Desserts

Sponge cake

⏱ 60 min🍳 40 min👤 6 pp★★★☆☆

Hands up who wouldn’t want a slice of sponge cake right now! Sponge cake is one of those really quick desserts you can make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Some eggs, some flour, sugar, a lemon, a little baking powder, et voilà, and soon you’ll have a really wonderful cake that will delight your children, and adults too. In fact, a sponge cake, together with the simple doughnut and the ‘paradise’ sponge cake - two of its famous and equally popular "cousins" - are the tea-time treats that you really can’t do without in a house where there are children. If you want to make it even more appealing, maybe when you’re having a get together with your adult friends, you can fill it with Italian custard or with a generous layer of creamed chocolate or Nutella. Alternatively, as a snack to be enjoyed every day at breakfast or in the mid-afternoon, serve it as it is, simply dusted with icing sugar.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 380 kcal / serving

Protein
6g
Carbohydrates
58g
Fat
13g
Fiber
1g

* approximate values per serving

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

Preparation

Divide the egg yolks from the whites. Beat the egg yolks with the sugar in order to get a nice frothy mixture. Add the sifted flour, the grated zest of a lemon, melted butter and yeast. Beat everything together again with a whisk. Add the milk. Beat the egg whites until stiff. Fold in the egg whites, stirring gently from bottom to top. Bake in a springform pan lined with parchment paper; 40 minutes at 180°C will be sufficient. Serve with a sprinkling of icing sugar.

Tips
When beating the egg whites, add a pinch of salt: they will stiffen up even more effectively! Another tip: when cooking a cake, never open the oven during the first twenty minutes. You risk stopping the cake from rising perfectly!
Trivia
It seems that the Italian name for this cake ‘margherita’ – meaning ‘daisy’ - derives from the daisy colour contrast that occurs between the yellow and the white on the surface of the dough when dusted with icing sugar.

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Margherita Cake with Grated Lemon Zest

One of the most appreciated variations of the Margherita cake is undoubtedly the version with grated lemon zest, which gives the dessert a fresh and citrusy aroma and flavor. To prepare it, follow the basic recipe but make sure to finely grate the peel of an organic lemon, as it will be the distinctive element of your cake. This variation not only enhances the taste of the cake but also makes it perfect for a summer snack or as a light dessert after a meal. You can also decorate it with a lemon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and freshness. The Margherita cake with lemon zest is an excellent choice for those who love fragrant and not too heavy desserts.

Margherita Cake from Marche

The Margherita cake from Marche is a traditional preparation that stands out for its simplicity and genuineness. In this variation, the recipe remains faithful to the original ingredients but can be enriched with a touch of local liqueur, such as mistrà, for a more intense flavor. Additionally, some Marche chefs love to add a pinch of cinnamon for a spicy note. The Margherita cake is often served during holidays and family celebrations, representing a symbol of sweetness and conviviality. The preparation is simple and accessible to everyone, making it perfect even for those who are new to cooking. Discover the pleasure of enjoying a slice of Margherita cake from Marche, accompanied by a good coffee or a warm tea.

Light Margherita Cake without Butter

For those who desire a lighter version of the Margherita cake, the light recipe without butter is an ideal choice. In this preparation, butter is replaced with Greek yogurt or seed oil, while still maintaining a soft and moist texture. By using brown sugar instead of white sugar and whole grain flours, you achieve a healthier dessert, rich in fiber and lower in calories. This variation is perfect for those following a balanced diet but who do not want to give up the pleasure of a homemade dessert. The light Margherita cake can also be served with fresh fruit or a light dusting of powdered sugar, for a final result that satisfies the palate without being heavy.

Benefits of Margherita Cake: Ingredients and Calories

The Margherita cake, although a dessert, can offer some benefits thanks to the ingredients used. Eggs provide high-quality proteins and B vitamins, essential for metabolism. The "00" flour and starch, although rich in carbohydrates, can be balanced with the addition of whole ingredients or fruit. The lemon, used for the grated zest, provides vitamin C, fundamental for the immune system. In terms of calories, a serving of Margherita cake (about 100 grams) contains approximately 300-350 calories, depending on the ingredients used. It is important to consume it in moderation, especially if following a controlled diet, but it can still be a dessert to enjoy on special occasions.

Can Margherita Cake be Frozen?

Yes, the Margherita cake can be frozen without any problems. To achieve the best results, it is advisable to let it cool completely before proceeding with freezing. Once cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap or in a sealed food bag to protect it from moisture and freezer odors. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you wish to enjoy it, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about ten minutes. It is important to note that once thawed, the Margherita cake should be consumed within a few days to ensure the freshness and quality of the dessert.