Sponge Cake (by Gaby)

Fluffy Cocoa Sponge Cake – An Irresistible Indulgence

I will present you with a recipe for a sponge cake so fluffy that it quickly becomes a favorite for everyone. This recipe was inspired by a love for simple yet exceptionally tasty desserts. The cocoa sponge is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party, an anniversary, or simply a quiet evening with family. So, get ready to transform simple ingredients into something truly special!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Necessary ingredients:

- 4 large, fresh eggs
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of flour
- 4 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower or canola)
- 2 tablespoons of high-quality cocoa powder
- a pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Ingredient details:

- Eggs: Choose fresh eggs; they help aerate the batter and thus contribute to the fluffy texture of the sponge cake.
- Sugar: Granulated white sugar is the most common, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a more caramelized flavor.
- Flour: Cake flour is ideal as it has less gluten and helps achieve a fine texture.
- Cocoa: Use high-quality cocoa to give an intense and deep flavor to the dessert.
- Oil: This enhances the moisture and texture of the cake. You can also use melted butter for a richer taste, but oil will make the sponge lighter.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the oven and the pan: Preheat the oven to 160°C (low heat). Grease a 20x30 cm pan with oil and line the bottom with flour. It is recommended not to line the edges so that the sponge can rise beautifully.

2. Beating the egg whites: In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat them until soft peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes.

3. Adding the sugar: Continue mixing and gradually add the sugar, beating until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue. This is the stage where you want the meringue to be quite solid, similar to that for pavlova.

4. Incorporating the yolks: Add the yolks one at a time, gently mixing after each addition. This step is essential to maintain the air in the mixture.

5. Adding the vanilla: Incorporate the vanilla extract to add a pleasant aroma to the sponge.

6. Sifting the flour: Sifting the flour is an important trick to avoid lumps. Start incorporating the flour with a spatula, making gentle folding motions to keep the air.

7. Incorporating the oil: Finally, add the oil and mix until the composition is homogeneous. You will notice that the batter becomes softer and shinier.

8. Preparing the cocoa batter: Take half of the batter and pour it into the pan. In the remaining batter, add the two tablespoons of cocoa and mix well. Then, pour this cocoa batter on top of the white batter in the pan.

9. Creating a marbled effect: Use a fork to create a marbled pattern by gently swirling the two types of batter together. This will not only add a pleasing appearance but will also provide a delicious combination of flavors.

10. Baking: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven in the first 25 minutes to prevent the batter from collapsing.

11. Cooling: Once the sponge is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Glaze (optional): You can melt 50 g of milk chocolate with 3 tablespoons of milk to create a delicious glaze. Pour the glaze over the cooled sponge and let it set.

Serving and variations:

The fluffy cocoa sponge is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with a berry sauce or vanilla ice cream for an even more refined experience. Additionally, you can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter for a crunchy texture.

Tips and useful advice:

- Aeration: Make sure the egg whites are beaten properly; this is the key to a fluffy sponge.
- Flour: Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour; gentle motions help maintain air in the batter.
- Customization: Experiment by adding flavors like cinnamon or lemon zest to the mixture for a unique taste.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

A serving of sponge contains approximately 200 calories, depending on the serving size and the ingredients used. This dessert provides a quick source of energy due to the carbohydrate content from sugar and flour. The eggs contribute protein and healthy fats, while cocoa is rich in antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but keep in mind that the texture will be different and the sponge may be denser.
2. How can I tell if the sponge is baked? Use a tester. If it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.
3. Can it be stored? Yes, the sponge keeps well at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container.

This cocoa sponge cake recipe is not only simple to make but also offers a satisfying culinary experience. Your guests will be impressed by its fluffy texture and delicious flavors. Don't forget to share this recipe with friends and family, as treats are meant to be enjoyed together!