Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake

Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake Recipe from Israel

Region / culture: Israel | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 55-65 minutes | Servings: 10-12

Introduction

Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake is a delicious and decadent dessert that is perfect for celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover. This light and airy cake is made with a combination of eggs, sugar, chocolate, and cake flour, resulting in a moist and flavorful treat that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

The origins of Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake can be traced back to traditional Jewish baking techniques that have been passed down through generations. This recipe has been adapted over time to include ingredients like chocolate and orange, adding a modern twist to a classic dessert.

Ingredients

12 eggs, separated
1.5 cups sugar
2 tbsp cold water
juice and grated rind of 1 orange
0.5 lb (227 g) sweet chocolate, grated
0.75 cups matzo cake flour

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
In a mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until they become light and fluffy, which should take about 7 minutes.
Add the cold water, orange juice, orange rind, chocolate, and cake flour to the mixture.
Gently fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites.
Pour the batter into a 10-inch tube pan with a removable insert.
Bake the cake for 55 to 65 minutes or until it springs back when gently pressed.
Allow the cake to cool completely by inverting it on a cake rack before removing it from the pan.

Variations

Add a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to the batter for a mocha flavor.
Substitute almond flour for cake flour for a gluten-free version of the cake.
Top the cake with a chocolate ganache or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to beat the egg yolks and sugar until they are light and fluffy, as this will help to create a tender and moist cake.

- Folding in the stiffly beaten egg whites gently is key to maintaining the cake's airy texture.

- Grating the sweet chocolate finely will ensure that it melts evenly throughout the cake batter.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the pan to prevent it from sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy is essential for creating a tender cake.

- Folding in the stiffly beaten egg whites gently will help to maintain the cake's airy texture.

- Inverting the cake on a cake rack to cool completely will prevent it from becoming soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use dark chocolate instead of sweet chocolate for a richer flavor.

- Substitute lemon juice and lemon zest for the orange juice and orange rind for a citrusy twist.

- Replace the cake flour with all-purpose flour if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the cake with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of hot coffee for a delightful pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place a slice of cake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake is a good source of iron and calcium, providing essential nutrients for overall health.

Alergens

Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake contains eggs and wheat, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning how to cook from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always whipping up delicious meals and desserts for our family to enjoy. I would watch in awe as she measured out ingredients, mixed them together, and created magic in the kitchen.

One day, as Passover was approaching, my grandmother pulled out a tattered old cookbook that had been passed down through the generations. She flipped through the pages until she found the recipe for Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake. I had never tried it before, but the combination of chocolate and sponge cake sounded irresistible.

My grandmother explained that this recipe was a family favorite, passed down from her own grandmother. She told me stories of how she used to help her grandmother bake this cake every year for Passover, and how it always brought joy and sweetness to their holiday celebration. I could see the love and nostalgia in her eyes as she spoke, and I knew that this cake was something special.

As my grandmother began to gather the ingredients for the cake, I watched closely, eager to learn and help in any way I could. She measured out matzo cake meal, potato starch, cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, and oil, carefully combining them into a smooth batter. I could smell the rich chocolatey aroma wafting through the air, and my mouth watered in anticipation.

Once the batter was ready, my grandmother poured it into a greased cake pan and placed it in the oven to bake. As we waited for the cake to rise and develop its light, airy texture, my grandmother shared more stories with me about her own experiences baking this cake as a young girl. She told me about the laughter, the messes, and the joy that came with creating something delicious from scratch.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the cake was ready. My grandmother carefully removed it from the oven and let it cool on the counter. The smell of warm chocolate filled the kitchen, and I could hardly contain my excitement. When the cake had cooled enough, my grandmother cut a slice and handed it to me with a smile.

I took a bite of the Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake and was immediately transported to a world of sweetness and bliss. The cake was light and fluffy, with a rich chocolate flavor that melted in my mouth. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I knew in that moment that this recipe would become a staple in my own cooking repertoire.

Over the years, I have made this Passover Chocolate Sponge Cake countless times, always thinking of my grandmother and the memories we shared in the kitchen. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing down the tradition of baking this delicious cake for Passover each year.

As I bake this cake once again, I can't help but feel grateful for the bond that cooking has created between me and my grandmother. The love, the laughter, and the delicious food we have shared over the years have brought us closer together and created a legacy that will live on for generations to come. And as I take a bite of the warm, chocolatey cake, I am reminded of the joy and sweetness that cooking can bring to our lives.