Chocolate sponge cake
Chocolate sponge cake is a decadent dessert that delights the senses with its rich chocolate flavor and light, airy texture. In this delectable journey, we’ll explore the origins, ingredients, baking techniques, serving suggestions, and variations of this beloved confection.
There’s just something magical about a Chocolate Sponge Cake, isn’t there? It’s the ultimate dessert that can effortlessly swing between being an elegant centerpiece for fancy celebrations and a cozy comfort food for Sunday afternoons. Light, fluffy, and infused with deep chocolatey goodness, this cake is every chocoholic’s dream come true.
Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or simply treating yourself (yes, you deserve it!), this recipe is here to deliver. It’s easy, versatile, and oh-so-delicious. Ready to dive into the chocolatey wonderland? Let’s get started!
Table of contents
Origins and Significance
Historical Roots: The origins of chocolate sponge cake can be traced back to Europe, where it became popular in the 19th century as cocoa powder became more widely available.
Versatile Dessert: Chocolate sponge cake has since become a classic dessert enjoyed around the world, whether served as a standalone treat, layered with frosting, or used as the base for elaborate desserts like Black Forest cake or chocolate trifle.
Ingredients for chocolate sponge cake
- Cocoa Powder: Unsweetened cocoa powder is the star ingredient of chocolate sponge cake, providing rich chocolate flavor and a deep brown color.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is typically used as the base of the cake, providing structure and stability.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake batter, balancing the bitterness of the cocoa powder.
- Eggs: Eggs add richness and help leaven the cake, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Leavening Agents: Baking powder and/or baking soda are used to help the cake rise and achieve its characteristic sponge-like texture.
- Dairy and Fat: Milk, butter, or oil are often added to the batter to keep the cake moist and tender.
Baking Techniques
Whipping Eggs: Achieving the perfect sponge cake requires properly whipping the eggs to incorporate air into the batter. This can be done by beating the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
Folding Flour: Carefully folding the dry ingredients into the whipped egg mixture ensures that the cake remains light and airy.
Baking Temperature and Time: Chocolate sponge cake is typically baked at a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 180°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Storage: Once baked, the cake should be allowed to cool completely in the pan before being transferred to a wire rack. It can be stored at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Recipe for chocolate sponge cake
How to make chocolate sponge cake recipe ?
Equipment
- Cooling rack
- Cake tin
- Stand mixer or hand beater
Ingredients
- 80 g All purpose flour or cake flour
- 20 g Cocoa powder
- 100 g Sugar
- 2 g Salt
- 3 nos Eggs
- 5 g Baking powder
- 5 ml Vanilla essence
- 20 ml Refined Oil Butter can be used
Instructions
- Measure all the ingredients correctly. In a cake mold, apply butter and keep ready or you can line with butter or parchment paper.
- In a bowl, sieve the refined flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt together and keep aside.80 g All purpose flour or cake flour, 20 g Cocoa powder, 2 g Salt, 5 g Baking powder
- In a dry bowl crack the eggs and vanilla essence and start whisking through hand or through electric beaters.3 nos Eggs, 5 ml Vanilla essence
- Whisk till the eggs gets foamy and double in size and add sugar gradually little by little and continue whisking.100 g Sugar
- Whisk till the sugar and egg is beat together that is ribbon texture and a soft peak can be seen as shown in picture. Add the sieved flour mixture and start folding it slowly.
- Add oil or melted butter in the last and pour it in the mold that is either lined with butter paper or butter.20 ml Refined Oil
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 200 degree celsius. If baking in pressure cooker , add a perforated tray at bottom and place the container inside and then close the lid and cook for 25 minutes in medium flame.
- Once baked let it rest for 5 – 10 minutes and then demold and serve with melted chocolate, ice cream or layer the cake.
Notes
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions
Simple and Elegant: Enjoy chocolate sponge cake on its own with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Layered and Frosted: Use chocolate sponge cake as the base for layered cakes, sandwiching it with frosting or ganache for a show-stopping dessert.
Accompaniments: Serve slices of chocolate sponge cake with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Equipments
Oven Toaster Griller (OTG) | 21 Litres
Stainless steel heating elements
Temperature control upto 250º C
Auto-shut off timer function with ready bell
LED light inside the chamber to monitor your dish effortlessly
Easy to clean crumb tray to collect crumbs that fall off during baking/grilling
Heating element selector – top or bottom
Heat-resistant tempered glass window
Full black metal housing
Crimson Revo Stand Mixer and Beater
EASY OPERATION:Â Revo Stand Mixer allows you to effortlessly create lip-smacking cake mixes and knead dough for pizzas, rotis and breads in no time.
It’s unique rotating bowl with a generous 4.5 liters stainless steel capacity can handle sufficient dough for 4-5/400gms loaves, 12 dozen cookies or biscuits, or beat 14-15 egg whites or whipped cream to perfection.
ROTATING HEAD DESIGN:Â Features a distinctive moving head design, making it a must-have for every home chef. This innovative feature ensures consistent dough for perfect rotis, pizzas, and breads, eliminating the need for manual kneading.
Variations of chocolate sponge cake
Mocha Sponge Cake: Infuse the batter with instant coffee or espresso powder for a subtle coffee flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Chocolate Orange Sponge Cake: Add orange zest or extract to the batter for a citrusy twist that enhances the chocolate flavor.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make a gluten-free chocolate sponge cake that everyone can enjoy.
Frequently asked questions
What is chocolate sponge cake?
Chocolate sponge cake is a light and airy dessert made with cocoa powder, flour, sugar, eggs, and leavening agents. It has a soft texture and rich chocolate flavor.
Can I make chocolate sponge cake without eggs?
Yes, you can make eggless chocolate sponge cake by using substitutes such as yogurt, applesauce, or mashed bananas to provide moisture and structure to the cake.
How do I prevent my chocolate sponge cake from being dry?
To prevent dryness, make sure not to overbake the cake, as this can result in a dry texture. Additionally, adding ingredients like milk, sour cream, or oil to the batter can help keep the cake moist.
What can I use instead of cocoa powder in chocolate sponge cake?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you can use melted chocolate or chocolate syrup as a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly.
How do I know when chocolate sponge cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Be careful not to overbake, as this can lead to a dry texture.
For more detailed doubts, tips and more about chocolate sponge cake recipe check out the FAQ.
Let’s get your baking started !
Chocolate sponge cake is a timeless classic that never fails to delight dessert lovers with its heavenly flavor and delicate texture. Whether enjoyed as a simple indulgence or dressed up for a special occasion, chocolate sponge cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and leave you craving another slice. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to indulge in the blissful world of chocolatey goodness with every bite of this irresistible treat.
