first posted 2017'ish; updated 2024
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| Classic sponge stuffed with double cream and Balsamic Strawberries 'So lovely we kept back some to enjoy the next day.' |
If you've never made your own sponge cake, there's a treat in store.
This one was discovered in Spain and is the perfect summer treat; it's light, airy and melt-in-the mouth with a fragrant tender brown crust.
Okay, there's a little more sugar than usual for 67goingon50 but it's not excessive.
Despite the sugar, the sponge otherwise is pretty healthy with no added fat and only a small amount of flour. For this recipe 67 recommends making the sponge the day before needed.
The filling here is strawberries in balsamic vinegar with whipped dairy or plant cream. In truth, any fruit will do but strawberries during Wimbledon do tend to be at their best.
And if balsamic flavoured fruit is not your thing, just sprinkle over a tablespoon or so of sugar until the jammy juices run.
The sponge - called Bread cake - is served on the Spanish Mediterranean coast with breakfast coffee, unadorned. With afternoon coffee, fruit & (if wanted) cream is added on request.
Feel free to substitute your own sponge recipe (English sponges will be a little heavier) or even cheap and cheerful supermarket sponges but obviously the culinary experience will change.
This version provides four decent portions. If you only need two, store half the sponge (unfilled) for later. It keeps well wrapped in a double layer of clingfilm and refrigerated, for a couple of days, or in the freezer for 2 weeks.
If you're trying to be very healthy, don't bother with cream and fill the the plain sponge layers with a sugar-free compote/jam made from fresh berries. It makes a light treat in an adult packed lunch.
The sponge is easy to make but attention to detail pays off. Electric beaters are essential for best results.
Cost: £1.75 + cost of berries plus cream if using (2022)
Makes: 3-4 portions
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
62gm/2oz white sugar + 30gm/1oz white sugar (for egg whites)
45gm/1.5oz self raising flour (if using plain flour, add 1/2 tsp baking powder and remove 1 tablespoon of the mix)
1/2 tsp vanilla essence (opt)
Garnish:
Double or Whipping dairy cream OR Vegan Cream whisked to medium-firm peaks (opt)
Balsamic Strawberries: see below OR plain sliced strawberries
Method:
