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Chocolate Sponge Cake Recipe (Pan di Spagna al Cacao)
Chocolate Pan di Spagna, the traditional Italian chocolate sponge cake, is a light and airy base used to create many classic Italian desserts. With just eggs, sugar, flour, and a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder, you get a soft and fluffy chocolate sponge perfect for layering, filling, and decorating.This Italian chocolate sponge cake is incredibly versatile. You can use it for layer cakes or any dessert that calls for a light, cocoa-flavored base. Just like the plain version, the goal is to achieve a soft and spongy texture.
Ingredients
- 4 medium eggs
- 150 g granulated sugar - ¾ cup
- 120 g "00" flour - 1 cup
- 40 g unsweetened cocoa powder - ⅓ cup
- 3 to 4 drops vanilla extract - optional
- butter - for greasing the cake pan
Instructions
- To make the chocolate Pan di Spagna, place the eggs, sugar, and a few drops of vanilla extract (if using) into the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 16 to 20 minutes, until the mixture becomes very pale, thick, and incredibly fluffy.
- While the eggs and sugar are whipping, preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) and generously butter your cake pan, coating both the base and the sides.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour and unsweetened cocoa powder. Mix well so the dry ingredients are evenly combined and free of lumps.
- Gently fold the flour and cocoa into the egg mixture. Add the dry ingredients a little at a time, sprinkling them over the surface rather than dumping them in. Use a spatula and fold slowly from the bottom up, turning the bowl as you go. This helps keep the batter airy and prevents it from deflating.
- Pour the batter into the buttered cake pan. Lightly smooth the surface with a spatula, taking care not to tap or shake the pan, since this could make the sponge collapse.
- Bake in the preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) fan setting for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cake inside for 5 minutes with the door slightly ajar. Then remove it and let it cool completely at room temperature before slicing or filling.
Nutrition
Serving: 100gCalories: 170kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 5gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 33mgPotassium: 123mgFiber: 2gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 119IUCalcium: 21mgIron: 2mg
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