Il Cucinologo
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No-Bake Yogurt and Melon Cake

17/11/2023

A no-bake yogurt and melon cake is a delicious and refreshing summer dessert. Here I provide you with a simple version to make, without baking.

Ingredients

  • 250 g digestive biscuits
  • 100 g melted butter
  • 500 g Greek yogurt or other creamy yogurt
  • 300 g ripe melon (cleaned and cut into pieces)
  • 100 g powdered sugar (or to taste)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 10 g gelatin sheets (or 5 g agar-agar if you prefer a vegetarian option)
  • A pinch of salt

Preparation

  1. Start by crushing the biscuits until you get a coarse flour. Mix it with the melted butter until you have a homogeneous mixture.
  2. Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment paper and spread the biscuit mixture on the bottom, pressing it well to create the base of the cake. Place in the refrigerator to set for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, soften the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 10 minutes or prepare the agar-agar according to the package instructions.
  4. In a bowl, mix the yogurt with the powdered sugar and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt.
  5. Squeeze the gelatin to remove excess water and dissolve it in a little hot water (or in the microwave for a few seconds), until you get a clear liquid. If using agar-agar, heat it until boiling and wait until it dissolves completely.
  6. Add the liquid gelatin or agar-agar to the yogurt and mix well to ensure there are no lumps.
  7. Cut the melon into pieces, reserve some for decoration and gently fold the rest into the yogurt cream.
  8. Pour the yogurt and melon mixture onto the now-set biscuit base and level the surface with a spatula.
  9. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, so it sets well.
  10. Before serving, decorate the cake with the reserved melon pieces and, if desired, with mint leaves or other aromatic herbs for an extra touch of freshness.

Fun Facts

This cake is perfect as a dessert after a summer dinner outdoors, perhaps paired with a refreshing melon drink or a glass of sparkling Moscato. Remember that you can play with the flavors, for example using melon-flavored yogurt for a more intense taste or adding chopped mint for a more aromatic touch.