Jam and Raisin Sponge Cake

This Jam and Raisin Sponge Cake is a delightful treat, perfect for tea time or dessert. The fluffy sponge is enriched with raisins for bursts of sweetness, topped with a glossy layer of jam and a sprinkling of coconut flour for an elegant finish.

Preparation Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Bake Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 100g (½ cup) sugar
  • 8g (1 tablespoon) vanilla sugar
  • 100g (½ cup) yogurt
  • 100ml (⅓ cup + 1 tablespoon) milk
  • 80ml (⅓ cup) vegetable oil
  • A pinch of salt

Dry Ingredients:

  • 180g (1½ cups) 00 flour
  • 12g (1 tablespoon) baking powder
  • 50g (⅓ cup) raisins

For Topping:

  • Jam of your choice (strawberry, apricot, raspberry, etc.)
  • Coconut flour (for sprinkling)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Batter:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
    • Grease and line a 24 cm (9.5-inch) baking dish with parchment paper.
    • In a mixing bowl, beat 2 eggs with 100g sugar and 8g vanilla sugar until light and fluffy.
    • Add 100g yogurt, 100ml milk, and 80ml vegetable oil. Mix well.
    • Add a pinch of salt and mix again until fully combined.
  2. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
    • In a separate bowl, sift together 180g 00 flour and 12g baking powder.
    • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a smooth batter forms.
    • Fold in 50g raisins.
  3. Bake the Cake:
    • Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  4. Finish with Topping:
    • Once baked, let the cake cool in the dish for 10 minutes.
    • Spread a layer of your favorite jam over the top of the cake.
    • Sprinkle coconut flour over the jam layer for a lovely finish.
  5. Serve:
    • Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack.
  • Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
  • Serve with fresh berries for added freshness.

Cooking Tips

  • Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
  • Use a spatula to fold in raisins evenly without overmixing.
  • Substitute coconut flour with powdered sugar for a sweeter topping.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential vitamins.
  • Raisins: A natural source of energy and dietary fiber.
  • Coconut Flour: Adds texture and a hint of tropical flavor.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian: Yes
  • Gluten-Free: No (use gluten-free flour if needed)
  • Nut-Free: Yes

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerate for up to a week; reheat in the microwave for a fresh taste.
  • Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and easy to make with pantry staples.
  • Perfectly moist texture with bursts of raisin sweetness.
  • Versatile topping options to suit your preferences.
  • A crowd-pleasing cake for any occasion.

Conclusion
This Jam and Raisin Sponge Cake is a delightful, flavorful dessert that is both versatile and easy to prepare. Its moist texture, combined with the sweetness of raisins and the glossy jam topping, makes it a favorite for any gathering or casual tea time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour.
  2. Can I replace raisins with another dried fruit? Absolutely, try cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots.
  3. What other jams work well for the topping? Any fruit jam like blueberry, peach, or fig will work perfectly.
  4. Can I skip the coconut flour topping? Yes, powdered sugar or shredded coconut can be used instead.
  5. How can I make this cake dairy-free? Use plant-based yogurt and milk alternatives like almond or soy milk.
  6. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, bake the cake a day ahead and add the jam topping before serving.
  7. How do I prevent raisins from sinking? Toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter.
  8. Can I add nuts to the batter? Yes, chopped walnuts or almonds can be added for extra texture.
  9. How do I know when the cake is done? Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
  10. Can I double the recipe? Yes, use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time accordingly.