A simple Italian sponge cake, “pan di Spagna” is flavored with lemon zest or vanilla. Eggs, sugar, and flour are the only components needed to make it. No dairy products, butter, oil, or baking powder!

You will consistently produce a superb sponge cake if you follow my directions and advice.

This traditional sponge cake serves as the ideal foundation and fundamental component of Italian pastries like zuccotto, cassata, and Zuppa Inglese. It may be eaten on its own or as a simple sweet treat when dusted with confectioners’ sugar.

Or a layer cake can be made from this light sponge cake. Simply divide it in half, and then cover the bottom layer with sugar syrup.

Then, fill it with your preferred cream filling, such as chocolate ganache, whipped cream, pastry cream, or jam.

Yes, it is a simple sponge cake that you can flavor and decorate any way you choose.

What is Pan di Spagna (Italian Sponge Cake)?

Pan di Spagna literary translates to sponge cake. Italian sponge cake is straightforward with just three ingredients: eggs, flour, and sugar—simple ingredients, just like in this irresistible Canestrelli cookies. 

Pan di Spagna Sponge Cake History

The sponge cake was first known as Pâte Génoise, or Genoese pasta, in the middle of the 18th century. The Genoese envoy sent an invitation to renowned Italian chef Giobatta Cabona to travel to Madrid and arrange a dinner for the Spanish court.

In honor of the court, he created an exceptionally light cake known as pan di Spagna. The original recipe has been slightly streamlined and tweaked over time.

Initially, the cake was heated by adding all of the ingredients to a dish set over a pot of simmering water (bain-marie or water bath). Sponge cake may be made in five different ways: two hot, two cold, and one using emulsifiers.

Check out this ricotta-filled Sicilian Cassata cake for even older Italian cake that dates back to the 10th century. 

What distinguishes Genoise cake from Pan di Spagna sponge cake?

Eggs, sugar, and flour are the only three components required to make a real sponge cake. The same components are used to make Genoise cake; however, the cake batter is enhanced by the melted butter. Both cakes originate in Italy.

You might also like this Italian recipe: How to Make Authentic Maritozzi

Italian Sponge Cake (Pan di Spagna)

This classic Italian sponge cake is light, fluffy, and completely dairy-free—perfect for layering with creams, jams, or using as a base for tiramisu. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have an elegant cake for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, room temperature

• ½ cup + 2 Tbsp (120g) granulated or caster sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tsp lemon zest or vanilla extract (optional)

• 1 cup + 1 Tbsp (120g) cake flour, sifted (or all-purpose flour, sifted, if needed)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set oven to 335°F (170°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Beat the Eggs:
   In a stand mixer or large bowl, combine eggs, sugar, salt, and lemon zest or vanilla (if using). Beat on medium-high speed for 10–15 minutes, until the mixture is very pale, thick, and at least tripled in volume. It should fall off the whisk in ribbons and stand on the surface for a moment (“ribbon stage”).

3. Fold in the Flour:
   Sift the flour over the egg mixture in several additions, gently folding it in with a spatula after each one. Take care not to deflate the batter—mix just until no streaks remain.

4. Bake:
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Don’t smooth the top or tap the pan—leave it as is to keep the air in. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven for the first 30 minutes.

5. Cool Gradually:
   Turn off the oven and let the cake cool inside for 5–10 minutes with the oven door slightly ajar (use a wooden spoon to prop it open). This helps prevent the cake from collapsing.

6. Cool Completely:
   Remove the cake and let it rest in the pan for another 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Suggestions

• Split and fill with whipped mascarpone, jam, and fresh berries.

• Stuff with chocolate ganache, pastry cream, whipped cream, or lemon curd.

• Use as a base for tiramisu, trifles, or layer cakes.

Storage

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• To freeze, wrap well in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or bring to room temperature before using.

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FAQs

Why did my baked sponge cake collapse?

It’s not fully baked. To get a rich, golden-brown top on your cake, try extending the baking time by three to five minutes.

• You added too much air and over-mixed the sugar and eggs.
• You interrupted the baking process by opening the oven door.
• You excessively over-mixed when folding the flour.

Why is my sponge cake so dry?

You overcooked the food. The temperature in the oven was too high. Keep in mind that every oven is unique.

Can I add food coloring to the sponge cake at any time?

After beating the eggs for 5–7 minutes, add food coloring.

Can I make this sponge cake using a gluten-free flour mix?

You can, indeed. When I previously attempted it, the cake turned out perfectly.

I don’t have large eggs for Italian sponge cake, what should I do?

Don’t worry about it if your eggs aren’t noticeably reduced in size—suppose let’s they weigh 50–55 grams (1.76–1.94 ounces) without the shell. The cake turned out fantastic when I previously used them.

Can I use fondant to cover a sponge cake? Can I bake a cake with two tiers?

This cake is ideal for stacking and/or being coated with fondant. It doesn’t need to be leveled because it comes out completely flat.

Can I use this recipe to make cupcakes?

The recipe on the recipe card, which calls for 4 eggs, should yield about 12 cupcakes. They should bake for 18 to 20 minutes at 355 degrees F (180 degrees C).

The famous sponge cake known as Taiwanese castella cake often referred to as Taiwanese soufflé castella, is renowned for its soft, fluffy texture and distinctive bounce. It is wonderful on its own or when topped with whipped cream and fruits. It is delicately sweetened.

Taiwanese castella cake may be found in various bakeries and street vendors there. Watching a large pan of jiggly sponge cake being turned out and sliced into rectangles is fascinating!

Some merchants would even prepare whipped cream filling for the cakes or use cheese to produce savory ones. They all seem fantastic! We’re thrilled to offer this incredibly jiggly and pillow-soft castella cake recipe to you now that it has been through several tests.

So, What is Taiwanese Souffle Castella Cake?

A jiggly cake baked in a water bath is the basic component of Taiwanese castella cake or Taiwanese soufflé castella. It has a caramelized top, is really fluffy and soft, and when you cut or tear a piece of it, it produces that lovely “u wo” sound.

From bakeries to cafés serving street food, it gained popularity in Taiwan. In such bakeries and cafés, you would frequently see Taiwanese castella cake made on a meter-long pan and cut into sizable rectangles.

Typically, these cakes are prepared in big 1-meter slabs that are immediately cut into large rectangles and placed in boxes for the many consumers who are lined up outside the businesses to pick up. There are nearly always lineups outside the stores since these cakes are so desirable.

Japanese castella cake vs Taiwanese castella cake 

The original castella is a cake that was invented in Japan after being brought by the Portuguese, notwithstanding souffle castella’s popularity in Taiwan. Japanese castella is a classic confection with a darker crust that is produced using eggs, bread flour,  sugar, and mizuame, a sort of sugar syrup that gives the cake a moist feel.

Japanese castella is cooked in a wooden rectangular or square mold, not on a massive scale like the Taiwanese variant, and is best eaten the day after baking since it has a moister feel.

Despite sharing the same name, each cake has its own distinctive charms. Because of its fluffy texture, I personally prefer the Taiwanese variety, but try this recipe and let me know what you think!

Castella Cake Recipe

Ok, after we’ve learned everything we need to know, it’s time to make this amazing Taiwanese castella cake. To get the best results with your cake, be sure to read the tips below the recipe card. 

Ingredients

• Eggs: 10 large
• Cake Flour: 4.5 oz (130 grams)
• Unsalted Butter: ½ cup, melted (70 grams)
• Neutral Oil: ½ cup (70 ml)
• Whole Milk: 1 cup, room temperature (120 ml)
• Vanilla Extract: 3 tsp
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (120 grams)
• White Vinegar: 2 tsp (alternatively, lemon juice or cream of tartar)

Equipment

• 8 × 8 x 3-inch pan
• Baking sheet
• Large oven-safe tray or pan for water bath
• Two large mixing bowls
• Hand mixer
• Sifter
• Spatula
• Parchment paper
• Toothpick

Instructions

Step 1: Pre-heat and Prepare Tools

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Prepare Pan: Line the 8 × 8 x 3-inch pan with parchment paper and place it on a baking sheet.
3. Water Bath Setup: Have a larger oven-safe tray or pan ready for a water bath. Boil water in a kettle or a pot.

Step 2: Make the Batter Base

1. Sift Flour: Sift the cake flour into a large mixing bowl to remove lumps.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Gradually whisk in the neutral oil and melted butter until smooth.
3. Add Milk: Stir in the whole milk until just incorporated.
4. Egg Yolks & Vanilla: Separate the yolks from 10 eggs. Add the yolks and vanilla extract to the mixture, stirring gently.

Step 3: Making the Meringue

1. Whip Egg Whites: In a second large bowl, combine egg whites and vinegar. Beat with a hand mixer at medium-high speed until foamy.
2. Add Sugar: Gradually add granulated sugar while continuing to beat until fully incorporated.
3. Reach Medium Peaks: Slow down the mixer, whipping until the meringue forms medium peaks (a peak with a slight curve at the tip when the beaters are lifted).

Step 4: Combine and Bake

1. Fold in Meringue: Gently fold ⅓ of the meringue into the batter using a “J” shape motion with a spatula. Repeat twice more with the remaining meringue, ensuring even color and texture.
2. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan to release large air bubbles.
3. Water Bath: Place the pan in the larger tray. Carefully pour boiling water into the tray, reaching halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
4. Bake: Bake for 65-70 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

1. Cooling: Let the cake cool slightly before removing it from the pan.
2. Serving: Cut into 8 equal slices. Serve warm for a jiggly texture or cool for a firmer, less eggy taste. Enhance with whipped cream and fruit if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Taiwanese Castella Cake!

Taiwanese castella cake FAQs

Why does my castella cake crack?

Taiwanese castella cake surface cracks can be brought about by overly whipped meringue, a hot oven, or baking inside a pan that is too small.

Why did my castella cake shrink in size?

As with all soufflé-type cakes, Taiwanese castella cake will somewhat shrink or deflate after being taken out of the oven. Ensure the meringue is whisked to a medium peak and the cake is thoroughly cooked to avoid the castella cake losing a lot of volume.

Why does the bottom of my castella cake have a dense layer?

Your Taiwanese castella probably have a dense layer at the bottom because the meringue was likely not well-whipped. Ensure the meringue is whipped to a medium peak.

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Castella Cake Tips

• Maintain the ingredients at room temperature or warm. To avoid the butter from hardening, it is better to maintain the remaining ingredients at room temp or slightly warmer.
• Choose a large square pan if feasible. Castella cake requires a square pan with tall edges for support while it bakes. Only when you do not have a 3-inch-deep square pan, you may support the castella cake with reusable paper.
• If you desire the surface of the Taiwanese castella cake to be darker, broil the cake. Adjust the oven’s broiler settings to high and brown the cake’s surface to your liking. However, make sure to maintain attention! The cake can get scorched in a matter of seconds!

Taiwanese castella cake frequent issues

Castella cake’s top has cracked

The meringue was far too solid. To medium peak, whisk the meringue. The cake is liable to split if it becomes any stiffer.

• The oven temperature was excessively high. Because each oven is unique, it is essential to use a thermometer to ascertain the temperature readings of your oven.
• The cooking pan was too shallow. If the pan is too shallow, the can will extend outward as it breaks and separates.

Deflating cake:

Even while Taiwanese castella cake will certainly deflate somewhat as it cools, it shouldn’t deflate significantly.

• Your meringue was probably too soft. Soft peak meringue provides a Taiwanese castella cake that is more jiggly but also encourages more pronounced shrinkage and deflation.
• The cake was not properly cooked. The cake will deflate, collapse, and compress as it cools if it is fully cooked. Stick a toothpick into the center of the cake to determine when it is done. There should be no or very few crumbs left behind.
• A cake with uneven crumbs and large bubbles:
• This concern is primarily aesthetic. Equally delicious will be the castella cake.
• The Meringue was beaten too quickly. After adding the sugar, the meringue should be beaten at a medium speed. This makes the finished batter smoother by aerating the meringue without creating big bubbles.
• Incorrect meringue inclusion. Use a gentle “J” folding motion to incorporate the meringue into the mixture. If you fold the batter forcefully, extra air might be introduced, resulting in a coarse, uneven crumb.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 piece

• Calories: 290kcal
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Protein: 8.5g
• Fat: 18.6g
• Saturated Fat: 6.1g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.9g
• Cholesterol: 200mg
• Potassium: 109mg
• Sodium: 78mg
• Sugar: 13.1g
• Calcium: 47mg
• Vitamin A: 469IU
• Iron: 1mg

These candied jalapenos (also known as cowboy candy) are the ideal sweet-and-spicy condiment to spice up your favorite cuisine. They are fiery jalapeno slices in a sugary glaze. Serve with cream cheese and crackers, over sandwiches and hamburgers, or even in salads, grilled meat and baked beans!

You’re in for a treat, my buddy, if you’ve never eaten a candied jalapeño. They really strike the ideal mix between sweetness and spice.

The jalapeño is transformed into this delectable little jewel by the sugar, which softens its intense heat.

What is Cowboy Candy?

Cowboy Candy is unique in its own right. A powerful condiment is made by marinating hot jalapeño peppers in a sweet sugar glaze. Although they soften, the jalapenos keep their spiciness, which is countered by the glaze made of sugar.

Although you may easily quadruple or triple this recipe to produce huge batches of Cowboy Candy, it is considered a small-batch recipe. If you enjoy making pickling recipes, you probably already have many of the components on hand.

In essence, they are jalapenos that have been cut into slices, then cooked and sweetened in a simple seasoned syrup. They are the ideal fast sweet treats or garnishes since they are the optimum balance of sweet and spicy.

Additionally, the process of canning aids in their preservation. The phrase has been used for years, but the recipe is so well-liked that a tiny business even registered the common name as a trademark. This handmade variation is much better.

Isn’t it true that handmade is always better? Oh, and it’s cheaper to make this candied goodness than to buy it, and really simple to make!

What is Cowboy Candy Made Of?

To produce this delectable condiment, only a few basic ingredients and a few spices are required.

Jalapenos: There are around 20 jalapenos required for this dish.

Apple cider vinegar: Tenderizes the peppers and adds a tangy taste.

Sugars: A mixture of brown sugar and granulated sugar in equal amounts counteracts the spiciness and vinegar.

Garlic powder, celery seed, cayenne pepper, turmeric, and other seasonings all go well with the hot jalapeno taste.

Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños)

Sweet, spicy, and totally addictive, Cowboy Candy is a Southern classic that turns fresh jalapeños into a sticky, irresistible treat for burgers, sandwiches, tacos, or snacking straight from the jar!

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 20 large jalapeños

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 2 cups brown sugar

• 16 oz (2 cups) apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp cayenne pepper

• ¼ tsp celery seed

Instructions

1. Prep the Jalapeños:
   Wearing gloves, slice off the jalapeño stems. Cut peppers into ¼-inch thick rounds. Set aside in a large bowl.

2. Make the Syrup:
   In a large pot, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and celery seed. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Cook the Jalapeños:
   Add the sliced jalapeños to the simmering syrup. Increase heat and bring just back to a simmer. Cook for exactly 4 minutes—no longer! (This keeps the peppers crisp.)

4. Pack the Jars:
   Using a slotted spoon, transfer the jalapeños into clean, sterilized jars, filling to within ¼ inch of the rim.

5. Reduce the Syrup:
   Turn the heat to high and boil the syrup for 5–7 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and let cool for about 3 minutes.

6. Fill the Jars:
   Carefully ladle or pour the hot syrup over the jalapeños in each jar, making sure the peppers are fully submerged. Use a chopstick or skewer to gently remove any air bubbles.

7. Seal:
   Wipe jar rims with a clean, damp paper towel. Apply two-piece lids and seal the jars finger-tight.

8. Cool & Store:
   Let jars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.

9. Let Them Mature:
   For best flavor, let the cowboy candy chill for at least 2 weeks before opening (a month is even better). Keep refrigerated and use within 2 months for peak flavor and safety.

Notes:

• Optional canning: If you want to store at room temperature, follow safe water bath canning procedures (see trusted sources for details).

• Cowboy Candy is amazing on cream cheese crackers, burgers, and pulled pork sandwiches—or just by the spoonful!

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Why is this recipe the best?

There are quite a few recipes online, but I’ve noticed that most of them are lacking in some crucial steps when making. Don’t get me wrong, making it is easy, but you must get the timing and the ingredients right for the best results.

This simple homemade recipe for candied jalapenos, often known as cowboy candy, is great for snacks or desserts since it’s sweet with just a hint of spice.

They have a nice balance of spice and sweetness. They are essentially sliced jalapenos preserved in a seasoned simple syrup and are excellent for cornbread, guacamole, and cocktail garnishes.

Tips for Making The Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy)

These are the tips for candied jalapenos that will be useful. 

Cool things down. The seeds and membrane from the jalapenos can be removed to lessen the heat a little bit if you like them to be a little less sweet and spicy. After removing the stems, twist and remove the seeds from each jalapeno by inserting a long peeler inside. After that, cut into rounds.

Avoid burning your nose or eyes. While chopping the jalapenos and moving them from the liquid to the jars, we strongly advise using gloves to protect your hands from the powerful odors.

If the peppers seem shriveled, don’t be alarmed. After boiling in the hot syrup, the peppers will shrink, but they will grow again after a few weeks of cooling in the tightly sealed jars.

How do you make use of Candied Jalapeños syrup leftovers?

You may also can syrup in half-pint or pint jars if you have any remaining, which is likely to happen. It tastes well in potato salad, as a coating over barbecued ribs, as a simple syrup in margaritas, etc.

How to store Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy)

Store Candied Jalapeños in the refrigerator. When made as instructed, cowboy candy keeps for up to two months in the refrigerator.

Canning Candied Jalapeños: You may go one step further and can the cowboy candy for a longer shelf life. To do this, put the full, sealed jars in a canner with two inches of water on top of them. The water should come to a full rolling boil. Set the timer for 10 minutes for half-pints or 15 minutes for pints after it comes to a full rolling boil.

Use canning tongs to move the jars to a cooling rack once the timer goes off. Give them 24 hours to cool without being disturbed. Once completely cooled, label them and wipe them down with a clean, moist rag. They may stay fresh for up to a year in the pantry.

Nutrition

• Calories: 170 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Potassium: 89mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 42g
• Calcium: 23mg
• Vitamin A: 175IU
• Vitamin C: 18mg
• Iron: 1mg