Delight in the simplicity and elegance of Pão de Ló, a classic Portuguese sponge cake that's as light as air and beautifully golden. Made with just five pantry staples—eggs, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt—this recipe achieves its irresistibly fluffy texture through a unique technique of whipping the eggs and sugar until voluminous and pale. The inclusion of vanilla adds a delicate flavor, while gentle folding ensures the batter stays airy. Perfectly baked in under 30 minutes, this easy yet impressive cake is ideal for any occasion, whether served plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Indulge in this timeless treat that embodies the art of simplicity in baking!
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges are also covered to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on high speed. Beat for about 8-10 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and triples in volume.
Add the vanilla extract and salt to the egg mixture, beating briefly to incorporate.
Sift the all-purpose flour into the egg mixture in three batches. Gently fold the flour into the eggs using a spatula, ensuring you don't deflate the batter. Use light, sweeping motions to maintain the airy texture.
Once the flour is fully incorporated, pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Carefully transfer the cake onto a wire rack and cool completely before serving or decorating.
Slice and serve plain, with powdered sugar, or with whipped cream and fruit for a traditional presentation.
Serving size | (655.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1751.9 |
Total Fat 30.0g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 9.6g | 0% |
Cholesterol 1116mg | 0% |
Sodium 1018.8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 317.2g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 4.1g | 0% |
Total Sugars 201.9g | |
Protein 53.2g | 0% |
Vitamin D 246IU | 0% |
Calcium 189.0mg | 0% |
Iron 12.2mg | 0% |
Potassium 583.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories