Easy Summer Fruit Cake with Yogurt

If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and oh-so-delicious dessert, this Easy Summer Fruit Cake with Yogurt is the answer! Imagine a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth cake topped with a luscious layer of fresh fruits and a creamy yogurt frosting. It’s like the perfect balance of sweetness and tang, with all the vibrant flavors of summer packed into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, having a picnic, or just want a simple dessert for yourself, this cake will become your go-to summer treat. Trust me, it’s as easy to make as it is to devour!

Why You’ll Love Easy Summer Fruit Cake with Yogurt

This isn’t your typical heavy fruit cake. Here’s why it’ll quickly become your summer favorite:

Light and Refreshing

The yogurt adds a tangy twist to the cake, keeping it light and fresh. The burst of sweetness from the seasonal fruits like berries, peaches, or even melon gives it that sunny vibe perfect for warm weather.

Quick and Easy

With minimal ingredients and no complicated steps, this cake comes together quickly. It’s perfect for when you need a dessert in a pinch but still want something that tastes like a showstopper.

Customizable

You can swap in your favorite fruits depending on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, or even mango would all make fabulous choices!

Healthy-ish

With yogurt as a key ingredient, this cake has a lighter feel, and the fruit toppings bring in a natural sweetness, so you can indulge without any guilt.

Ingredients

This cake is made with simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

For the Cake:

• Flour: The base of the cake, giving it that perfect soft texture.
• Sugar: Just enough to add a touch of sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
• Baking Powder: To help the cake rise and stay light.
• Salt: A pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Eggs: For structure and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a delicious hint of warmth to the flavor.
• Butter or Oil: Adds richness and ensures the cake stays tender.
• Milk or Yogurt: For moisture and a subtle tang in the cake.

For the Yogurt Frosting:

• Greek Yogurt: Thick, creamy, and tangy, it serves as the base for the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: To sweeten the frosting without making it too heavy.
• Vanilla Extract: A little extra flavor to round out the frosting’s sweetness.
• Lemon Zest (optional): For a bright, zesty kick that complements the fruit and yogurt.

For the Fruit Topping:

• Mixed Fresh Fruits: Choose a variety of berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), peaches, kiwi, or whatever fruits are in season and catch your eye!

(Note: Full measurements are listed in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this beautiful Easy Summer Fruit Cake with Yogurt!

Make the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the eggs, vanilla extract, butter (or oil), and milk (or yogurt) until smooth and well combined.
4. Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and fluffy.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Yogurt Frosting:

6. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you like a hint of citrus, you can add a little lemon zest for an extra layer of flavor.
7. Chill the Frosting: For best results, refrigerate the frosting for about 15 minutes before spreading it on the cooled cake. This helps it firm up a bit.

Assemble the Cake:

8. Frost the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the yogurt frosting evenly over the top.
9. Top with Fruit: Arrange the fresh mixed fruits on top of the frosted cake. Feel free to get creative with the fruit placement—it’s your cake, after all!

Serve and Enjoy:

10. Slice and Serve: Slice up this beautiful cake and enjoy a refreshing, light dessert that’s perfect for summer!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8-10
Calories per serving: 220
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve Easy Summer Fruit Cake with Yogurt

This Easy Summer Fruit Cake with Yogurt is a versatile dessert that can be served in various ways to elevate the experience:

• With a Side of Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a rich, indulgent touch to this already light cake.
• Alongside Iced Tea or Lemonade: Pair it with a refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade for a delightful summer afternoon snack.
• As a Picnic Treat: Slice it into squares and pack it for a picnic—it’s portable and doesn’t need refrigeration if you serve it the same day.

Additional Tips

• Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt and swap the butter for a plant-based alternative if you want to make this cake vegan or dairy-free.
• Flavor Variations: If you’re not a fan of Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with regular yogurt or even mascarpone for a richer frosting.
• Make-Ahead Option: The cake can be made ahead of time. Simply bake and cool the cake, store it in an airtight container, and frost it with the yogurt frosting just before serving.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen fruit for the topping?
A1: While fresh fruit is best for this recipe, you can use frozen fruit if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture on the cake.

Q2: Can I substitute the yogurt frosting for something else?
A2: Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use whipped cream cheese frosting, a classic buttercream, or even a light whipped cream topping.

Q3: Can I add nuts or seeds to the cake?
A3: Yes, adding nuts like slivered almonds or walnuts to the cake batter would give it a delightful crunch. You can also sprinkle some on top for extra texture.

Q4: How do I store the leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cake is best eaten fresh, but it will keep for a little while.

Q5: Can I use a different cake pan size?
A5: You can use a larger or smaller pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time. Just keep an eye on it and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick.

Q6: Can I use a different flavor of yogurt?
A6: Absolutely! You can experiment with flavored yogurts like vanilla, coconut, or strawberry to add a unique twist to the frosting.

Q7: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A7: Yes! You can bake the cake a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Frost it with the yogurt and fruit just before serving.

Q8: What fruits are best for the topping?
A8: Any fresh, juicy fruit works well—berries, peaches, kiwi, mango, or even pineapple would all make great choices!

Q9: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A9: Yes, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour, and it should work perfectly.

Q10: Can I freeze this cake?
A10: You can freeze the cake itself (without frosting) for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.

Conclusion

This Easy Summer Fruit Cake with Yogurt is the perfect way to celebrate summer’s bounty. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh fruit, making it an ideal dessert for hot days and warm nights. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this cake will be a hit! So, grab your ingredients and get baking—you won’t regret it!

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