Sponge ai is a delicious and indulgent treat that is loved by many. This light and airy dessert is made from a few simple ingredients and is a great option for any occasion. In this article, we will explore the steps to make sponge ai at home and provide tips for achieving the perfect, fluffy texture.
Ingredients:
– 4 large eggs
– 100g caster sugar
– 100g plain flour
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
– 1 tablespoon icing sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a 20cm (8 inch) round cake tin with parchment paper.
2. Separate the egg yolks from the whites and place them in two separate large mixing bowls. Make sure there is no trace of egg yolk in the whites, as this can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.
3. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This may take a few minutes, and the volume of the egg whites should increase significantly.
4. Gradually add the caster sugar to the egg whites, a little at a time, while continuing to beat until the mixture is thick and glossy.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
6. Gently fold the egg yolk mixture into the egg white mixture, being careful not to knock out too much air.
7. Sift the flour over the egg mixture and fold it in gently, ensuring there are no lumps of flour remaining.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the sponge is golden and springy to the touch.
10. Once baked, remove the sponge from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Once cooled, dust the top of the sponge with icing sugar before serving.
Tips for Success:
– Be gentle when folding the egg yolk mixture and flour into the egg whites to avoid losing too much air and volume.
– Make sure the cake tin is lined with parchment paper to prevent the sponge from sticking to the pan.
– Avoid overbaking the sponge, as it can become dry and lose its light texture.
Sponge ai is best enjoyed fresh on the day it is made, but it can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two. Whether served on its own, with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh fruit, or as part of a trifle, sponge ai is a versatile dessert that is sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients and careful technique, you can create a delightful sponge ai that will delight your family and friends.
