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Paradise sponge cake

⏱ 60 min🍳 35 min👤 6 pp★★★☆☆

The paradise sponge cake - ‘Torta Paradiso’ - is, amongst desserts, the classic of classics. It is a soft sponge cake, ideal to be filled with cream of various kinds – Italian custard, whipped cream, chocolate cream or coffee, etc. etc. – and flavoured with fresh fruit, macaroons, chocolate flakes, lemon icing; the list goes on. In this way you can transform it into the cake you need for any occasion: if you learn to make the ‘Torta paradiso’ you will be sitting pretty gastronomically speaking - your children’s birthdays or the arrival of unexpected guests will no longer be a problem! It does not end there: the ‘Torts Paradiso’ is also very good as it is, without special fillings but simply sprinkled with icing sugar ... you can ice it, or cut it into slices, or even freeze it (yes, you read that right!). You could even have it every morning as a genuine Italian-style breakfast: nutritious and enticing together with your indispensable mug of coffee. So let’s learn to make Paradise sponge cake once and for all, for breakfast, children’s parties, or for those last minute guests ...

Ingredients

Nutritional values 340 kcal / serving
Protein
4g
Carbohydrates
53g
Fat
12g
Fiber
0.5g

* approximate values per serving

Information
60 minutes Total time
35 minutes Active time
Serves 6 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Allow the butter to soften for a while, then beat it with the sugar. Add the eggs, egg yolks and then beat again. At this point fold in the sifted flour and cornflour, lemon rind and baking powder. Grease a baking tray or cover it with baking parchment. Spoon the mixture into the tray and bake at 170 °C for 35 minutes. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool. Then sprinkle with plenty of icing sugar. Serve.

Tips
The ‘Torta Paradiso’ will keep well for a day or two. However, if you intend to enjoy it the day after you make it we recommend storing it in a cake tin with a lid, thereby ensuring it remains moist and fragrant.
Trivia
It was Enrico Vigoni, famous pastry chef of Pavia, who invented the sponge cake known in Italy as ‘Torta Paradiso’. It seems that the name derives from the fact that one of the first customers who tasted it said that he had just been treated to a cake ‘from paradise’.

Step by step

Bake
Bake
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Paradise Cake with Lemon Cream

A delicious variant of the classic Paradise Cake is the Paradise Cake with Lemon Cream. This preparation adds a fresh and citrusy note, perfect for those who love desserts with a touch of acidity. To make it, after preparing the cake base, it can be filled with a lemon cream made with egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice and zest, along with a bit of butter. This combination makes the dessert even more indulgent and suitable for various occasions, such as birthday parties or dinners with friends. The lemon cream pairs perfectly with the softness of the cake, creating a contrast of textures and flavors that will delight even the most discerning palates. Don't forget to dust the surface with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

Lombard Paradise Cake with Corn Flour

For a regional version of the Paradise Cake, you can opt for the Lombard Paradise Cake with Corn Flour. This variant uses a portion of corn flour instead of classic wheat flour, giving the dessert a slightly different texture and a more rustic flavor. Corn flour is a traditional ingredient in many Lombard recipes and adds a touch of authenticity to the preparation. Making this cake is simple: follow the basic recipe, replacing part of the flour with corn flour. The result will be a fragrant and fluffy cake, ideal to serve with a cup of tea or coffee. Perfect for family snacks or a sweet awakening during the weekend.

Light Paradise Cake without Butter

For those who want a lighter version of the Paradise Cake, here is the Light Paradise Cake without Butter. This preparation uses Greek yogurt instead of butter, thus reducing the caloric content and making the dessert lighter and more digestible. By also using brown sugar instead of white sugar, you get a healthier dessert without compromising on taste. The texture will still be soft and moist, thanks to the addition of yogurt. This variant is perfect for those following a more careful diet or for anyone who simply wants to indulge in a dessert without feeling guilty. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Benefits of Paradise Cake: Ingredients and Calories

The Paradise Cake is a dessert that, although rich in sugars and fats, also has some positive aspects thanks to the ingredients used. Eggs, for example, provide high-quality proteins and vitamins, while lemon offers antioxidants and vitamin C. However, it is good to keep in mind that a serving of Paradise Cake can contain about 300-400 calories, depending on the variants and portions. For those who want to enjoy this dessert without overindulging, it is advisable to limit oneself to a slice and accompany it with a light beverage, such as tea or coffee. Choosing quality ingredients, such as butter and brown sugar, can help make the preparation healthier and tastier.

Can Paradise Cake be Frozen?

The answer is yes, Paradise Cake can be frozen without any problems. To freeze it properly, it is advisable to let it cool completely after baking and then wrap it in plastic wrap. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container suitable for freezing. This way, the cake will keep well for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours. If you prefer, you can also briefly warm it in the oven to restore its original texture. Remember to dust it with powdered sugar before serving for a guaranteed visual effect.