have so much fun.  This cake recipe is not fussy, so do it like French grandmothers did and measure the cake ingredients with the single-serve yogurt jar. Here in the US, our single-serve yogurt is most commonly sold in a plastic container that contains 4.9 – 6 oz of yogurt.  So, skip the measuring cups and use the yogurt cup as follows:

In a bowl, add

ONE yogurt (the best type of yogurt is plain, full fat, or Greek yogurt)

ONE yogurt cup of oil,

TWO yogurt cups of sugar,

THREE yogurt cups of all-purpose flour, Wash and dry the yogurt container before measuring the flour.

3 eggs, 1 tablespoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.  Optional: add the zest of one lemon.  Once all ingredients have been added to the mixing bowl, whisk together until combined.

TIP: This cake turns out best when mixed with a whisk, not a hand mixer since the batter should not be over-mixed!

​This cake will stay fresh for a few days when covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container.

Let the cake cool to room temperature on a wire rack, add any of the following to the top of the cake, and serve:

• ​Dust with powdered sugar
• Fresh fruit
• Lemon glaze
• Lavender Simple Syrup
• Freshly whipped cream
• Creme Fraiche
• Edible flowers
• Chocolate Mousse

French Yogurt Cake FAQs

Can this cake be made ahead of time? Yes, this cake is perfect for making ahead of time – it remains nice and moist. Don’t add toppings until right before serving.

Can you freeze traditional French yogurt cake? Yes, the yogurt cake can be frozen. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

I don’t have a springform baking pan. Can I substitute a regular 9-inch cake pan or loaf pan? Yes, you don’t have to use a springform cake pan. You can use a cake or loaf pan with no problem. The baking time may need to be adjusted by a few minutes.

Can I use flavored yogurt? Yes, flavored yogurts can be substituted. The cake will be slightly sweeter.

Can I use low-fat or fat-free yogurt? I don’t recommend using low-fat or fat-free yogurt. Not only do they tend to be thinner, but they can also contain stabilizers, which can negatively affect the outcome of the final cake.

In conclusion, traditional French yogurt cake is an easy-to-make and delicious dessert that anyone can enjoy. Its rich history and simple ingredients make it ideal for home bakers looking to expand their repertoire without too much hassle. Make this simple cake and enjoy it with a nice cup of coffee any time of the day.

​Bon Appétit!

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