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Sponge Cake with Vanilla and Cocoa Cream - Simple and Delicious Recipe

Total preparation time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Number of servings: 10

Welcome to the sweet world of cooking! Today, I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for sponge cake, a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will delight the taste buds of your loved ones. This dessert is ideal for any occasion, whether it’s an anniversary, a celebration, or simply a family evening. With a smooth vanilla and cocoa cream, this cake is not only tasty but also easy to prepare.

Recipe History
Sponge cakes have a rich history, being favored for their ease of preparation and versatility. They have often been served during festive moments due to their elegant appearance and refined taste. With a base of sponge fingers that absorb syrup, and a fluffy cream, each slice becomes a true delight.

Ingredients
- 1 large package of sponge fingers
- 500 ml of cream
- 200 g of sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 vanilla essence
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- Syrup:
- 400 ml of water
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cherry compote

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Cream
1. In a large bowl, add the cream and sugar. Use a mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes a shiny and fluffy cream. This step is essential to achieve an airy texture, so don’t rush!
2. Divide the cream into two equal portions. In one portion, add the packets of vanilla sugar and vanilla essence. Mix well to integrate the flavors.
3. In the remaining cream, add the cocoa and mix until you achieve an even color. Here, you can experiment with the type of cocoa used; good quality cocoa will make a significant difference in taste.

Step 2: Preparing the Syrup
1. In a small saucepan, combine the water with the sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Once the syrup is ready, remove it from the heat and add the two tablespoons of cherry compote. This will add a pleasant acidity that will balance the sweetness of the cake.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake
1. Take a platter or a springform pan. Start assembling the cake by taking the sponge fingers and quickly dipping them in the prepared syrup. Don’t leave them too long in the syrup, so they don’t become too soft.
2. Place a first layer of sponge fingers in the pan, followed by a layer of vanilla cream. Spread the cream evenly using a spatula.
3. Then, take the sponge fingers and gently break one end to stand them upright along the edge of the pan, with the broken side down. This detail will give the cake an elegant and structured look.
4. Continue with a new layer of cocoa cream, followed by another layer of sponge fingers dipped in syrup. Repeat the process, alternating between vanilla and cocoa cream, until you run out of ingredients, making sure to finish with a layer of cocoa cream.
5. For a decorative touch, you can add a few spoons of plain cream on top.

Step 4: Cooling and Serving
1. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the sponge fingers to absorb moisture.
2. Once the time has passed, carefully remove the springform ring and cut the cake into slices. You can decorate each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or grated chocolate, depending on your preferences.

Practical Tips
- Make sure the cream is cold before whipping it, to achieve optimal texture.
- You can replace the cocoa with melted chocolate for a decadent chocolate cream.
- Experiment with different syrup flavors, such as coffee or fruit flavors, to personalize the dessert according to your tastes.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This sponge cake recipe has about 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. The cream provides healthy fats, and cocoa is rich in antioxidants, which can offer additional health benefits. Additionally, the cherry compote adds essential vitamins and minerals, making this dessert not only delicious but also healthier.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use gluten-free sponge fingers?
Yes, you can use gluten-free sponge fingers to adapt the recipe.

- How can I keep the cake longer?
It is recommended to keep the cake covered in the refrigerator, where it can last up to 3 days.

- What drinks pair well with this cake?
A cup of coffee or a herbal tea can perfectly complement the sweetness of the cake. Additionally, a dessert wine or a vanilla liqueur would add a sophisticated touch.

In conclusion, this sponge cake with vanilla and cocoa cream is an excellent choice for any occasion. Easy to prepare and incredibly delicious, it is a dessert that will bring joy and smiles to the faces of your loved ones. I encourage you to try it and give it a personal touch, either through decoration or flavors. Enjoy!