Yogurt Cake

Yogurt Cake

This Turkish yogurt cake, adapted from the cookbook “Claudia Roden’s Mediterranean,” is similar to a lemon-scented cheesecake, but it’s lighter and has a fresher, tangier flavor. It’s good both warm and cold, either on its own or topped with berries that have been macerated in a pinch or two of sugar. Make sure to use whole milk Greek yogurt or another thick, strained variety here, or the texture won’t be as creamy.
  • Total:
  • Serves: 8 persons

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1

    Heat oven to 350 degrees and butter an 8- or 9-inch springform pan.
  2. Step 2

    Using an electric hand mixer or a standing electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium-low until the mixture looks frothy, 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly start to increase the speed to medium-high. Continue to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Step 3

    In a separate bowl but using the same mixer, combine yolks and sugar (no need to wash beaters after the egg white). Beat yolks on medium-high until the mixture is very pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Reduce speed to medium and gradually beat in flour, yogurt, lemon zest and juice, and salt until fully incorporated.
  4. Step 4

    Gently fold half of the egg whites into the yolk-yogurt mixture until only a few streaks remain. Fold in the remaining whites, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl, until the batter is evenly mixed, light and smooth.
  5. Step 5

    Scrape the batter into prepared pan and smooth into an even layer. Bake until the top is speckled with golden brown and puffed, 40 to 55 minutes. (The 8-inch pan will take longer to bake through.) Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let cake cool before cutting. Serve warm or cold.