Sponge cake with berries

Sponge cake with berries: a light and fresh delicacy

This sponge cake with berries is a perfect choice for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a party, or simply a relaxing afternoon with loved ones. Inspired by Eric Lanlard's recipes, this cake combines the airy texture of sponge with the juicy sweetness of berries, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Moreover, it is a quick and easy dessert to prepare, ideal for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients:

For the sponge layers:
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 8 medium eggs
- 250 g all-purpose flour
- 50 g butter (melted and cooled)

For the filling:
- 500 ml liquid cream (from heavy cream)
- 2 tablespoons vanilla sugar (bourbon)
- Berries (to taste; you can use raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, or strawberries)
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In the meantime, grease and flour two round cake pans with a diameter of 22 cm. This step is essential to prevent the sponge from sticking.

2. Prepare the sponge mixture: In a heatproof bowl, combine the powdered sugar with the eggs. Place the bowl over a pot of hot water (bain-marie method). Mix with an electric mixer until the mixture is hot to the touch. This is an important step as the heat helps the mixture to increase in volume.

3. Beat the eggs: Once you achieve a fluffy and voluminous texture, remove the bowl from the heat and continue mixing for 10 minutes. You will notice that the mixture doubles in volume - this is the sign that you have achieved the perfect base for an airy sponge.

4. Incorporate the butter: Melt the butter until golden and let it cool slightly. While mixing the egg mixture, gradually add the melted butter. This will add a rich flavor and a fine texture to the cake.

5. Add the flour: Sifting the flour is crucial to avoid lumps. Add the sifted flour to the mixture, gently folding with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the sponge’s ability to rise.

6. Bake the sponge layers: Divide the mixture evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You can check if they are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean, the sponge is ready.

7. Cooling and cutting: Allow the sponge layers to cool completely in the pans, then carefully remove them and cut each layer in half, resulting in four pieces of sponge.

8. Prepare the filling: Whip the liquid cream together with the vanilla sugar until creamy and fluffy. This step is essential to achieve an airy filling that perfectly complements the sponge.

9. Assemble the cake: Place the first sponge layer on a platter and add a layer of cream, followed by a mix of berries. Continue alternating between layers, cream, and berries, finishing with a generous layer of cream and berries on top.

10. Decorate the cake: Sprinkle some powdered sugar over the berries for an elegant appearance and a sweet taste.

11. Serving: The sponge cake with berries is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. It pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or aromatic coffee.

Useful tips:

- Fruit selection: Choose fresh, seasonal berries for a more intense flavor. If fresh berries are not available, you can use frozen ones, but make sure to let them thaw completely and remove excess water.

- Vegan option: If you want a vegan version, you can replace the eggs with a mixture of banana or apple puree (about 60 g of puree for each egg) and use vegan butter.

- Elegant serving: For a special touch, you can add some fresh mint leaves or grated chocolate on top of the cake before serving.

Nutritional benefits:

This cake is a good source of protein due to the eggs and the cream from which the whipped cream comes. The berries add vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making it not only delicious but also nutritious.

Calories:

Each serving of cake contains approximately 350 calories, but this number may vary depending on the amount of cream and berries you use.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the sponge mixture and filling. Additionally, the berries add natural sweetness.

3. Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely! The sponge cake with berries is elegant and refined, making it perfect for anniversaries or parties.

With this recipe for sponge cake with berries, you will bring a touch of freshness and flavor to any special moment. Don’t forget to share this delicacy with your loved ones to turn every slice into a pleasant memory!