Sweet and Tangy Summer Fruit Sponge Recipe
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I am always on a quest of finding new ways to create healthy and delicious food options for my readers. And today, I am excited to share with you one of my favorite gluten-free recipes – the Fruit Sponge Cake.
This fluffy and light gluten-free sponge cake is perfect for summer days and can be enjoyed as a dessert or enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee. The best part? It is free from any gluten or dairy products, making it suitable for those who have intolerances to these foods.
The combination of the soft sponge cake with the sweetness of fresh fruits makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious dessert option. You can customize this recipe by adding any juicy summer fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries.
So whether you are looking for an easy gluten-free cake recipe for your next gathering or just searching for a healthy dessert option, grab your apron and let’s get started on making this Fruit Sponge Cake. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you, my friend, why you’re going to fall head over heels for this fruit sponge recipe. First of all, it’s gluten-free, which means that even if you suffer from gluten intolerance or celiac disease, you can still savor a delightful dessert without worrying about the harmful effects of gluten.
Secondly, this sponge cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to ingredients. You can use any summer fruit that you fancy – be it jumbleberry, blackberry, or strawberry – and each time the result will be uniquely delicious.
Thirdly, the fluffy sponge topping is an absolute game-changer. It elevates the pudding from a simple fruit cake into something exquisite and memorable.
Fourthly – and I saved the best for last – this dish is a perfect blend of sweetness and lightness. The moist cake base will melt in your mouth with every bite and balance out the tartness of the fruit.
So there you have it: a gluten-free, customizable fruit sponge recipe that delivers on both taste and healthiness. Trust me when I say that your dessert guests are going to thank you for this one!
Ingredient List
Dry Ingredients:
- 150 g gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 10 g gluten-free baking powder
- ¼ cup caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Wet ingredients:
- 200 g dairy-free butter, at room temperature
- 100 g sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups summer fruit, diced (you can also use frozen fruit)
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have covered the ingredients list, let’s dive into making this delightful Gluten-Free Fruit Sponge!
Step 1: Preparation
Firstly, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 20cm (8in) cake tin with butter.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Next, let’s make the batter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and egg until fluffy. Then add in 150g of gluten-free flour, gluten-free baking powder, butter, and milk. Mix all ingredients together until you have a smooth texture.
Step 3: Add in Fruit
Dice up your fruit of choice (we recommend summer fruits or apples) and fold them into the batter.
Step 4: Bake The Sponge
Pour the batter into the greased cake tin and spread it out to make sure it is even. Bake in the preheated oven for around 30-40 minutes or until risen, golden-brown on top, and a skewer comes out clean when inserted into the center.
Step 5: Let It Cool
Take the cake out of the oven and let it cool inside its tin for at least ten minutes. Once it has cooled, transfer to a wire rack and wait for it to cool completely.
Congratulations! You’ve just made a mouth-watering Gluten-Free Fruit Sponge!
Substitutions and Variations
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I am always looking for ways to make my recipes more inclusive and flexible. Whether you have dietary restrictions or simply want to switch things up, substitutions and variations can add excitement and flavor to your baking. Here are some ideas to help you customize this gluten-free fruit sponge recipe:
– Flour: While the recipe calls for gluten-free flour, you can use other types of flour such as almond or coconut flour for a different flavor and texture.
– Milk: For a dairy-free option, try using almond or soy milk instead. Make sure to choose unsweetened varieties to keep the sweetness balanced.
– Sugar: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of caster sugar. Keep in mind that the texture and sweetness might vary slightly.
– Fruit: The recipe calls for mixed summer fruits, but you can use any kind of fruit that strikes your fancy! Try making a gluten-free apple sponge by using stewed apples instead of fresh fruit, or experiment with dried fruit like raisins or apricots.
– Toppings: While this recipe is delicious on its own, you can dress it up with whipped cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Remember, baking is all about creativity and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to make the recipe your own by trying out different substitutions and variations – who knows what delicious creations you might come up with!
Serving and Pairing
The beauty of a fruit sponge is that it can be served in so many different ways. Warm out of the oven with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. But don’t let your imagination stop there! This gluten-free sponge can be paired with all kinds of toppings and accompaniments.
For a fancier presentation, try layering sliced fruits on top and dusting with powdered sugar. Or turn it into a trifle by layering chunks of sponge cake, fresh fruit, and whipped cream in a glass bowl. The possibilities are endless!
If you’re looking for more traditional pairings, a fruit sponge makes an excellent base for a classic trifle or fresh fruit cake. Cut into small squares and turn into mini pound cakes for your next tea party.
Feeling more adventurous? Why not try serving your fruit sponge alongside sourdough waffles or almond flour pancakes for a breakfast that’s both sweet and satisfying.
No matter how you choose to serve it, your gluten-free fruit sponge is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this fruit sponge cake recipe is that it’s perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare a batch of this gluten-free sponge cake a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
To store the cake properly, wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it in the container to protect it from air and moisture. The fruit sponge cake will stay moist for up to three days at room temperature or up to five days in the refrigerator.
If you want to reheat the cake, simply warm it up on a low heat setting in the microwave, or place it in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes until it’s warmed through. Adding additional fruit on top or serving it with some fresh cream will elevate this already delicious gluten-free sponge cake.
Another option is to use this fruit sponge cake as a base for other desserts such as trifles. Layer slices of the sponge cake with whipped cream and your favorite fruits such as berries, pineapple, or peaches for a show-stopping dessert that will impress your guests.
Overall, this gluten-free fruit sponge cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert option that can be easily stored and reheated, and can also be used as a versatile base for many other desserts.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to gluten-free baking, it can be a challenge to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. But fear not, because I have some tips that will help you make the best fruit sponge cake ever!
Firstly, make sure you measure everything carefully. Even small deviations from the recipe can alter the final result. Use a weighing scale if possible, as it is more precise than measuring cups and spoons.
To get a light and fluffy sponge, beat your eggs well until they are pale and frothy. This will incorporate air into the mixture and help it rise in the oven. Also, remember to bring your eggs to room temperature before using them, as cold eggs can prevent proper mixing.
When adding dry ingredients to the wet mixture, sift them beforehand to remove any lumps or clumps. This will ensure an even distribution of ingredients and prevent any dry spots in your cake.
In gluten-free baking, xanthan gum or guar gum is often used as a binding agent to replace gluten. These gums work by absorbing liquids and forming a gel-like substance that helps hold the ingredients together. It’s essential not to use too much of these gums as they can make your cake gummy and dense.
If you want to add some fruit to your sponge cake, choose fresh or canned fruit that is well-drained before using it in your recipe. Adding too much moisture from fruits can also affect the texture of the cake.
Lastly, when baking your fruit sponge cake in the oven, resist the temptation to open the oven door frequently to check on it. Opening the door releases heat from the oven, which can cause uneven baking or even collapse of the cake.
By following these tips, you can make a beautiful and delicious gluten-free fruit sponge cake every time.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this gluten-free fruit sponge recipe is one that you won’t want to miss out on. Not only is it free from gluten and dairy, but it’s also incredibly delicious and easy to make. The combination of fresh or stewed fruits with the light and airy sponge cake mix creates a wonderful balance of flavors and textures.
I hope that you enjoyed reading this article and found my tips and recommendations helpful. Remember, cooking healthy organic, gluten-free and dairy-free recipes doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. With just a few simple substitutions, you can transform your favorite recipes into wholesome dishes that are both nutritious and delicious.
So next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and fruity, give this gluten-free fruit sponge recipe a try. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Fruit Sponge - Gluten Free Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten-free flour
- 1 teaspoon gluten free baking powder
- 30 g butter
- 7/8 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence (optional)
- 3/4-1 kg fruit, any fruit (see note)
Instructions
- Melt butter, add rest of ingredients.
- Place boiling fruit in a large casserole,.
- Pour sponge mix over.
- Place in preheated oven 180 C for 30-40 minutes until cooked.