Rolled Sponge Cake with Prunes (Rotolo alle Prugne)
This delightful Rolled Sponge Cake with Prunes is an elegant dessert that combines the lightness of a delicate sponge with the natural sweetness of caramelized prunes. Perfect for a special occasion or a sweet treat after dinner, this dessert is sure to impress. The recipe includes a step-by-step guide to prepare the soft sponge, a velvety vanilla cream, and caramelized prunes, all rolled together into a gorgeous dessert.
Recipe Category: Desserts
- Serves: 6
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 5 |
| Honey | 10g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 100g |
| Granulated sugar | 140g |
| Prunes | 600g |
| Sugar (for caramelizing) | 50g |
| Whole milk | 250g |
| Egg yolks | 3 |
| Cornstarch (maizena) | 25g |
| Sugar (for cream) | 75g |
| Vanilla bean (pod) | 1 |
| Sheet gelatin | 5g |
| Heavy cream (liquid) | 250g |
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sponge Cake
- Preheat your oven to 220Β°C (static) or 200Β°C (fan). Line a 30×40 cm baking tray with parchment paper, greasing it lightly.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the eggs, honey, and sugar, gradually adding the sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Once the egg mixture is well-combined and frothy, pour the batter into the prepared tray, spreading it evenly with a spatula to form a 7mm thick layer.
- Bake the sponge in the preheated oven for about 8-9 minutes in static mode or 4-5 minutes in fan mode until golden and springy to the touch.
- After baking, gently lift the sponge from the tray using a knife, and flip it onto a clean work surface with the parchment paper still attached. Dust it with some granulated sugar to prevent it from sticking as it cools.
Step 2: Prepare the Vanilla Cream
- Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for at least 10 minutes to soften.
- In a saucepan, heat the whole milk with the seeds from the vanilla bean (split the bean and scrape the seeds into the milk), bringing it to a boil. Once it starts to boil, remove the vanilla pod and optionally strain the milk to remove any bean remnants.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Gradually pour a little of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking to temper the eggs. Then, return the mixture to the saucepan with the remaining milk and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens into a custard-like consistency.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat, and add the softened gelatin sheets to the hot cream. Stir until the gelatin has dissolved completely.
- Transfer the cream to a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour to set.
Step 3: Caramelize the Prunes
- Wash the prunes thoroughly, cut them in half, and remove the pits. Slice each half into 6 wedges.
- Place the prune slices on a baking tray and sprinkle with 50g of sugar.
- Using the grill function of your oven, caramelize the prunes at 240Β°C for 3-4 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
Step 4: Assemble the Roll
- Once the sponge cake is cool and the vanilla cream has thickened, spread a layer of the cream evenly over the sponge using a spatula, covering it entirely.
- Evenly distribute the caramelized prunes on top of the cream.
- Carefully roll the sponge cake from one edge, using the parchment paper to help you roll it tightly without squishing the filling.
- Once rolled, wrap the sponge roll in the parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours to allow the cream to firm up and the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve
- After the chilling time, remove the parchment paper and slice the rolled cake into portions.
- Serve the Rolled Sponge Cake with Prunes as a perfect end to your meal, with the rich flavors of vanilla, prunes, and cream coming together in every bite.
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Sugars | 40g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 30mg |
Enjoy this dessert as a delicious treat, combining the comfort of a soft sponge with the rich, caramelized flavor of prunes. The vanilla cream adds a silky smoothness that takes this dessert to another level of indulgence. Whether youβre entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet dessert after dinner, this Rolled Sponge Cake with Prunes is a perfect choice!
