Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Sifter
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually add the sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue beating until the mixture is thick and creamy.
4. Sift the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 215 kcal
Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 5 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- For the eggs, you can use a flax egg or a chia egg as a vegan substitute.
- For the sugar, you can use coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey as a natural sweetener.
- For the all-purpose flour, you can use almond flour or oat flour as a gluten-free alternative.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate version.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or dried fruit for a nutty or fruity version.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to beat the eggs until light and fluffy for a light and airy texture.
- Sift the flour and baking powder to ensure that the cake is evenly mixed.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat the cake in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation Ideas:
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
- Serve with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
Garnishes:
- Fresh berries
- Chopped nuts
- Chocolate shavings
Pairings:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Hot chocolate
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Ice cream
- Fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a few tablespoons of milk or cream to the batter.
- If the cake is too dense, add a few tablespoons of baking soda to the batter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to use fresh eggs and ingredients.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
Food History:
Pan di Spagna is an Italian sponge cake that dates back to the 19th century. It is traditionally served with coffee or tea and is a popular dessert in Italy.
Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a light and airy texture with a subtle sweetness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with fresh fruit and whipped cream.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for a decadent treat.
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Region: Italian