ITALIAN SPONGE CAKE ( NO BUTTER/OIL )

A perfect light cake. This case is so light and airy that you can use it in any form. The sponge can be used for tiramisu, birthday cakes or dessert cakes. Though it is an airy cake it can seep in the syrups very well. Do try this cake and you will love it. NO butter, oil, baking powder or baking soda. Just eggs, sugar, flour and the vanilla or lemon zest for the flavouring and tada! the cake is ready.

Makes 1 8'' round cake (deep pan )

Time: 35-40 minutes +10 minutes  cooling time in the oven

120 grams cake flour* ( see at the bottom)

4 eggs at room temperature

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tsp vanilla

120 grams caster sugar

Method

First, line the baking pan with the greaseproof paper and grease it well with butter and flour. Keep aside.

Now in a standing mixer with a whisk or paddle attached ( can use the hand whisk ) add the eggs, sugar, vanilla and lemon zest in its bowl. Whisk the ingredients for at least 15 minutes on medium speed. It is a must. You need all the things incorporated and foamy. It should look like in the picture below. 

 

As soon as you see the egg mixture like in the picture below, add half of the sieved flour. Very carefully fold in with the wooden spoon or a plastic/silicon spatula. Add the other half and do the same. Do not over do the mixing.

 

Pour the batter into a lined and well-greased pan which was prepared earlier. Do not tap the tin. Let it be the way it is. It is avoided because tapping the tin can eliminate the foamy and airy texture it has in the batter. Bake in preheated oven at 170'C for 35-40 minutes. It should have browned evenly. If you do want to check in the centre of the cake to estimate its baking time, open the oven door after 20 minutes of the baking. Once the cake is baked, leave it in the oven to cool for about 10 minutes with the door opened ajar ( if the oven doesn't stay open, stick in a wooden spoon).

 

Cool the cake completely. The cake can be dressed with butter frosting, fresh cream or even served o its own with icing sugar dusted. Ice cream or fresh fruits can be served too. Whatever you make like. I dress the cake in fresh whipping cream mixed with blueberry jam and garnished with fresh blueberries and little shaved Cadbury chocolate.