Sponge cake with coffee and jam

Ness and Jam Sponge Cake – A Delightful Treat Easy to Prepare

Total preparation time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

Welcome to the world of sweet delights! Today we will indulge in a sponge cake with Ness and jam, a simple recipe with a perfect taste. This dessert combines fluffy textures with the rich flavors of coffee and jam, transforming into a true indulgence for any occasion. The recipe has been adapted from a specialty magazine, and I have made some modifications that give it a unique style. Let’s see together how to prepare it!

The History of Sponge Cake

Sponge cake is a classic dessert that has its origins in European cuisine, cherished for its versatility. It can be served plain, with various glazes or fillings, adding a touch of elegance to any meal. In the recipe I propose today, I chose to combine the jam with the intense flavors of Ness, creating a delicious contrast.

Ingredients

- 5 eggs (ideal for a fluffy texture; make sure they are at room temperature for better mixing)
- 200 g sugar (you can also use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk for a vegan option)
- 1 cup oil (sunflower oil is ideal; avoid oils with strong flavors)
- 1 ½ cups flour (try to use high-quality flour for a successful sponge cake)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa (for a chocolate flavor; make sure it is quality cocoa)
- 1 tablespoon Ness (or instant coffee, if you prefer)
- A pinch of baking powder (for a fluffy texture)
- 4 tablespoons of thick jam (large cherries or other types of jam, but make sure it is well-set to avoid thinning the mixture)

Step by Step

1. Preparing the mixture: In a large bowl, start mixing the eggs with the sugar. Use a mixer on medium speed until the mixture becomes a fluffy cream and lightens in color, increasing in volume. This is the perfect base for a fluffy sponge cake.

2. Adding wet ingredients: While continuing to mix, gradually add the milk and oil. Make sure to incorporate them well without losing air from the mixture, to achieve an airy texture.

3. Combining dry ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Add this mixture to the egg mixture, mixing on low speed until well combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can affect your sponge cake.

4. Dividing the mixture: Divide the mixture into three bowls:
- In the first bowl, leave the mixture plain.
- In the second bowl, add cocoa and Ness, mixing well to achieve a uniform mixture.
- In the third bowl, add the jam, mixing until well combined.

5. Preparing the baking tray: Take a not very large tray (a foil tray is ideal) and grease it with oil, then dust it with flour. This step is essential to prevent the sponge cake from sticking.

6. Pouring the mixture: Start by pouring the mixture from the first bowl (plain) in the middle of the tray, forming a circle. Then, pour the mixture from the second bowl (with cocoa and Ness) exactly in the center of the first mixture. Finally, pour the jam mixture in the middle of the second mixture. This technique will create beautifully defined layers.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 °C (moderate heat) and place the tray inside. Bake the sponge cake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is important not to open the oven door in the first 30 minutes of baking to avoid the sponge cake collapsing.

8. Cooling and serving: Once the sponge cake is baked, let it cool slightly, then dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant look. Serve it warm or at room temperature, alongside a cup of coffee or tea.

Practical Tips

- The jam: Make sure the jam is well-set. If it is too soft, it may thin the mixture, and the sponge cake will not bake evenly.
- The order of the mixtures: Experiment with the order of the mixture layers. Although I recommend 3-2-1 for even baking, you can reverse the order based on your preferences.
- Serving: This sponge cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, adding a contrast of temperature and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use another type of jam?
Yes, you can adapt the recipe with any preferred jam, but make sure it has a similar consistency.

2. How can I make the sponge cake gluten-free?
Replace the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour, such as almond flour or rice flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be different.

3. How do I store the sponge cake?
The sponge cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

The sponge cake with Ness and jam is an easy-to-prepare recipe, perfect for any occasion. With each bite, you will enjoy the deep aroma of coffee and authentic sweetness, and friends and family will undoubtedly be impressed. Feel free to put your personal touch on the recipe by experimenting with various ingredients or presentations. Cooking is an art, and every dessert you create is a story in itself. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 5 eggs; 200g of sugar; 1 cup of milk; 1 cup of oil; 1 1/2 cups of flour; 1 tablespoon of cocoa; 1 tablespoon of instant coffee; a pinch of baking powder; 4 tablespoons of cherry jam (large cherries)

 Tags:  sponge cake nothing sweetness