Fail-safe Whisked-Up Sponge

A recipe I found in an old book had a fascinating story of a young newly wed who could not get her sponge cakes to rise and was too ashamed to entertain her family and friends with afternoon tea. This recipe was passed to her as a fail-safe recipe.

You will understand the joy in my Official Tasters eyes when I explained that you cannot freeze fatless cakes. I said he could have a piece over the next few days to let me know if it goes past it’s best after being kept in the fridge. Well, I can report that it can last for at least two days. Longer than that I have no clue!

Ingredients

3 large eggs 5oz (150g) plain white flour
8oz (225g) caster sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder
3fl oz (75ml) water A little caster or icing sugar for dusting

Plus the filling of your choice. I used whipped cream with lemon curd stirred in. This time of year the local soft fruits would also go nicely with the whipped cream.Plus the filling of your choice. I used whipped cream with lemon curd stirred in. This time of year the local soft fruits would also go nicely with the whipped cream.

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°/Gas Mark 5.
  2. Separate the egg yolks from the whites.
  3. In a food mixer, whisk the yolks with the caster sugar for 2 minutes and then add in the water.
  4. Whisk until light and fluffy. This could take 10 minutes or more. The mixture will have increased in volume and should hold a figure eight for a few seconds.
  5. Gently fold the sieved flour and baking powder into the mousse mixture in batches.
  6. Whisk the egg whites until they hold a stiff peak then fold gently into the mixture.
  7. Divide the mixture between the two greased and floured sandwich tins and bake for 20-25 mins until risen, golden and firm to touch.
  8. When cool, sandwich the two together with the filling of your choice.
  9. Sprinkle with the caster or icing sugar over the top just before serving.

This sponge reminded me of the trifle sponges that my brother and I used to sneak into the larder to pinch when Mum was not looking. Yes Mum, that is where they went.

Images

sponge cake
SPONGE CAKE - FILLING OF YOUR CHOICE!