• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
  • About
  • Contact
  • Boutique of the Week
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Happy Happy Nester

Weekly Inspiration for Your Nest

  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast/Brunch
    • Desserts
    • Dinners
    • Drinks
  • Crafts
  • Decor
  • Shop
    • Fall Decor
    • Kitchen
    • Pillows
    • Holiday Decor
  • Saturday Chitchat
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast/Brunch
    • Desserts
    • Dinners
    • Drinks
    • Snacks
  • Crafts
  • Decor
  • Shop
    • Fall Decor
    • Kitchen Favorites
    • Pillows
    • Holiday Decor
  • Saturday Chitchat
  • Boutique of the Week
  • About
  • Contact
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

See What’s Trending…

Cakes

Cookies

Dinners

Wreaths

Drinks

Home › Recipes › Yeast Cake Recipe: Savarin des fruits

Yeast Cake Recipe: Savarin des fruits

Cakes & Cupcakes Desserts Recipes
Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
By Janine Waite · Published on Feb 20, 2019
Affiliate Disclosure: This Post May Contain Affiliate Links.

You might say that I’m a bit obsessed with this delicious Yeast Cake Recipe! Well, you might say I’m addicted to The Great British Baking Show. This unusual French cake is not super sweet but it is soaked in a lovely orange syrup of Grand Marnier. I can’t wait to share with you all that I learned about this wonderful cake.

Here is a Yeast Cake Recipe that is soaked thoroughly in an Orange Grand Marnier syrup. This cake is topped with a Sabayon cream frosting and fresh fruit. This unique yeast cake is a bit rustic and very gourmet in taste. It is an impressive cake. Cake | French Cake | Baking | Gourmet Desserts | European Cake

What is a Yeast Cake?

I wondered this exact question when I watched The Great British Baking Show. Today, I’m so excited to share with you the things I learned. I love to research new things and just a few days ago, I had no idea this kind of cakes even existed.

The Best yeast cake. Here is a Yeast Cake Recipe that is soaked thoroughly in an Orange Grand Marnier syrup. This cake is topped with a Sabayon cream frosting and fresh fruit. This unique yeast cake is a bit rustic and very gourmet in taste. It is an impressive cake. Cake | French Cake | Baking | Gourmet Desserts | European CakeWhy Make a Cake with Yeast?

So before there were baking soda and baking powder cakes were made with yeast. This was the rising agent for cakes as well as loaves of bread. Since yeast reacts with sugar this yeast cake recipe actually has very little sugar in it.

Does it Taste The Same as a Baking Powder/Baking Soda Cake?

This Savarin yeast recipe is a sponge cake and has a nice density. So, in my opinion, it is less flakey and leans more towards a fine bready texture.

What is The Difference Between Baking Soda and Yeast?

Yeast goes back like 5,000 years ago and was used to leaven bread. Yeast is a natural substance that is a microscopic fungus. Baking Soda according to Wikipedia:

“Sodium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO₃. It is a salt composed of a sodium cation and a bicarbonate anion. Sodium bicarbonate is a white solid that is crystalline, but often appears as a fine powder.”

Cakes with baking powder have a flakey and lightness whereas this yeast cake recipe is more dense and rustic and less sweet.

What is the History of the French Savarin Cake?

The Savarin Cake as invented by Parisian pâtissier Auguste Julien in 1845. It is like a rum baba but baked in a circular or bundt pan. The cake is named in honor of Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin (1755-1826), a French politician, lawyer, and gastronome.

The Savarin Cake with fresh fruit. Here is a Yeast Cake Recipe that is soaked thoroughly in an Orange Grand Marnier syrup. This cake is topped with a Sabayon cream frosting and fresh fruit. This unique yeast cake is a bit rustic and very gourmet in taste. It is an impressive cake. Cake | French Cake | Baking | Gourmet Desserts | European Cake

Every evening after I finish up my blogging work, I cozy on up on the couch with my husband and he turns to me and says, “You want to watch The Great British Baking Show?” I have the biggest smile on my face and nod vigorously yes! It is my favorite tv show and all my latest baking projects are inspired by it. I hope you are ready to see a lot of interesting and unique pastries. You can see my latest heart shaped pancakes.

 

Here is a Yeast Cake Recipe that is soaked thoroughly in an Orange Grand Marnier syrup. This cake is topped with a Sabayon cream frosting and fresh fruit. This unique yeast cake is a bit rustic and very gourmet in taste. It is an impressive cake. Cake | French Cake | Baking | Gourmet Desserts | European Cake
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

Savarin Yeast Cake

This cake is unique and memorable. The liquor syrup soaks throughout the cake and the French Sabayon frosting is the perfect combination. Fresh fruit makes this the perfect cake to impress family and friends.
Prep Time2 hrs
Cook Time30 mins
Total Time2 hrs 30 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Keyword: Baking, Cake, European Cake, French Pastry, Gourmet
Servings: 15 people
Calories: 2000kcal
Author: Janine Waite

Ingredients

  • Ingredients

For the Savarin

  • 350 g/12oz plain flour
  • 50 g/1¾oz caster sugar
  • 10 g/¼oz instant yeast
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp milk
  • 6 free-range eggs
  • 180 g/6oz unsalted butter at room temperature, cubed, plus extra for greasing
  • 1 large orange finely grated zest and segmented fruit
  • 1 large unwaxed lemon finely grated zest only

For the syrup

  • 300 g/10½oz caster sugar
  • 1 large lemon juice only
  • 100 ml/3½fl oz orange liqueur preferably Grand Marnier

For the caramel chards

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp fresh lemon juice

Sabayon (here is the creamy Sabayon filling)

  • Sabayon

Instructions

The Cake

  • Stir together the flour, sugar and yeast in a large bowl. Mix the salt, milk and eggs together in a jug then pour into the flour mixture and beat well using a wooden spoon for about 5 minutes to make a thick, sticky batter.
  • Gradually add the butter, beating until the mixture is smooth, elastic and shiny. Finally fold in the orange and lemon zest. Cover the bowl with cling film and leave to rise for 1 hour.
  • Grease a 23cm/9in bundt tin or savarin mould with butter. When the batter has risen, spoon it into the tin. Cover with oiled clingfilm and leave to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until it reaches three-quarters of the way up the tin.
  • Preheat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4.
  • Remove the cling film and bake for 20–25 minutes or until the savarin rises and golden-brown. Remove from the oven and place the tin on a wire rack to cool for 5–10 minutes.
  • When cool enough to handle, remove the savarin from the tin and pour half of the syrup into the tin. Gently place the savarin back into the tin to soak up the syrup and cool completely. Pour the remaining syrup into a roasting tin, then place the savarin into the syrup and leave to soak for 5 minutes. Carefully transfer to a serving plate.

For the syrup

    For the syrup, tip the sugar into a pan, add the lemon juice and 5 fluid ounces of water and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat, stir in the orange liqueur and leave to cool.

      For the caramel shards, line a baking tray with silicone or baking parchment. Add the sugar to a pan with 4 tablespoons water and bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. When all the sugar is dissolved, bring the syrup to a boil without stirring until it reaches 170C on a sugar thermometer (CAUTION: boiling sugar is extremely hot. Handle very carefully). Immediately pour out onto the lined tray and leave to harden. Crack with a spoon or cut into shards using a knife.

      • Using a sharp knife, segment the zested orange. Carefully slice off the top and bottom of the orange. Using even downward strokes, slice the skin away from the flesh and discard. Remove any remaining white pith.

      For the Caramel

      • Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
      • Place cold water and ice in a pan. This will be used for later and will stop the syrup from burning.
      • Place sugar and lemon juice in a double boiler. Put water in the bottom pan but make sure the top pan doesn't touch the water.  Also, have a little glass of water and a brush to clean off the sides of the pans of sugar crystals throughout this process.
      • Bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir syrup until mixture turns color around 5-8 minutes.
      • Once it turns color stir and cook for another 30 seconds. 
      • Quickly take off stove and place in a pot of cold water and ice. This stops the cooking of the syrup. 
      • Place the hot mixture on the parchment paper and spread like a sheet. Cool and break in pieces.

      Constructing the Cake

        Place cake on stand. Fill middle of the bundt with sabayon filling.

        • Place fruit in the top along with caramel shards.
        • Pipe sabayon around the cake. 

        Nutrition

        Serving: 1serving | Calories: 2000kcal
        Tried this recipe?Mention @happyhappynester or tag #happyhappynester!

        Make this golden caramel to go on top of this French Savarin Cake. Here is a Yeast Cake Recipe that is soaked thoroughly in an Orange Grand Marnier syrup. This cake is topped with a Sabayon cream frosting and fresh fruit. This unique yeast cake is a bit rustic and very gourmet in taste. It is an impressive cake. Cake | French Cake | Baking | Gourmet Desserts | European Cake

         

        A few things to note.

        1. I used a French sabayon frosting instead of whip cream.

        I did this since Mr. Waite is allergic to raw milk and my sabayon recipe cooks the milk which is better for my husband. This sabayon recipe is life changing and I actually love it more than whip cream.

        2. I would place the frosting in the middle of the cake.

        I’m not sure what is suppose to go in the middle of the cake and so I placed fresh fruit. I would in the future place the sabayon since the cake has very little sugar and it pairs well with sabayon.

        3. The size of your bundt pan is important. 

        Our bundt pan is a bit on the smaller side so the yeast did its job and the dough seeped over the top of the pan. I believe that if we used a normal size pan, 9-inch pan this probably would’ve been prevented the dough spillage.

        4. Sheets of caramel aren’t terribly difficult to make.

        The key to a great caramel is a good recipe. I tried the BBC recipe twice and it flopped. I finally found another recipe and it worked like a charm.

         

        Well, I love this cake and I was recently asked, would I make this cake again and I totally plan on making this again in the future. It is a stunning cake and has such a great presentation. I’m new to baking all these unusual cakes and this yeast cake is so unique and yummy. If you want to make an easy but delicious French recipe than try my French Apple Custard Tart recipe.

        Happy Baking,

        Cheers,

        signature

        Here is a Yeast Cake Recipe that is soaked thoroughly in an Orange Grand Marnier syrup. This cake is topped with a Sabayon cream frosting and fresh fruit. This unique yeast cake is a bit rustic and very gourmet in taste. It is an impressive cake. #cake #frenchcake #baking #gourmetdesserts #europeancake #pastries

        • Author
        • Recent Posts
        Janine Waite
        Follow me
        Janine Waite
        I named my blog Happy Happy Nester because I love everything related to the home. I’ve always enjoyed decorating my surroundings. Get cozy and stay for a bit, thanks for visiting!
        Janine Waite
        Follow me
        Latest posts by Janine Waite (see all)
        • Gluten Free Easter Desserts - March 25, 2023
        • Mini Lemon Tarts - March 24, 2023
        • Book Page Wreath DIY - March 23, 2023

        You May Also Like

        • The Best Blueberry Buckle Cake Recipe
          The Best Blueberry Buckle Cake Recipe
        • The Best Crunchy Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookie
          The Best Crunchy Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookie
        • Homemade Cinnamon Rolls - From Scratch
          Homemade Cinnamon Rolls - From Scratch
        • 9 Best Refreshing Lemon Dessert Recipes You Need to Make
          9 Best Refreshing Lemon Dessert Recipes You Need to Make

        Sharing This!

        • Facebook
        • Twitter
        • Email

        Reader Interactions

        Leave a Reply Cancel reply

        Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

        Recipe Rating




        Sidebar

        Janine the Nester

        Hello from the Nester

        We love everything related to home, so get cozy and stay for a bit. Thanks for visiting our blog. Learn More...

        Reader Favorites

        This Italian Cream Cake has a pumpkin cream cheese frosting that makes this a winning combination. This dessert is perfect for the holidays.

        Italian Cream Cake with a Twist of Pumpkin

        The Best Crunchy Crispy Chocolate Chip Cookie

        French Apple Custard Tart with Puff Pastry

        DIY Paper Flowers Tutorial (Tissue Paper)

        Upcycling Tin Cans with Scrapbooking Paper

        How to Make a Paper Flower Wreath DIY

        Popular Categories

        • Cakes
        • Cookies
        • Dinners
        • Wreaths
        • Organizing

        Join Our Newsletter

        Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

        You have Successfully Subscribed!

        AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE:
        I am grateful to be of service and bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases, I will receive a referral commission. Your support in purchasing through these links enables me to keep my design and customization prices ridiculously low and empower more people worldwide to blog with less worry and less hassle.
        Happy Happy Nester is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
        Thank you! :)
        -Happy Happy Nester

        Our Guide

        Join Our Newsletter

        Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

        You have Successfully Subscribed!

        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • Pinterest
        • Twitter

        Recipes

        Appetizers
        Breakfast/Brunch
        Desserts
        Dinners
        Drinks

        Crafts & Decor

        DIY
        Gardening
        Holiday
        Wreaths

        About

        About The Nester
        Contact
        Privacy Policy

        Copyright © 2023 · Happy Happy Nester by Janine Waite · Privacy Policy

        ↑ BACK TO TOP