This quick and easy cake recipe is perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet but don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. With a fluffy sponge base and a luscious orange cream filling, topped with whipped cream, this cake is incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make. In just five minutes, you can have a delightful dessert that will impress anyone who tries it. Whether it’s for a quick afternoon treat or a special dessert for guests, this cake will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Sponge:
- 4 eggs: These provide the structure and lightness to the sponge cake.
- A pinch of salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 100 grams of sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to aerate the eggs.
- Egg yolk of 1 egg: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Peel of 1 orange, finely grated: Provides a fragrant and citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cream.
- 100 grams of flour: Forms the base of the cake, giving it structure.
- Vanillin (or vanilla extract): Adds a touch of vanilla flavor to enhance the overall taste.
For the Orange Cream:
- 2 eggs: Used to create a rich, custard-like cream.
- 150 grams of sugar: Sweetens the cream and helps it thicken.
- 3 tablespoons of starch: Acts as a thickening agent to give the cream its smooth texture.
- 300 grams of milk: Provides the liquid base for the cream, making it silky and rich.
- Orange juice (from the orange used for the peel): Adds a fresh and tangy flavor to the cream.
- 2 tablespoons of butter: Adds richness and a smooth finish to the cream.
For the Whipped Cream:
- 200 grams of cold cream: Whipping cream adds a light and airy texture, perfect for topping the cake.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream and helps stabilize it.
Extras:
- Icing sugar, for dusting: Adds a final touch of sweetness and makes the cake look beautiful.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sponge:
- Beat the Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 eggs with a pinch of salt and 100 grams of sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and triples in volume. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the Flavorings: Gently fold in the egg yolk, the finely grated orange peel, and the vanillin or vanilla extract. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
- Incorporate the Flour: Sift the 100 grams of flour over the egg mixture. Gently fold it in using a spatula until well combined, ensuring there are no lumps.
2. Bake the Sponge:
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into a greased and floured baking dish or cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the sponge from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
3. Make the Orange Cream:
- Mix the Ingredients: In a saucepan, whisk together the 2 eggs, 150 grams of sugar, and 3 tablespoons of starch. Gradually add the 300 grams of milk and the orange juice, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook the Cream: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens into a smooth, custard-like cream. Remove from heat and stir in the 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and fully incorporated. Let the cream cool completely.
4. Whip the Cream:
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the 200 grams of cold cream with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
5. Assemble the Cake:
- Layer the Cake: Once the sponge cake is cool, slice it in half horizontally to create two layers. Spread a generous layer of the cooled orange cream over the bottom layer. Place the top layer of the cake back on top.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the cake, creating an even layer.
- Dust with Icing Sugar: Finally, dust the top of the cake with icing sugar for a beautiful finish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Immediately: This cake is best enjoyed fresh, with the cream and whipped cream perfectly set.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: A slice of this cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful treat for any time of the day.
Conclusion:
This quick and easy cake recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a delicious homemade dessert without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of a light, fluffy sponge, a rich and tangy orange cream, and a topping of sweet whipped cream makes this cake irresistible. Whether you’re serving it to guests or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to become a regular in your dessert rotation. Enjoy every bite of this delightful and flavorful cake!