Whole Wheat Sponge Cake (Pan di Spagna Integrale) Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 10
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Eggs | 275g |
| Brown Sugar | 150g |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 150g |
| Honey | 10g |
| Lemon Zest | ยฝ lemon |
| Salt | 1 pinch |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Batter:
Start by placing the eggs into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Add the brown sugar and a pinch of salt to the eggs. Add the lemon zest, making sure to grate only the yellow part of the lemon peel to avoid any bitterness. -
-
Whisking:
Begin whisking the egg and sugar mixture at medium-high speed, continuing until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, approximately 8-10 minutes. The mixture should nearly triple in volume. -
Incorporate the Flour:
Once the egg mixture is fluffy, gently sift the whole wheat flour over the mixture to prevent lumps. Using a spatula, gently fold the flour into the mixture in a circular motion, starting from the bottom and working your way up. Be careful not to deflate the batter. -
Prepare the Baking Pan:
Line a 22.5 cm (9-inch) round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring it is spread evenly. -
Baking:
Preheat your oven to 175ยฐC (350ยฐF) and place the cake in the center of the oven. Bake for about 45 minutes. To check if the cake is done, perform the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. -
Cooling:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert it onto a wire rack to cool. Allow it to cool completely before removing the parchment paper. -
Serve:
Once the cake has cooled, you can slice and serve it as a delightful light dessert or as a base for layered cakes, topped with fresh fruits or whipped cream.
Tips:
- Be sure to sift the flour to avoid lumps and ensure an even texture in the batter.
- For a richer flavor, you can replace the brown sugar with an equal amount of coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
- This cake is perfect as is or can be paired with a light fruit compote or a drizzle of honey.
Enjoy this healthy, whole wheat variation of the classic Pan di Spagna, a light and fluffy treat thatโs perfect for any occasion!
