Sponge cake with pears and cinnamon
Pear and Cinnamon Sponge Cake: A Fragrant Delicacy from the Parents' Garden
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Number of Servings: 8-10
On a sunny summer day, when the sweet and fresh aroma of pears blends with the warm scent of cinnamon, there is nothing more comforting than a fluffy sponge cake that brings us joy and nostalgia. This pear and cinnamon sponge cake recipe is simple yet full of flavor, perfect to accompany a fragrant coffee or a warm tea. Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or serve it as a dessert at a festive meal, this sponge cake will surely impress.
Necessary Ingredients:
- 4 eggs (ideally, use free-range eggs for a more intense flavor)
- 150 g sugar (preferably fine sugar, for easier melting)
- 300 g flour (you can use whole wheat flour for a richer taste)
- 1 cup oil (sunflower oil is perfect, but you can also try olive oil)
- 1 cup milk (cow's milk or plant-based, depending on preferences)
- 1 packet baking powder (make sure it's fresh for optimal rising)
- a pinch of salt (salt helps balance the flavor)
- 5 pears (choose ripe but firm pears for perfect texture)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (cinnamon adds a warm and comforting aroma)
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (for an extra hint of flavor)
- powdered sugar (for decoration)
Step-by-Step Preparation:
1. Preparing the Batter: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until you achieve a firm foam. This step is crucial, as the air incorporated into the egg whites will give the sponge cake a light and fluffy texture.
2. Adding the Sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the beaten egg whites, continuing to mix for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes shiny and firm.
3. Incorporating the Yolks: Then, add the yolks, oil, and milk, mixing well after each ingredient. Ensure that the ingredients are well incorporated to avoid lumps.
4. Incorporating the Flour: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, using a spatula to gently fold from top to bottom, so as not to lose the air in the egg whites.
5. Preparing the Baking Tray: Line a rectangular baking tray (22x30 cm) with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the tray evenly, ensuring it is distributed uniformly.
6. Preparing the Pears: Wash the pears, cut them in half, remove the core, and slice them. Place the pear slices on top of the batter in the tray. They will add moisture and a natural sweet flavor to the sponge cake.
7. Seasoning: Sprinkle a packet of vanilla sugar and a teaspoon of cinnamon over the pears. These spices will enhance the aroma and turn the dessert into a true delicacy.
8. Baking: Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius and place the tray inside. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the sponge cake passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).
9. Cooling and Serving: Remove the tray from the oven and let the sponge cake cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully peel off the parchment paper, transfer the cake to a platter, and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant look.
Serving Suggestions:
This sponge cake is delicious both warm and cold. You can serve it plain or with a dollop of cream, vanilla ice cream, or caramel sauce. Offering a perfect combination of sweet and tangy, the sponge cake will quickly become a family favorite.
Alternative with Other Fruits:
If you don't have pears on hand, don't worry! This sponge cake is versatile and can be made with any other seasonal fruits, such as plums, peaches, or apricots. Experiment with different combinations of fruits and spices to discover your preferences.
Practical Tips:
- Flour: If you want to reduce calories, you can replace part of the flour with whole wheat or almond flour.
- Sugar: Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup for a healthier dessert.
- Storage: Keep the sponge cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugars: 15 g
This pear and cinnamon sponge cake is not just a delicious dessert, but also a wonderful way to bring the flavors of summer into your home. Feel free to experiment and add your own variations, whether it's changing the fruits or adding other spices. Cooking is an art, and every recipe offers the opportunity to be creative and bring joy to the lives of your loved ones!
Ingredients: 4 eggs (I had small homemade eggs) 150 g sugar 300 g flour 1 cup oil 1 cup milk 1 packet baking powder a pinch of salt 5 pears 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 packet vanilla sugar powdered sugar for dusting
