Delicate, airy, and irresistibly light, the Portuguese Pão de Ló is a classic sponge cake that perfectly balances simplicity with elegance. Made with just six basic ingredients—eggs, sugar, flour, baking powder, salt, and a hint of vanilla—this timeless recipe relies on the magic of whipping eggs and sugar to create a batter that's ethereally fluffy. Its golden exterior hides a pillowy interior, making it an unforgettable treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with fresh fruit and whipped cream, this cake is a dessert staple that's sure to impress. Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for both celebrations and everyday indulgence. Perfect for fans of European desserts, this Pão de Ló embodies the heart and soul of Portuguese baking.
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Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line an 8-9 inch round pan with parchment paper, ensuring the edges of the paper come up the sides of the pan to protect the delicate cake during baking.
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for about 10 minutes, or until the mixture has tripled in volume and becomes pale and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure there are no lumps.
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the egg and sugar mixture. Fold gently using a rubber spatula to combine, being careful not to deflate the airy batter.
Add the vanilla extract to the batter, folding it in gently until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the cake has cooled, slice and serve. The cake is best enjoyed plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar.
Serving size | (660.3g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1744.5 |
Total Fat 31.5g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 9.2g | 0% |
Cholesterol 1116mg | 0% |
Sodium 1461.8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 323.1g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 4.1g | 0% |
Total Sugars 200.9g | |
Protein 51.5g | 0% |
Vitamin D 240IU | 0% |
Calcium 189.0mg | 0% |
Iron 13.0mg | 0% |
Potassium 583.8mg | 0% |
Source of Calories