Visit The Portuguese Kitchen Shop ›
Tuga Pops − Friday, October 2, 2015, 11 Years ago in Cake Recipes
5 out of 5 with 42 ratings

Gorete's Sponge Cake (Pão de Lo) Recipe

Bake a traditional Portuguese Pão de Ló sponge cake that’s airy and delightful, bringing the taste of home to your kitchen with just a few ingredients!
1 h 5 min 12 servings Moderate Prep time 25 min Cooking Time 40 min

Why you will love this Gorete's Sponge Cake (Pão de Lo) Recipe

Master the ultimate authentic Portuguese pao de lo recipe with this foolproof method. You will create a stunning centerpiece using a simple dairy free portuguese pao de lo technique. This tube pan Portuguese sponge cake no baking soda batter whips up perfectly to deliver unmatched volume. Bring my favorite authentic pao de lo heritage recipe to your table and impress everyone tonight.


Ingredients

9 large eggs (room temperature) / 9 large eggs1 pinch salt / 1 pinch salt1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar1 2/3 cups (200g) all-purpose flour1/4 teaspoon (1g) baking powderLemon zest or orange zest (optional)Icing sugar (to taste)

Equipment:

10-inch (25cm) tube panParchment paperElectric stand mixer or hand mixerLarge mixing bowlWhisk or forkRubber spatulaCake tester or toothpickWire cooling rack

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and parchment paper line a 10-inch (25cm) tube pan, set aside.
  3. Beat the eggs with the salt until light.
  4. Gradually beat in the sugar at medium speed and beat for at least 20 minutes, add rind if using.
  5. In a separate bowl combine the flour and baking powder and stir with a fork or whisk.
  6. At low speed, add the flour mixture to the eggs one heaping tablespoon at a time, blending well after each addition, and scraping down the sides of the bowl when necessary.
  7. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted comes out clean (cake will spring back to a light touch).
  8. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and peel off parchment paper.
  9. Let cool completely on rack.
  10. Dust with icing sugar before serving if desired.


Recipe Tips

Ensure that your eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps to create a better emulsion and allows for maximum volume when whipping the eggs, resulting in a lighter sponge cake.
When folding in the flour, use a gentle hand to avoid deflating the whipped eggs. Use a spatula to cut through the mixture and lift it from the bottom, turning the bowl as you go. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake.
Avoid skipping the baking powder unless you want a denser cake. The small amount of baking powder helps the cake rise and maintain its structure, especially when made with a high egg-to-flour ratio.
Adapted from a Recipe by: Chef Gorete

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
180 kcal
Fat
4 g
Carbs
30 g
Protein
6 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute egg whites for whole eggs in this sponge cake recipe?

No, it's not recommended to substitute egg whites for whole eggs in this recipe. Whole eggs provide the necessary fat and moisture that contribute to the cake's structure and texture. If you're looking for a lighter cake, you can try separating the eggs, beating the whites to stiff peaks, and then folding them into the batter gently.

How should I store the sponge cake after baking?

Store the cooled sponge cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature when ready to serve.

What should I do if my sponge cake didn't rise as expected?

If your sponge cake didn't rise, it could be due to several factors: ensure that your eggs are at room temperature and properly beaten to incorporate air, check that your baking powder is fresh, and make sure not to overmix the batter once the flour is added. Also, ensure the oven temperature is accurate by using an oven thermometer.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This light and slightly effervescent wine complements the sweetness of the sponge cake while enhancing its citrus notes.

General: Prosecco - The bubbly and fruity profile of Prosecco pairs well with the airy texture and sweetness of the cake, making for a delightful combination.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This pale lager has crisp and refreshing qualities that balance the richness of the cake without overpowering it.

General: Lager - A light lager provides a clean and refreshing contrast to the sweet flavors of the sponge cake, making it an ideal pairing.

Other Beverages

Tea: A light herbal tea, such as chamomile, offers a soothing complement to the cake's sweetness and enhances the overall experience.

You might also like

Buttery, Delicious and Quick Orange Cake Recipe

Experience buttery, zesty bliss with this quick orange cake recipe. Perfectly sweet and tangy,...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 8
No-Bake Portuguese Maria Biscuit Cake Recipe: Easy &...

Indulge in this creamy, no-bake Maria biscuit cake! It’s the perfect easy Portuguese treat for...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 4
Beautiful and Delicious Coffee Cake Recipe

Savor the rich flavors of our Beautiful Coffee Cake, a moist and fluffy treat perfect for...

Level of Difficulty Easy
Servings 8

Reviews (7) Add a review

Julie
Julie
I love all your recipes
3 Years ago, Friday, April 28, 2023

Deolinda
Deolinda
Looks so good.I think I'll try to make it
4 Years ago, Thursday, February 3, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great Deolinda, once you do, let us know how you like it.
4 Years ago, Thursday, February 3, 2022

D.Cabral
D.Cabral
Can I use an angel food pan for the sponge cake recipe?
5 Years ago, Thursday, December 30, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Yes you can D. but just make sure it's big enough.
5 Years ago, Thursday, December 30, 2021

Angela
Angela
Absolutely love all this recipes
5 Years ago, Monday, December 20, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Great to hear Angela, thank you for the feedback.
5 Years ago, Monday, December 20, 2021

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
Share
this Page
Facebook Pinterest X Reddit