Savory Cake (French cake salé)
![A few slices of cake salé on a wire rack](https://lacuisinedegeraldine.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cake-sale-35-2-683x1024.jpg)
The best part? You can get creative with the fillings based on what you have on hand. In this recipe, I’ve chosen a French savory cake with tuna, feta cheese, and green olives.
List of Ingredients
Baking a French cake salé requires just a handful of simple ingredients. The beauty of this savory cake lies in its adaptability, allowing you to customize the filling based on what ingredients you have readily available.
![List of ingredients to make a cake salé](https://lacuisinedegeraldine.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/1-2-576x1024.jpg)
For the savory cake batter
- Flour: I used a simple all-purpose flour. Replace with wholemeal flour for a healthier version or gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
- Eggs: I used medium-size eggs.
- Baking powder: Baking powder helps cake rise, making it lighter and fluffier.
- Milk: Milk adds moisture to the batter. You can replace it with the same quantity of plain yogurt or a plant-based milk.
- Olive oil: Adds good fats and makes the cake fluffy and soft. Can substitute with other vegetable oils like canola or sunflower oil.
For the filling
- Tuna: I used canned tuna. Tuna brings some protein and richness to the cake. You can replace tuna with ham, bacon lardons or smoked salmon.
- Cheese: Adds richness and creaminess. Choose your favorite type such as cheddar, Gruyere, or mozzarella. Use vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Olives: Provide a briny and savory taste. I choose green olives but black olives work perfectly too! You can replace olives with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted peppers for a different flavor.
- Parsley: Adds freshness and a hint of herbal flavor. You can substitute it with dill, basil or chives.
- Black pepper: Enhances the overall taste with a touch of spiciness. You can replace it or even add other spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for more heat.
You will find the exact quantities in the recipe card.
![A few slices of cake salé on a wire rack](https://lacuisinedegeraldine.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cake-sale-74-2-683x1024.jpg)
How to make a cake salé?
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and grease a loaf pan or cake tin with olive oil. Line with baking paper if necessary.
- Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt.
- Step 3: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Pour in the milk and olive oil, stirring constantly.
![View of the batter of a cake salé](https://lacuisinedegeraldine.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cake-sale-111-683x1024.jpg)
- Step 4: Add tuna, crumbled feta, chopped green olives, finely chopped parsley and a little black pepper to the dough. Mix until the dough is evenly distributed.
![View of the batter for a cake salé with the filling](https://lacuisinedegeraldine.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cake-sale-106-683x1024.jpg)
- Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and the tip of a knife in the center comes out clean.
![Unbaked cake salé in a glass loaf pan](https://lacuisinedegeraldine.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cake-sale-95-683x1024.jpg)
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and leave it to cool in the tin for a few minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Bon appétit!
How to serve a French savory cake?
Whether you’re hosting a party, going on a picnic, or simply enjoying a relaxed evening with friends, savory cake is the perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying snack.
It can be prepared in advance, making it convenient for transportation, and can be enjoyed easily by hand.
A cake salé can also be served as a main dish or starter. For instance, it pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and homemade vinaigrette for a light lunch option. The versatility of savory cake makes it a go-to choice for various occasions.
![French savory cake on a wire rack](https://lacuisinedegeraldine.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cake-sale-88-1-683x1024.jpg)
Variation ideas
The are many recipes for cakes salés, I choose a tuna, feta cheese and olives but here are some alternatives recipes:
- Vegetarian: sun-dried tomatoes, black olives and goat cheese
- Classic: ham, gruyere and green olives
- Lorraine-style: bacon lardons, onions and emmental cheese
- Mediterran: zucchini, feta cheese, cheery tomatoes
F&Q: French Savory Cake
To determine whether a savoury cake is cooked, perform a test by inserting a toothpick or the tip of a knife into the center: if it comes out clean, the cake is cooked.
Yes, you can make a savory cake in advance. Once the cake has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the savory cake for up to 3 months.
To freeze a savory cake, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, ensuring there is no excess air, and label with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Recipe Card: French Savory Cake
Savory Cake (French cake salé)
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![](https://lacuisinedegeraldine.fr/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cake-sale-52-3-435x435.jpg)
Equipment
- 1 loaf pan (23 cm, 9 inches)
Ingredients
- 1 2/3 cup flour (200 g)
- 2 tsp baking powder (8g)
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup canned tuna , drained (150 g)
- 1 1/3 feta cheese (200 g)
- 1/2 cup green olives (75 g)
- 2/3 cup olive oil (150 ml)
- 2/3 cup milk (150 ml)
- 1 cup fresh parsley , chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and grease a loaf pan or cake tin with olive oil. Line with baking paper if necessary.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl: flour, baking powder and a pinch of salt.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well. Pour in the milk and olive oil, stirring constantly.
- Add tuna, crumbled feta, chopped green olives, finely chopped parsley and a little black pepper to the dough. Mix until the dough is evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and the tip of a knife in the center comes out clean.