Sweetest Hobby

The combination of Greek yogurt’s lightness and Sicilian lemon’s zestiness perfectly captures the essence of spring in every slice of this recipe. Room-temperature butter and sugar create a creamy and rich base, while eggs are added to provide a velvety texture, ensuring that every piece of this cake melts softly in your mouth. Flour and baking powder create a perfect soft and airy mixture, making every bite a heavenly experience.

This cake is ideal for celebrating special moments with loved ones, serving as a reminder of the beauty found in life’s simple pleasures. Whether enjoyed over a quiet afternoon coffee or as the centerpiece of attention at a family gathering, this cake promises to bring smiles and joy.

Ingredients:

• 180g butter (unsalted and at room temperature)
• 1 ½ cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 3 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
• 3 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 cup (240ml) Greek-style yogurt (preferably unsweetened and unflavored)
• 1/3 cup (80ml) lemon juice (I used Sicilian lemon)
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions: 

1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
2. Butter the cake mold and dust with flour or use baking spray. Set aside.
3. Sift all the dry ingredients, except the sugar. Set aside.
4. Using a mixer or using a spatula, mix the sugar and butter well and add the eggs, one at a time.
5. Add the lemon zest and continue beating until it forms a soft, white cream.
6. Add the dry ingredients, wheat flour, yeast, and salt, alternating with the lemon juice and yogurt.
7. Finally, finish mixing with a spatula to avoid mixing the cake batter too much.
8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350ºC for 40-50 minutes (When in doubt, you can do the toothpick test; if it comes out clean, it’s baked!)

Tip: If the yogurt is too thick, add half a cup of milk and half the yogurt.

Cream cheese frosting

Ingredients:

• 224g cream cheese (I used 1 stick at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or essence
• ½ tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon lemon extract or essence (optional)
• 2 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar (sifted)

Instructions: 

With the help of a mixer, use the biscuit beater (racket type) and beat the cream cheese at medium speed until it is creamy. Add the sugar, lemon juice and lemon extract, and, lastly, the vanilla extract. Beat it for approximately 3 minutes.

Tip: If you think it’s too thin, add more sugar. If you think it’s too thick, add more lemon juice.

Next time you gather with your loved ones, remember that a simple cake can mean much more than just a dessert. It represents the love, care, and cherished moments you share with each other. I hope this recipe inspires you to create more special memories with those who matter most.

From my kitchen to yours,

Ana Raquel.