Yogurt and apple cake

The yogurt and apple cake is a dessert that combines the flavor of fresh fruits with the light consistency of yogurt, offering a comforting and flavorful culinary experience. This recipe is not only simple but also quick, perfect for moments when you want to impress your family or friends with a delicious dessert made from accessible ingredients.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 1 cup of natural yogurt (approximately 250 g, Greek yogurt can also be used for a creamier texture)
- 1/2 cup of oil (sunflower oil is ideal for this dessert, but you can also experiment with olive oil for a more pronounced taste)
- 2 cups of sugar (preferably white sugar, but brown sugar adds an interesting caramelized hue)
- 3 cups of flour (white wheat flour is standard, but you can try a combination with whole wheat flour for added fiber)
- 5 eggs (fresh eggs are essential for a fluffy cake)
- 1 packet of baking powder (make sure it is fresh to achieve a light cake)
- Grated zest of one lemon (organic lemon can be used here to avoid pesticides)
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar (or you can add vanilla extract for a more intense flavor)
- 4 large apples (sour apples, such as green or red ones, are the most suitable)

Step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Start by gathering all the ingredients and preparing them. Wash the apples well, peel them, and remove the seeds. Cut them into cubes of suitable size, approximately 1 cm, so they bake evenly in the cake.

Step 2: Beat the eggs
In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with a pinch of salt and the oil until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy. This step is crucial as the air incorporated into the yolks will help achieve a fluffy texture.

Step 3: Beat the egg whites
In another bowl, beat the egg whites with the sugar and vanilla sugar until you get a firm foam. A trick to obtain more stable egg whites is to ensure that the bowl used is clean and free of grease.

Step 4: Combine the ingredients
Carefully incorporate the yolk mixture into the egg whites, gently folding with a spatula to not lose the incorporated air. Then, add the flour, yogurt, baking powder dissolved in a little lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until the ingredients are homogeneous.

Step 5: Add the apples
Put the apple cubes in a small bowl and lightly toss them in flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. Now, gently fold them into the mixture.

Step 6: Bake the cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Prepare a baking tray (preferably 30x40 cm) by greasing it with oil and sprinkling breadcrumbs. Pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface. Bake the cake for about 40 minutes, or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Step 7: Serve
When the cake is ready, let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Finally, dust with powdered sugar and cut into desired shapes. You can serve it plain or with a spoonful of yogurt on top for added creaminess.

Useful tips:
- If you want to add an exotic note, add a little cinnamon to the mixture or on the cut apples.
- The yogurt and apple cake can be kept in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the taste becomes even better after it cools.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This cake has approximately 250 calories per serving, and yogurt provides a source of protein and probiotics, beneficial for digestion. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, making this dessert a healthier choice compared to other fat-rich cakes.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
- Yes! You can experiment with pears, peaches, or even blueberries, but make sure the fruits are not too juicy to avoid altering the cake's texture.

2. Can I replace the oil with butter?
- Of course, melted butter will provide a richer taste, but don't forget to let it cool slightly before adding it to the mixture.

3. How can I make the cake less sweet?
- Reduce the amount of sugar by up to 1/3 of the recipe. The apples already add natural sweetness.

Ideal combinations:
This cake pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, making each serving a true delicacy. Additionally, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or an aromatic tea completes the culinary experience.

The yogurt and apple cake is not just a dessert but a sweet memory that can be shared with loved ones. I encourage you to make it and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 cup of yogurt, 1/2 cup of oil, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour, 5 eggs, 1 packet of baking powder, grated zest of one lemon, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 4 apples

 Tags:  yogurt cake apple pie