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Caramelized Shallot, Herb & Crème Fraîche Cake Salé

I’ve never understood why North America reserves cake strictly for dessert. In Paris, a savory 'cake salé' is a beloved staple. Here, I've brought it into the California morning sun by swapping heavy oils for rich, tangy crème fraîche, creating an impossibly tender crumb packed with sweet caramelized shallots, Gruyère, and bright Meyer lemon zest.

Marguerite Lavigne
Marguerite Lavigne
Prep: 16 minutes
Cook: 45 minutes
8
easy
breakfastsnack
savory bakingbrunchvegetarianbistro classic+1

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Timeline

1 hour 11 minutes
0m15m30m45m1h1h11
Preheat & Prep Pan
Caramelize Shallots
12m
Mix Dry Ingredients
Mix Wet Ingredients
Fold Batter Together
Bake Cake Salé
45m
Cool & Unmold
10m

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil(for sautéing)
  • 3 shallots(medium, thinly sliced)
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 large eggs(room temperature)
  • 1 cup crème fraîche(room temperature, plus extra for serving)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk(room temperature)
  • 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese(grated)
  • 1/4 cup fresh chives(finely chopped)
  • 2 tbsp fresh tarragon(chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Meyer lemon zest

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the delicate cake out a breeze.

    5 min

    Tip: Always let your parchment hang over the sides like little handles.

  2. 2

    In a small skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the 3 shallots and a small pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and deeply caramelized, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and let them cool slightly.

    12 min

    Tip: Don't rush the shallots! Letting them slowly release their sugars ensures they don't turn bitter.

  3. 3

    While the shallots are cooking, whisk together 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper in a medium bowl.

    3 min

  4. 4

    In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk the 3 large eggs, 1 cup crème fraîche, and 1/4 cup whole milk until the mixture is perfectly smooth and luxurious. The crème fraîche is doing the heavy lifting here, ensuring the cake stays miraculously moist and rich.

    4 min

    Tip: Room temperature dairy blends so much better—it's worth taking the eggs and crème fraîche out an hour early.

  5. 5

    Gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet crème fraîche mixture using a silicone spatula just until combined—do not overmix, or the cake will be tough. Fold in the cooled shallots, 1 1/2 cups Gruyère cheese, 1/4 cup fresh chives, 2 tbsp fresh tarragon, and 1 tbsp Meyer lemon zest.

    4 min

    Tip: A few streaks of flour remaining before you add the mix-ins is perfectly fine.

  6. 6

    Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top gracefully. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden and beautifully cracked.

    45 min

    Tip: If the top is browning too quickly around the 35-minute mark, gently tent it with foil.

  7. 7

    Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before lifting it out using the parchment handles. Transfer to a wire rack.

    10 min

    Tip: Resist the urge to slice it immediately; giving it 10 minutes sets the crumb beautifully.

Chef's Notes

Serve warm in thick slices. It is absolute heaven when spread with a little extra dollop of cultured butter or leftover crème fraîche, paired with a soft-boiled egg on the side. Any leftovers can be toasted in a pan with a little butter the next morning!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Caramelized Shallot, Herb & Crème Fraîche Cake Salé take to make?

Caramelized Shallot, Herb & Crème Fraîche Cake Salé takes about 1 hour 1 minute total. That includes 16 minutes of prep and 45 minutes of cooking.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 8 servings.

What skill level is needed for Caramelized Shallot, Herb & Crème Fraîche Cake Salé?

This recipe is rated easy — it's beginner-friendly and straightforward.

What ingredients do I need for Caramelized Shallot, Herb & Crème Fraîche Cake Salé?

The main ingredients are: olive oil, shallots, all-purpose flour, baking powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, large eggs, crème fraîche, whole milk, Gruyère cheese, fresh chives, fresh tarragon, Meyer lemon zest.

What type of meal is Caramelized Shallot, Herb & Crème Fraîche Cake Salé?

Caramelized Shallot, Herb & Crème Fraîche Cake Salé is categorized as: breakfast, snack.