Sponge cake with Turkish delight

Fluffy Sponge Cake with Turkish Delight and Walnut – A Delight for All Times

Total preparation time: 60-70 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Who doesn’t love a fluffy sponge cake, filled with enticing flavors and crunchy textures? This recipe for sponge cake with Turkish delight and walnut is perfect for transforming leftover egg whites in your fridge into a delicious dessert. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe, ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to friends' meet-ups.

A Bit of History

The sponge cake, originating from Europe, is a classic dessert that has evolved over the centuries. It is believed to have been initially used in royal kitchens, due to its light texture and versatility. The addition of Turkish delight and walnut brings an extra layer of flavor and a touch of authenticity, turning a simple sponge cake into a true delicacy.

Ingredients

- 7 egg whites (approximately 210 g)
- 250 g sugar
- 250 g flour
- 2 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil or light olive oil)
- 1 packet of baking powder
- Zest from 1 lemon (for a fresh aroma)
- 4-5 cubes of Turkish delight (cut into small cubes)
- 100 g walnuts (coarsely chopped)
- Powdered sugar (for decoration)

Preparing the Dessert

1. Preparing the Egg Whites: Take the egg whites out of the fridge and let them come to room temperature. This step is essential for achieving a fluffy meringue. Use an electric mixer to beat them on high speed. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes firm and glossy. A trick: ensure that the bowl and the mixer whisk are perfectly clean, without any traces of fat, to achieve perfect meringue.

2. Adding the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Slowly incorporate the flour into the meringue, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Do this with gentle movements, from bottom to top, to avoid losing air from the meringue. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture.

3. Incorporating the Oil and Flavors: Add the oil and lemon zest, mixing gently. The oil will keep the sponge cake moist and flavorful, while the lemon zest will add a note of freshness.

4. Adding the Turkish Delight and Walnut: Fold in the cubes of Turkish delight and chopped walnuts. These will add a crunchy texture and sweet flavor, perfectly balancing the fluffy meringue.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C. Divide the mixture between two baking pans lined with parchment paper. Make sure the pans are filled evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the sponge cake passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

6. Cooling and Serving: Once the sponge cake is ready, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When completely cooled, sprinkle powdered sugar on top and cut into slices as desired.

Serving Suggestions

This fluffy sponge cake with Turkish delight and walnut is delicious served plain, but you can pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce. Additionally, a fragrant tea or freshly brewed coffee will perfectly complement each slice of sponge cake.

Variations and Tips

- Adding Dried Fruits: You can add dried fruits, such as apricots or raisins, for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Striped Version: If you want to change its appearance, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the sponge cake mixture to achieve a striped effect.
- Experimenting with Different Nuts: Instead of walnuts, you can use hazelnuts or pistachios to vary the flavor.

Nutritional Information

This sponge cake, per serving, contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of powdered sugar used for decoration. It is a good source of protein due to the egg whites and provides a satisfying dose of carbohydrates, making it an ideal dessert to indulge your taste buds without feeling guilty.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. *Can I use only egg yolks to make this recipe?*
No. This recipe relies on beaten egg whites, which provide fluffiness and texture.

2. *How do I know when the sponge cake is ready?*
The sponge cake is ready when it has risen beautifully, and if you insert a toothpick in the middle, it should come out clean.

3. *How can I store the sponge cake?*
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for later consumption.

Try this recipe for sponge cake with Turkish delight and walnut and let yourself be carried away by its wonderful flavor! Whether you prepare it for a special occasion or just to treat your family, I’m sure it will be a hit. Enjoy!