This French Savoury Cake is a delicious, airy, and versatile treat that's incredibly easy to prepare. It's packed with grated cheese and ham, making it perfect for snacking, as a side dish, or paired with appetizers, soup, or salad.
As a kid, I loved making this "cake salé" for my family. Its light and fluffy texture, combined with plenty of moisture and flavour, always made it a hit. You can easily customize it with your favorite seasonings, herbs, and other tasty add-ins that I have suggested below.
So versatile: Bring it to a potluck, cut it into little squares for an appetizer, pack it for a picnic or the kid's lunch box and even for brunch!
It’s filling without being overly heavy - perfect as a snack, side dish, or main meal with salad or soup
This cake offers a great boost of protein from the eggs, yet it isn’t soggy.
The contrast of the moist salty cake with a slightly crunchy top is heavenly!
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
This mouth-watering loaf requires simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and/or fridge. With just a few additional fresh ingredients, you’ll be ready to make your family’s new favorite cake!
Eggs - Bring to room temperature for easy mixing
Olive oil - Vegetable oil or canola oil can be used instead
Baking powder - for an airy cake
All-purpose flour - Gluten-free flour can be used for those with gluten sensitivities
Milk - for extra moisture
Ham - Diced. You could also use bacon previously cooked and crumbled
Grated cheese - any would work great
🥓 Variations
I know how much I love to add my own personal touch to recipes, so I’ve added a few alternative ingredients that you could try when making this delicious cake.
Meat: Cooked bacon pieces are another tasty option as a substitute for the ham. Canned tuna is also a delicious option should you want to try a completely different type of meat!
Vegetarian: Prefer a meatless version? Simply omit the ham and add in some finely diced vegetables previously sautéed to remove their water content.
Seasoning and herbs: Change the taste of this fresh or enhance the savoury flavor by including your favorite spices and fresh herbs into the cake batter such as basil or oregano.
Extra add-ins: Experiment with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, or sliced olives.
Cheese: Cheddar is the perfect cheese for this cake, but you can also use gruyere cheese, Emmental cheese, feta cheese, or goat cheese.
🥣 Instructions
First, pre-heat the oven and whisk the eggs and oil.
Next, gradually add the baking powder and flour. Now, pour the milk and mix some more.
Then, add the ham and cheese, followed by the salt and pepper, or other seasoning of your choice. This would also be a good point to mix in any chopped fresh herbs that you’ve decided to include.
Finally, pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake for 30 minutes at 400F.
Tip: Avoid over-mixing the batter otherwise the cake can become dense and heavy.
💭 Recipe FAQs
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Since all ovens differ, you can test to see whether the cake is done baking by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done and ready to be cooled and enjoyed. If the toothpick comes out with wet cake batter, return the cake to the oven and continue baking for another 5-10 minutes.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover slices of the cake can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the fridge for 3-4 days. You could also freeze this cake for up to 3 months.
What type of pan is best for this?
A standard loaf pan is best. That way, you can cut it into slices as you would with bread.
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating on the recipe card below & and a comment about your experience. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram, thanks!
This French Savoury Cake is a delicious, airy, and versatile treat that's incredibly easy to prepare. It's packed with grated cheese and ham, making it perfect for snacking, as a side dish, or paired with appetizers, soup, or salad.
I've never heard of anything like this before, Melanie, but it sounds great! It's interesting that you've added yeast. It's sort of a cross between bread and an omelette. I'm intrigued!
Hope you've enjoyed your time with your family! :-)
Helen @ Scrummy Lane says
I've never heard of anything like this before, Melanie, but it sounds great! It's interesting that you've added yeast. It's sort of a cross between bread and an omelette. I'm intrigued!
Hope you've enjoyed your time with your family! :-)
Mélanie says
Thanks Helen! The yeast helps bringing a lighter texture since it it rising a little! It is a great cake to do for a bunch of occasion. :)
Marc @ Smell My Kitchen says
I hope you enjoyed your vacation and that your family had fun!
But gasp, too many times away from your blog. It seems the pictures aren't working ;)
Mélanie says
Thank you so much Marc! I am having a hard time fixing it :( not sure why it is doing that...