Delightful Yogurt Cake with Cherry Filling: A Step-by-Step Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly balances creamy richness with a burst of fruity freshness, look no further than this exquisite Yogurt Cake with Cherry Filling. Inspired by the wonderful recipe shared by lecker essen on Youtube, this cake has quickly become a cherished staple in countless homes – including ours! Its delightful combination of a tender, crumbly crust, a sweet-tart cherry core, and a light, airy yogurt cream topping creates an unforgettable culinary experience. This isn’t just a cake; it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something truly spectacular.

Imagine slicing into a cake where each forkful offers a symphony of textures and flavors: the soft, buttery dough, the vibrant and juicy cherry filling, and the cloud-like yogurt cream. It’s a dessert that feels both comforting and sophisticated, making it ideal for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply to brighten an ordinary day. The beauty of this recipe lies in its approachable steps, allowing even novice bakers to achieve stunning results. Ready to impress your taste buds and loved ones? Let’s dive into creating this absolutely irresistible cherry yogurt cake!

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Cherry Yogurt Cake

Crafting this delectable cake begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the cake’s characteristic texture and flavor profile. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of what you’ll need, divided into three main sections: the Dough, the Sweet Cherry Filling, and the Fluffy Yogurt Cream.

For the Buttery Dough:

The foundation of our cake is a tender, crumbly dough that perfectly complements the fillings. Using quality ingredients here will make all the difference.

• 3 Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help bind the dough, contributing to its tender texture.
• A Pinch of Salt: Essential for enhancing all the sweet flavors in the dough.
• 6 tbsp Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Ensures a fine, smooth sweetness without grittiness.
• 1 Stick (1/2 cup or 113g) Melted Butter: Adds moisture, flavor, and creates a soft, pliable dough. Ensure it’s unsalted for better control over the overall saltiness.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: A classic flavor enhancer that brings warmth and depth to the dough.
• 1.6 cups (approx. 200g) All-Purpose Flour, Sifted: Sifting helps aerate the flour, preventing lumps and ensuring a lighter dough.
• 1 tsp Baking Powder: Provides a gentle lift, contributing to the dough’s tender structure.

For the Sweet-Tart Cherry Filling:

The heart of this cake is its vibrant cherry filling. This section details the components needed to create that luscious, fruity layer.

• 1 cup (approx. 150g) Frozen Cherries: Using frozen cherries is convenient and provides excellent flavor. If using fresh, make sure they are pitted.
• 6 tbsp Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the filling a perfect spoonable consistency.
• 5 oz (approx. 140g) Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cherries, creating a harmonious sweet and sour profile. Adjust to your preference.
• 5 oz (approx. 150ml) Water: Helps dissolve the cornstarch and sugar, forming a smooth base for the cherries.

For the Light and Creamy Yogurt Topping:

The airy yogurt cream is what truly sets this cake apart, offering a light contrast to the rich dough and fruit.

• 1 3/4 cups (approx. 400g) Greek Yogurt: Opt for full-fat plain Greek yogurt for the best texture and tang. Its thickness is crucial for the cream’s structure.
• 4 tbsp Cornstarch: Helps stabilize the yogurt cream, preventing it from becoming too runny during baking.
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the creamy flavor of the yogurt.
• 3 Egg Whites: Whipped into stiff peaks, these are key to the topping’s light and airy consistency. Ensure your bowl and whisk are absolutely grease-free for best results.
• A Pinch of Salt: Helps stabilize the egg whites and brightens the overall flavor.
• 4.5 oz (approx. 130g) Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the yogurt cream and contributes to the stability of the meringue.

Step-by-Step Baking Guide: Crafting Your Cherry Yogurt Cake

Baking this delightful cake is a rewarding experience. Follow these detailed instructions carefully to ensure every layer of your cake comes out perfectly, from the tender crust to the luscious cherry filling and the airy yogurt topping. Precision in each step will lead to a truly magnificent dessert.

Step 1: Preparing the Cherry Filling and Dough Base

We’ll begin by creating the vibrant cherry filling and then prepare the buttery dough that forms the cake’s base.

1. Start with the Cherry Filling: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1 cup of frozen cherries (no need to thaw), 6 tablespoons of cornstarch, 5 ounces of granulated sugar, and 5 ounces of water. Stir these ingredients thoroughly until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and everything is well combined.
2. Cook the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat on your stovetop. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously, until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly. As it cools, it will thicken further.
3. Prepare the Dough Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 egg yolks, a pinch of salt, and 6 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Whisk these ingredients vigorously until the mixture is pale yellow and creamy.
4. Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Gradually pour in the one stick of melted butter into the egg yolk mixture while continuously whisking. Continue mixing until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift 1.6 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of baking powder directly into the wet ingredients. Using a spatula or a wooden spoon, gently mix and fold the ingredients together until a soft, cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough crust.
6. Chill a Portion of the Dough: Take a small piece of the prepared dough – roughly about a quarter of the total amount. Wrap this smaller portion tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This chilled dough will be grated over the top of the cake later, creating a lovely crumbly crust.
7. Line and Form the Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) round springform baking pan with parchment paper. Take the larger portion of the dough and press it evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pan, forming a consistent crust. Ensure the edges are slightly raised to contain the filling.
8. Add the Cherry Filling: Pour the cooled cherry filling over the dough base in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it nicely and evenly across the bottom, leaving a small border of dough exposed around the edge. Set the pan aside while you prepare the yogurt cream.

Step 2: Crafting the Yogurt Cream and Final Assembly for Baking

Now we move on to preparing the light and airy yogurt cream, which will crown our cake, and then the final assembly before baking.

1. Combine Yogurt Cream Base: In a clean, separate bowl, combine 1 3/4 cups of Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 4 tablespoons of cornstarch. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Set this bowl aside for a moment.
2. Whip Egg Whites into Meringue: In another very clean, dry bowl (preferably a metal or glass bowl), add the three egg whites and a pinch of salt. Using an electric mixer on medium-high speed, begin whisking the egg whites. Once they become frothy, gradually add the 4.5 ounces of granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whisk.
3. Achieve Stiff Peaks: Continue whisking until the egg whites form glossy, stiff peaks. This means when you lift the whisk, the peaks should stand upright without drooping. Be careful not to over-whisk, as this can make them dry.
4. Gently Fold Yogurt into Meringue: Take about a third of the whipped egg whites and gently fold them into the yogurt mixture to lighten it. Then, carefully add the remaining whipped egg whites to the yogurt mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. The goal is to retain as much air as possible for a light and fluffy topping. Avoid vigorous mixing.
5. Layer the Cream Topping: Carefully pour the prepared yogurt cream mixture over the cherry filling in your baking pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently spread it out, creating a nice, even layer that covers the cherries completely.
6. Grate the Frozen Dough: Retrieve the small piece of dough from the freezer. Using a coarse grater, grate the frozen dough evenly over the top of the yogurt cream layer. This will create a rustic, crumbly topping that bakes into a golden crust.
7. Bake to Perfection: Place the cake in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top of the cake is beautifully golden brown, has risen evenly, and feels firm to the touch. An inserted toothpick should come out clean from the yogurt layer (avoiding the cherry layer).
8. Cool Before Serving: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30-60 minutes. This allows the cake to set properly. For best results and clean slices, chill the cake completely in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This enhances the flavors and texture.

Enjoy Your Homemade Delight!

There you have it – a magnificent Yogurt Cake with Cherry Filling, ready to be enjoyed! This cake is truly a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love and patience, can create something truly extraordinary. The tender dough, the juicy burst of cherries, and the ethereal yogurt cream come together in a symphony of flavors and textures that is both comforting and exhilarating.

Serve this delightful cake chilled for the best experience. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can add a beautiful finishing touch, or for an extra indulgence, consider a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprig of mint. This cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for guests or enjoying over several days. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a weekend treat, or just a sweet escape, this cherry yogurt cake is guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries it. Happy baking!