Passover Sponge Cake

Passover Sponge Cake Recipe with Orange and Lemon - Israeli Cuisine

Region / culture: Israel | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Passover Sponge Cake is a traditional dessert enjoyed during the Jewish holiday of Passover. This light and fluffy cake is perfect for celebrating the holiday with family and friends.

History

The Passover Sponge Cake has been a staple dessert during the Passover holiday for generations. It is a symbol of the sweetness and joy of the holiday, and is often enjoyed after the traditional Passover Seder meal.

Ingredients

9 eggs, separated
1.75 cups sugar
0.4 cup potato starch
0.25 cup cold water
0.6 cup cake flour
0.5 orange, juice and rind
0.5 lemon, juice and rind

How to prepare

Separate the eggs, placing the whites in a mixing bowl and the yolks in cold water.
Beat the egg whites by hand or with an electric mixer until they form stiff peaks, but are not dry.
Gradually add the sugar to the beaten egg whites.
Add the yolks and water mixture to the beaten egg whites and mix well.
Add the juices and rinds to the mixture and mix well.
Add the cake flour and starch that have been previously mixed together, using a low mixer speed or mixing by hand.
Ensure that the flour mixture is thoroughly blended into the batter.
Transfer the batter into an angel food cake pan and bake for approximately 45 minutes, or until the cake is done, in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C).
You can experiment by adding nuts, cinnamon-sugar, or other ingredients, but the basic recipe is already moist, tasty, and wonderful, especially when served with fruits.

Variations

Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.
Drizzle the cake with a lemon glaze for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to separate the eggs carefully, as any yolk in the whites can prevent them from forming stiff peaks.

- Folding the flour mixture into the batter gently will help keep the cake light and fluffy.

- Make sure to bake the cake in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Passover Sponge Cake with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious and festive dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg whites until stiff peaks form is key to creating a light and airy cake.

- Folding the flour mixture into the batter gently will help keep the cake from becoming dense.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use matzo cake meal instead of cake flour for a Passover-friendly version of this recipe.

- If you don't have potato starch, you can use cornstarch as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

Passover Sponge Cake can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Presentation Ideas

Dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving for a beautiful finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Passover Sponge Cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Passover Sponge Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Passover Sponge Cake contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

Each serving of Passover Sponge Cake contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Passover Sponge Cake contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Passover Sponge Cake is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Passover Sponge Cake contains eggs and may contain nuts. It is gluten-free.

Summary

Passover Sponge Cake is a light and fluffy dessert that is relatively low in calories and fats. It is a sweet treat that can be enjoyed in moderation during the Passover holiday.

Summary

Passover Sponge Cake is a delicious and traditional dessert that is perfect for celebrating the Passover holiday. With its light and fluffy texture, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Passover Sponge Cake. It was a warm spring day, the sun shining brightly through the windows of my grandmother's kitchen. I was just a young girl at the time, eager to learn the secrets of her delicious cooking.

My grandmother, a petite woman with silver hair and a twinkle in her eye, was bustling around the kitchen, preparing for our family's Passover celebration. She had a reputation for being an excellent cook, and I was always eager to watch her work her magic in the kitchen.

As I watched her sift flour and beat eggs, I couldn't help but ask her how she learned to make such wonderful dishes. She smiled and motioned for me to sit at the kitchen table.

"Well, my dear," she began, "I have learned many recipes over the years from various places and people. But this recipe for Passover Sponge Cake holds a special place in my heart."

She went on to tell me about how she had first learned to make the cake from her own grandmother, who had brought the recipe with her from the old country. It was a family tradition, passed down from generation to generation.

My grandmother's eyes sparkled as she recounted memories of baking the cake with her own mother, the smell of vanilla and lemon filling the air. She told me how she had tweaked the recipe over the years, adding her own little touches to make it her own.

As she spoke, I could see the love and pride she had for this recipe shining through. I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

So, I spent that afternoon by her side, watching intently as she measured and mixed, teaching me the little tips and tricks that could only be learned through years of experience. She showed me how to fold in the egg whites gently, how to test for doneness with a toothpick, and how to drizzle the syrup over the warm cake to make it extra moist and flavorful.

By the time the cake was ready to come out of the oven, my mouth was watering in anticipation. The golden brown cake emerged from the oven, fluffy and light as a cloud. The scent of vanilla and lemon filled the kitchen, and I knew that I had just learned a recipe that would stay with me for the rest of my life.

As we sat down to enjoy the cake together, my grandmother smiled at me, her eyes twinkling with pride. "You did a wonderful job, my dear," she said. "I can see that you have a natural talent for cooking, just like me."

And from that day on, Passover Sponge Cake became a staple in my own kitchen. I would make it for family gatherings, special occasions, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea. And every time I made it, I would think of my grandmother and the special bond we shared over this recipe.

So, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will cherish it as much as I have. May it bring you joy and sweet memories, just as it has for me. And remember, cooking is not just about following a recipe – it's about love, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones you love. Happy baking!