Sponge cake with nectarines

Sponge Cake with Nectarines - A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 12

History and Inspiration

Sponge cake is a classic dessert, appreciated for its fluffy and airy texture, making it a perfect choice for any occasion, from a simple snack to a special party. A delicious combination of eggs, sugar, and flour, sponge cake has appeared in kitchens throughout time, with each culture adding its own touch. Today, I invite you to experience a modern version of this classic dessert, enriched with juicy nectarines that give it a fresh and aromatic taste.

Ingredients

- 6 nectarines
- 8 eggs
- 16 tablespoons of sugar
- 16 tablespoons of flour + a few tablespoons for dusting the nectarines
- 10 tablespoons of oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- Vanilla essence

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Nectarines: Choose well-ripened but firm nectarines. These will add a wonderful flavor to the sponge cake. If you don’t have nectarines, you can use peaches or even plums. Wash them well and cut them into suitable slices. Toss the slices with a few tablespoons of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter.

2. Eggs: Use fresh eggs, as they are key to a fluffy sponge cake. Carefully separate the yolks from the whites, ensuring no traces of yolk remain in the whites, as they won’t whip well if contaminated.

3. Oil: Choose a neutral-tasting sunflower or canola oil so as not to alter the dessert's flavors.

Making the Sponge Cake

1. Preparing the egg mixture: In a large bowl, add the yolks and sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture becomes light yellow and fluffy. This is the stage where air is incorporated into the mixture, which will help achieve a light texture.

2. Incorporating the oil: Gradually add the oil, one tablespoon at a time, mixing continuously. This step is essential for achieving a homogeneous and flavorful batter.

3. Egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a firm foam. This step is crucial for giving fluffiness to the dessert. Start to gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula, with light bottom-to-top movements. This will keep the air in the batter.

4. Flour and flavors: Sift the flour together with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour and baking powder mixture to the batter, continuing to mix gently. Finally, add the lemon zest and vanilla essence, which will provide a pleasant aroma to the dessert.

Baking the Sponge Cake

1. Preparing the baking tray: Line a 25x35 cm baking tray with parchment paper. This step will prevent the sponge cake from sticking and will make it easier to remove from the tray.

2. Assembling the dessert: Pour the batter into the tray and smooth the surface. Place the slices of nectarines on top, gently pressed into the batter. They will bake together with the sponge cake, bringing a sweet and juicy flavor.

3. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the sponge cake turns golden and passes the toothpick test. If you insert a toothpick in the middle of the sponge cake and it comes out clean, the dessert is ready.

Cooling and Serving

Once the sponge cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look and sweet taste.

To serve, cut the sponge cake into squares and enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fruit sauce. Offer it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for an unforgettable experience.

Variations and Useful Tips

- Alternative fruits: Experiment with different seasonal fruits, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, to vary the taste and appearance of the dessert.
- Adding nuts: You can add chopped nuts or almonds for extra texture and a unique flavor.
- Flavored sugar: Try using homemade vanilla sugar by leaving a few vanilla pods in sugar to achieve an intense aroma.
- Gluten-free dessert: If you want a gluten-free version, replace the flour with an alternative flour, such as almond flour or coconut flour.

Nutritional Benefits

This sponge cake with nectarines is a relatively healthy choice, having a moderate calorie content due to the natural ingredients. Nectarines provide a source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, being rich in vitamin C, which supports the immune system. Eggs are an excellent source of quality protein, and sunflower oil provides essential fatty acids.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of fruit?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile, so feel free to use fruits you like or have on hand.

2. How can I store the sponge cake?
You can store the sponge cake covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it.

3. Why should I sift the flour?
Sifting the flour helps eliminate lumps and incorporates air, contributing to a fluffy texture.

4. What should I do if the sponge cake collapses?
Make sure the egg whites are whipped well and that you mixed the ingredients carefully, without losing the air in the mixture.

In conclusion, sponge cake with nectarines is a simple yet exceptional dessert, full of flavors and textures. Whether you enjoy it with family or at a gathering with friends, this dessert will surely bring smiles and joy. Experiment with the ingredients and add a personal touch, and each slice will become a sweet memory!