Hazelnut Sponge Cake


Makes one cake

INGREDIENTS

12 eggs, separated
8 ounces light brown sugar
14 ounces hazelnut flour
4 ounces all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
4 ounces granulated sugar
Basic Buttercream, for frosting
Chocolate block, for decorating
Chopped hazelnuts, for decorating

DIRECTIONS

Preheat to 350°F.

Butter 2 half-sheet pans and line them with parchment.

In a metal bowl, with electric beater, whisk or in the bowl of a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer with whisk attachment, add the egg yolks and beat until they come together. Add the brown sugar and continue whisking until the yolks are light, about 5 minutes (longer if by hand).

In a separate medium sized bowl, combine the hazelnut flour and all-purpose flour.

In a separate metal bowl with electric beater, whisk or in the bowl of a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer with whisk attachment, whisk the egg whites and salt until they are white and opaque. Gradually whisk in the granulated sugar. Whip until whites hold a firm peak. Next, fold the egg yolk mixture into the beaten egg whites. And then fold in the hazelnut-flour mixture in 3 additions. Do not over-mix the batter or the cake with deflate. Spread the batter on the separated pan.

Bake in preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until well risen and firm to the touch.
Loosen layer from pan, slide it onto rack and cool completely.

© Recipe Property of Shawona Jones