Gâteau Au Yaourt: What Is It And Why This Cake Baking Recipe is a French Classic

Gâteau au yaourt, which means "yogurt cake" in English, is a simple dessert that everyone in France is well-versed in. Consider it a dense pound cake or a plain sponge cake, but the French version. No one really knows where the recipe for the gâteau au yaourt originates from, but it's been a staple in French households for a long, long time.

Why Gâteau au Yaourt is One of the Easiest Recipes to Know

It has a very straightforward ingredient list. What’s further appealing is that you also don't need to be an ace baker because the method is very uncomplicated. Traditionally, the recipe uses a yogurt cup to measure all ingredients, instead of any kitchen scales or measuring cups. 

The ingredient list is simple: plain yogurt, sugar, flour, eggs, baking powder, and oil. Fold in the dry ingredients with the wet, pour the batter into a cake tin and let it bake until it's golden and spongy. This recipe is tasty in itself, but you can always elevate it by adding your own spin to it. Create a simple sugar glaze, add some citrus zest, cut it into two slices, and add some homemade berry jam, or even add some cocoa to the recipe if you want a chocolate cake.

Have a Fun and Stress-Free Baking Session with Your Kids

The gâteau au yaourt is easy to make, which is why so many French kids and adults never forget the recipe. It's a relatively stress-free recipe unlike other French desserts that require a lot of precision when it comes to measuring ingredients and a long wait time to reach the final product. Sometimes, the ingredients are also not as accessible, at least to an Indian baker. That's definitely not the case with gâteau au yaourt. You can enjoy a weekend of relaxation and bonding with your children, as you recreate this simple recipe in your kitchen. Letting them do the measuring, mixing, and making a mess! The cleaning up can wait.

Tips to Make the Perfect Gâteau au Yaourt 

• Use plain, unsweetened yogurt instead of flavored yogurt, just like the recipe calls for.
• Ensure all ingredients, especially the eggs and yogurt are at room temperature. This will allow the ingredients to mix easily and you will get a smooth batter.
• The traditional recipe uses a yogurt pot that's about 125 gm to measure all ingredients. So, do the same. Keep it simple. 
• Like any other cake batter, avoid overmixing because that will yield in a dense and hard cake.
• Feel free to add flavors like lemon zest, vanilla extract, dry spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, and even chocolate chips.
• Mix the batter by hand instead of using a fancy stand mix or an electric mixer. When baking with children, mixing the batter is not just easy but also safe.

Finally, The Recipe for Gâteau au Yaourt 

Ingredients:

• 125 gm plain, full-fat yogurt
• 125 gm flour
• 2 eggs
• 125 gm granulated sugar
• 125 gm canola oil
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions:

• Assemble all of the ingredients, so you’re ready to mix them. Preheat the oven to 176°C and grease your cake tin with some softened butter or oil. 
• In a large mixing bowl, add the yogurt from the 125 gm pot, then measure all of the ingredients in it.
• Once that’s done, mix using a wooden spoon or spatula until you get a pourable batter.
• Transfer it into your prepared cake tin and bake for 45 minutes. Insert a skewer or toothpick in the cake to test for doneness. 
• Let the cake cool completely before slicing and enjoying it.