Pão de Ló de Ovar

Recipe

Pão de Ló de Ovar

Velvety Portuguese Sponge Cake

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.

Jan Dec

20 minutes

25-30 minutes

55-60 minutes

8 servings

Easy

Vegetarian, Nut-free, Soy-free, Peanut-free, Lactose-free

Eggs, Wheat

Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Paleo

Ingredients

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

  1. 1.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round, low-sided cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. 2.
    In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3.
    Sift the flour into the egg mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula.
  4. 4.
    Add the vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt to the batter and fold until well combined.
  5. 5.
    Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. 6.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. 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.