The Perfect Cake: French Yogurt with Apple & Chocolate Chips

Why am I always searching for the perfect cake, when it's right here.

Old school, French, of course. 

Yogurt and vegetable oil......

Fruit? ok.  (original recipe calls for 2 chopped apples)

Chocolate chips?  even better.

This recipe is just a plain French yoghurt (spelled the European way) loaf cake. 

Add in what you like:  berries, apples, apricots, or nuts....chocolate chips.  You can't mess it up.

I used to snub my nose up at vegetable oil in cakes, but I have matured.  
It's fine.  Neutral and easy.

This makes a big loaf, and freezes beautifully.  It stays moist for days.

You can use any type of yogurt that you like, as long as it is a full 8 oz. (1 cup).    

I have used Greek yogurt and regular Dannon yogurt....all good.  

If you are not using the chocolate chips, then definitely throw in some lemon zest.

The recipe is a guide, but I promise, it is made by every French grandmere, and she will have her own tricks and additions.

French Yogurt Cake w/ Chocolate Chips & Apples:  (adapted from the cookbook SHINE)

1 cup of yogurt (Greek or plain)

3 eggs

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup or more of chocolate chips (I like Guittard)

1-2 apple, chopped 

Mix the vegetable oil with the 3 eggs in a large bowl with a full cup of yogurt.

Add in the sugar and vanilla (zest if you are using).

Next, add in the dry ingredients and the chocolate chips.    Add the apples or berries in last (if using).   

Pour the batter into a standard size loaf pan, greased and lined with parchment paper.

Bake 45-50 minutes at 350F.    Let cool a few minutes in the pan before removing to a cooling rack.

You will make this cake so many times, that you might become a French grandmother!

xo