Pessic

Lemon Flavored Sponge Cake Recipe - A Fluffy Delight for Sunny Mornings

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 8

On a sunny morning, there’s nothing more enjoyable than savoring a fresh sponge cake alongside a fragrant coffee. This fluffy dessert, with a pleasant hint of lemon, is perfect for starting your day with a smile. Its origins are closely tied to the culinary traditions of people who appreciate delicate sweets, and today I will reveal how to make it at home, in the comfort of your kitchen.

Necessary Ingredients

- 4 large eggs (separate the yolks from the whites)
- 150 g sugar
- 50 g flour
- 50 g cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of baking powder
- Grated zest of one lemon
- Juice of one lemon
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Useful

- Baking tray (preferably a small one for a taller sponge)
- Parchment paper or oil for greasing the tray
- Mixer or whisk

Step by Step

1. Separating the eggs: Start by carefully separating the yolks from the whites. Make sure no yolk remains in the whites, as they will not whip well if contaminated.

2. Beating the yolks: In a large bowl, add the yolks along with the sugar. Use a mixer on medium speed and beat the mixture until it becomes light in color and soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

3. Beating the whites: In another clean and dry bowl, beat the whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. It’s important to use a clean bowl, as any trace of fat can prevent the whites from whipping properly.

4. Mixing the dry ingredients: In a sieve, sift the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. This step will not only remove any lumps but will also aerate the ingredients, giving a fluffier sponge.

5. Combining the mixtures: Carefully add the beaten yolks over the whipped whites, gently folding with a spatula. It’s important not to mix too vigorously so you don’t lose the air in the whites.

6. Adding the flavoring ingredients: In another bowl, combine the grated lemon zest and lemon juice. Add this mixture to the egg composition and gently mix.

7. Incorporating the flour: Gradually add the flour mixture, folding gently from top to bottom. This will help maintain the air in the whites, giving it a fluffy texture.

8. Preparing the tray: Line the baking tray with parchment paper or grease it with a little oil. If you use a smaller tray, you’ll get a taller sponge, which will be even more impressive.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 170 °C. Pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes. Check if it’s done using a toothpick; it should come out clean.

10. Cooling and serving: After baking, let the sponge cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a rack to cool completely. Dust powdered sugar on top before serving for an elegant look.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar by 20 g.
- Flavoring: Instead of lemon, you can experiment with orange or lime zest and juice for a different flavor.
- Serving: The sponge is delicious served plain, but you can add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a perfect contrast. It also pairs wonderfully with an espresso or a fragrant tea.
- Storage: The sponge keeps well in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can freeze it, but make sure it’s well wrapped.

Nutritional Benefits

The sponge is a lighter choice compared to many other desserts, with a moderate calorie content. The flour and cornstarch provide necessary carbohydrates, while the eggs are an excellent source of protein and vitamins. The lemon not only adds a pleasant taste but is also rich in vitamin C.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Why doesn’t my sponge rise? Make sure you’ve whipped the whites well and incorporated the dry ingredients gently.
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Whole wheat flour may change the texture, but you can use a combination of white and whole wheat flour for a richer taste.
- What if I don’t have cornstarch? You can replace it with the same amount of flour, but the texture will be slightly different.

In conclusion, the lemon-flavored sponge cake is a simple yet special dessert that will delight your mornings. With every bite, you will feel the freshness of lemon and the perfect fluffiness, making it the ideal choice for a breakfast meal or a sweet treat. Don’t hesitate to experiment and add your personal touch to this delicious dessert!