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Recipe
Pão de Ló de Ovar
Velvety Portuguese Sponge Cake
4.5 out of 5
Indulge in the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine with this traditional Pão de Ló de Ovar recipe. This velvety sponge cake is a beloved dessert in Portugal, known for its light and airy texture.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
25-30 minutes
Total time
55-60 minutes
Yields
8 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Lactose-free
Allergens
Eggs, Wheat
Not suitable for
Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo
Ingredients
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8 large eggs 8 large eggs
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200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
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150g (1 cup) all-purpose flour 150g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
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Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 2g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 36g, 24g
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Salt: 0.1g
Preparation
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1.Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round, low-sided cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
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2.In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
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3.Sift the flour into the egg mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula.
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4.Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt to the batter and fold until well combined.
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5.Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
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6.Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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7.Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Eggs — Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before beating them. This will help them incorporate more air and result in a lighter cake.
Tips & Tricks
- Beating the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy is crucial for achieving the desired texture of the cake.
- Sifting the flour helps to remove any lumps and ensures a smooth batter.
- Folding the flour into the batter gently will prevent overmixing and keep the cake light and airy.
- Letting the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack will help it retain its shape.
Serving advice
Serve the Pão de Ló de Ovar as a delightful dessert with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Presentation advice
To enhance the presentation, you can garnish the cake with fresh berries or a sprig of mint. Serve it on a decorative cake stand for an elegant touch.
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