Pan di Spagna – Italian Sponge Cake

This Italian Sponge Cake, also known as Pan di Spagna has only 5 ingredients. The perfect cake for making a Classic Tiramisu or even lightly dusted with powdered sugar and served as a snack or breakfast treat.

I first saw my mother-in-law preparing her Homemade Sponge Cake a long time ago, which by the way, she made by hand with a wire whisk! It turns out my sister-in-law was going to prepare one of the most delicious desserts. That’s right, a Tiramisu. It’s still one of my favourites right after Cheesecake, I can never get enough Cheesecake, although you could combine the two and make a Tiramisu Cheesecake. You could drizzle the layers of the cake first with a simple syrup then add a layer of Italian pastry cream or strawberry jam and whipped cream, and why not serve with some chopped or sliced strawberries?!

In the Italian Baking and Pastry making (Pasticceria) Sponge Cake or Pan di Spagna in Italian,  is considered one of the most important staples. A very simple recipe, that does need some attention.

The most important part of making a Pan di Spagna is to beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 15-20 minutes. Because there is no baking powder in this recipe this is what gives the cake its height.

Recipe Ingredients

• Flour – all purpose flour or Italian 00 flour
• Corn starch 
• Eggs – whole large eggs, room temperature
• Sugar – granulated sugar
• Vanilla – vanilla extract

How to make a Sponge Cake Recipe

In a medium bowl sift together the flour and corn starch. Set aside. In a large bowl or stand mixer add the eggs and sugar and beat, add the vanilla and beat again.

Gently fold half the sifted flour into the beaten eggs and combine, then add the remaining flour and gently fold until smooth and completely combined.

Pour into the prepared round cake pan and bake. Let cool for a bit in the pan then move to a cooling rack to cool completely, before using as a layer cake or even dusted with powdered sugar as a breakfast or snack cake.

What are the differences between Cakes

• Chiffon Cake – A traditional chiffon cake is made with whipped egg whites along with baking powder to rise.
• Yellow Cake –  A yellow cake is lighter in texture than a pound cake and has more eggs.
• Pound Cake – A cake traditionally made with a pound of butter, flour, eggs and sugar.
• Angel Food Cake –  Is a very light cake, since it is made using only egg whites.

Tips for making the best Pan di spagna

• Make sure your eggs are at room temperature, so take them out of the fridge 45-60 minutes before using.
• Be sure to gently fold the dry ingredients into the beaten egg mixture or the batter will collapse and the cake will be flat.
• For this cake I used an Italian 00 flour which has a protein count of about 10 percent. I also added some corn starch to give the cake a soft and tender crumb.
• Do not open the oven door before 25-30 minutes. If you do the cake could very well fall.
• If you prefer you can add the zest of a lemon or orange to the cake. You could also substitute the vanilla with your favourite flavouring.

How to store an Italian sponge cake

A sponge cake will remain soft for about 2 days. To keep it soft be sure to wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature.

How to freeze a pan di spagna

The baked cooled cake should be wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container or freezer bag, it will keep in the freezer for up to one month. If you don’t have a big enough bag or container then wrap the cake in foil.

In order to thaw the cake, place the cake on a wire rack and leave it to thaw at room temperature. It should take a couple of hours to thaw. Once it has thawed it should be covered or it will start to dry out and go stale.

What to make with a Sponge Cake

• Italian Mimosa Cake
• Italian Orange Diplomat Cake
• Classic Italian Tiramisu Layer Cake

A Sponge Cake is exactly that, a sponge, perfect for soaking in any type of liquid. From coffee, to liqueur to even juice or milk. Or as the Italian likes to do, dunk it in his morning caffe latte. Enjoy!

Updated from June 6, 2019.