Classic French Genoise Cake: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup of granulated sugar
  • 1 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a round 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined and frothy.
  3. Place the mixture over a pot of simmering water and continue to whisk until it's warm.
  4. Remove from heat and continue to whisk for about 5 minutes or until the mixture is pale and has tripled in volume.
  5. Sift the flour into the mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula.
  6. Take a small amount of the batter and mix it with the melted butter, then fold this back into the main batter along with the vanilla extract.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for whisking together the eggs and sugar.
  • Whisk - Used to whisk the eggs and sugar mixture until frothy.
  • Spatula - For folding in the flour and melted butter into the batter.
  • Round Cake Pan - A 9-inch round pan for baking the genoise cake.
  • Parchment Paper - Used to line the cake pan, preventing the cake from sticking.
  • Pot - For creating a double boiler to warm the egg and sugar mixture.
  • Simmering Water - Used to gently heat the egg and sugar mixture in the double boiler.
  • Wire Rack - A rack for cooling the cake after baking.
  • Toothpick - Used to test the doneness of the cake by inserting it into the center.
  • Oven - Preheated to 350°F (175°C) to bake the genoise cake.

Recipe variations

  • Replace all-purpose flour with cake flour for a lighter texture.
  • Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate genoise.
  • Add lemon or orange zest for a citrusy flavor.
  • For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Experiment with different extracts such as almond or coconut.
  • Add a layer of fruit preserves or Nutella between the cake layers.
  • Top the genoise with a dusting of powdered sugar or a chocolate ganache.
  • Incorporate chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter for added texture.
  • Add a tablespoon of espresso powder for a subtle coffee flavor.

Recipe overview

This classic Genoise cake recipe will guide you in creating a light, tender, and delightfully spongey cake that can be the base for many wonderful desserts. Genoise is a staple in the world of baking, known for its versatility and the sweet, yet subtle flavor it offers. This recipe is easy to follow, requiring just a handful of basic ingredients. By using the traditional European method of warming the eggs and sugar before whisking, you'll achieve a wonderfully light batter that bakes up to perfection. A slice of this cake is delicious on its own, but the beauty of Genoise is how well it pairs with other flavors. Use this recipe as your canvas for creating layered cakes, trifles, or simply enjoying with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different size cake pan?
    You can use a different size cake pan, but keep in mind that the baking time may vary. Adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the cake for doneness.
  2. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
    It's better to use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted butter, you can use it, but consider reducing the amount of additional salt in the recipe.
  3. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with another type of flour?
    All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with other flours like cake flour or gluten-free flour. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste of the genoise may be slightly different.
  4. What can I do if my genoise is dry?
    If your genoise turns out dry, you can brush it with a simple syrup or a flavored syrup to add moisture. You can also add a layer of filling or frosting to the cake to add moisture.
  5. Can I freeze the genoise?
    Yes, you can freeze the genoise. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for whisking the eggs and sugar together.
  • Whisk - Used to combine the eggs and sugar, and to whisk the mixture over simmering water.
  • Spatula - Necessary for folding in the flour and melted butter into the batter.
  • Round 9-inch Cake Pan - The pan in which the batter will be baked to form the Genoise cake.
  • Parchment Paper - Lining the cake pan with parchment paper helps prevent sticking and allows for easy removal of the cake.
  • Wire Rack - Used to cool the cake after baking and transferring it from the cake pan.
  • Toothpick - Used to check if the cake is fully baked by inserting it into the center and ensuring it comes out clean.

Origin stories

Genoise, a type of sponge cake, owes its name to the city of Genoa, Italy. It's believed that Genoise was the creation of Italian cooks during the Renaissance era. What makes the Genoise special in the world of sponge cakes is its distinctive preparation. Rather than creaming butter and sugar together, the eggs and sugar are warmed over simmering water and then vigorously beaten until they form a thick mousse-like consistency. This method gives the Genoise its characteristic light and airy texture, making it a perfect base for many elaborate cakes and pastries. It's a testament to the ingenuity of Italian bakers who transformed simple ingredients into a sublime dessert.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.