Unlock perfect sponge cake: Vinegar's secret power
Do you dream of a fluffy sponge cake that retains its shape after you take it out of the oven? Or have you experienced this delicate bake tending to fall? If so, this article is just for you! Discover the secret ingredient to ensure your sponge cake is always successful.
An ideal sponge cake is the foundation of countless bakes—from cakes and roulades to delicate desserts with cream. Unfortunately, preparing it doesn't always go according to plan. How often have you seen the cake rise beautifully in the oven, only to fall after being taken out? Fortunately, a simple trick will allow you to enjoy a perfectly fluffy sponge cake. The key to success is an ingredient you likely have in your kitchen—vinegar. Don't worry; its taste won't be noticeable, and the effect will surely amaze you.
Why does the sponge cake fall?
Before revealing this magic ingredient, it's worth understanding why the sponge cake falls in the first place. This phenomenon is mainly related to the baking process. During baking, the air trapped in the structure of the sponge cake expands, causing it to rise. After you take it out of the oven, the air escapes as the cake starts to cool, and the sponge cake loses volume.
Vinegar: An extraordinary cake addition
Now, let's get to the heart of the matter. Vinegar is the ingredient that can significantly improve the structure of the sponge cake and prevent it from falling. Sound strange? Yet it's true! Vinegar, when added to the egg yolks, reacts with baking soda (found in baking powder), forming carbon dioxide bubbles. As a result, the sponge cake becomes fluffier and lighter.
Recipe for a reliable sponge cake
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of wheat flour
- 1/2 cup of potato flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of vinegar
Method of preparation:
- All ingredients should be at room temperature.
- Whip the egg whites until stiff, gradually adding sugar.
- Mix the yolks thoroughly with vinegar.
- Gently combine the whipped egg whites with the yolks. Then, add sifted flour with baking powder and mix gently with a spatula.
- Transfer the batter to a pan lined with parchment paper. Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 35-40 minutes.
- After baking, leave the sponge cake in the pan to cool.
You can modify the basic sponge cake recipe according to your preferences. For example, you can add lemon or orange zest to the batter, cocoa, or fruits. You can also prepare a sponge cake with oil or yogurt.
