Pineapple-Nut Passover Sponge Cake

Pineapple-Nut Passover Sponge Cake Recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

This Pineapple-Nut Passover Sponge Cake is a delicious and light dessert that is perfect for the Passover holiday. The combination of pineapple, almonds, and citrus zest gives this cake a unique and refreshing flavor that is sure to impress your guests.

History

Passover sponge cakes have been a traditional dessert for the Jewish holiday of Passover for many years. This recipe combines traditional Passover ingredients with a modern twist by adding pineapple and nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients

0.75 cup of potato starch
0.25 cup of cake meal
0.5 tsp of ginger
0.5 tsp of nutmeg
0.25 tsp of salt
10 large eggs (using 4 yolks and 10 whites)
0.67 cup of superfine white sugar
1.5 tsp of minced lemon
1.5 tsp of minced orange
zest from 1 navel orange
3 tbsp of frozen pineapple concentrate
0.5 cup of blanched almonds
1 tbsp of 10x sugar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Line the bottom of a 9" tube pan with a doughnut-shaped piece of wax paper, making notches around the center circle every inch. Do not grease the pan.
Sift the first 4 ingredients into a bowl and set aside.
Separate the eggs, placing 4 yolks into one mixing bowl and 10 whites into another.
Using the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until foamy. Then, increase the speed to high.
Sprinkle in half of the sugar and continue beating until the whites are stiff and glossy.
Set the bowl with the yolks on the machine and beat until light.
Sprinkle in the remaining sugar, zests, and concentrate. Beat on high speed until well blended.
Using a wooden spoon, stir about 0.5 cup of the beaten egg whites into the yolks. Then, pour the entire yolk mixture over the beaten egg whites.
Fold in the mixture by hand in 12 sweeping strokes.
Sift the dry ingredients again over the mixture and continue folding for another 12 strokes.
Sprinkle and fold in the nuts (another 12 strokes would suffice).
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing out the top.
Run a blunt knife around the sides to remove any air bubbles.
Bake in the center section of the oven for 55 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and invert the tube onto a 3-cup mason jar with a 1.5" neck, or any convenient holder that will fit the tube.
Allow the cake to cool for 1.5 hours.
Gently unmold the cake and peel off the wax paper.
Once completely cooled, sift confectioner's sugar over the cake.
Cut the cake with a sharp serrated knife or pull apart servings with a fork.

Variations

You can substitute the almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different flavor.
Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm and spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to separate the eggs carefully to ensure that the egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks.

- Folding in the dry ingredients and nuts gently will help to keep the cake light and airy.

- Inverting the cake onto a mason jar or other holder while cooling will help to prevent it from collapsing.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is best served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Beating the egg whites to stiff peaks is essential for a light and airy cake.

- Folding in the dry ingredients gently will help to keep the cake from becoming dense.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular sugar instead of superfine sugar if needed.

- Gluten-free flour can be used in place of potato starch for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

This 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 and garnish with fresh pineapple slices and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This cake pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this cake contains approximately 180 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Pineapple-Nut Passover Sponge Cake contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this cake contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this cake contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This cake is a good source of vitamin C from the citrus zest and pineapple.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and eggs.

Summary

This Pineapple-Nut Passover Sponge Cake is a light and delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and fat. It is a good source of carbohydrates and protein, making it a satisfying treat for Passover.

Summary

This Pineapple-Nut Passover Sponge Cake is a delicious and light dessert that is perfect for the Passover holiday. With a unique combination of flavors and a light and airy texture, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Pineapple-Nut Passover Sponge Cake. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a skilled cook who had a treasure trove of recipes passed down through generations, and I looked up to her with admiration and awe.

One warm spring day, as we sifted through her old recipe box, my grandmother came across a yellowed index card with faded handwriting. "Ah, here it is," she said with a smile, "the recipe for Pineapple-Nut Passover Sponge Cake. I learned this from a dear friend many years ago, and it has been a family favorite ever since."

I watched intently as my grandmother gathered the ingredients and began to explain the process of making the cake. The delicate balance of flavors and textures, the careful attention to detail – it was like a magical spell being woven before my eyes.

First, we mixed together eggs, sugar, and matzo meal, folding in crushed pineapple and chopped nuts for a burst of sweetness and crunch. As the cake baked in the oven, the scent of vanilla and cinnamon filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl with anticipation.

When the cake emerged golden and fragrant, my grandmother carefully sliced it into squares and served it on delicate china plates. The first bite was a revelation – the light, airy texture of the sponge cake paired perfectly with the juicy pineapple and nutty crunch. It was a symphony of flavors that danced on my tongue and lingered in my memory long after the last crumb had been savored.

From that moment on, Pineapple-Nut Passover Sponge Cake became a staple in our family gatherings. Whenever there was a special occasion or holiday, I would don my apron and recreate the magic of that first taste, sharing the recipe with friends and loved ones who marveled at its delicious simplicity.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen, experimenting with different variations of the recipe and adding my own personal touch. I learned to trust my instincts, to follow my heart, and to embrace the joy of cooking as a form of creative expression.

Now, as I sit at my kitchen table, surrounded by the comforting aromas of baking cakes and simmering sauces, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the culinary legacy passed down to me by my grandmother. Her Pineapple-Nut Passover Sponge Cake is more than just a recipe – it is a symbol of love, tradition, and the enduring power of food to bring people together.

And so, as I take a bite of the sweet, nutty cake that has brought so much joy into my life, I am reminded of the simple pleasures that can be found in a well-loved recipe. With each forkful, I taste the memories of my grandmother's kitchen, the laughter of family gatherings, and the warmth of a shared meal enjoyed with those we hold dear.

For me, Pineapple-Nut Passover Sponge Cake is more than just a dessert – it is a reminder of the love and connection that can be found in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal with others. And as I continue to pass on this recipe to future generations, I hope that they too will find the same joy and fulfillment in creating something delicious and meaningful from the heart.