What's The Difference Between A Genoise And A Classic Sponge Cake? (2024)

Arianna Endicott

·3-min read

Sponge cakes and Genoise cakes are, on the surface, pretty similar. Both arefoam cakes, meaning they take on a more fluffy texture as compared to other, denser types of cakes. That texture is often thanks to the use of eggs in the batter and how those eggs are prepared. Both cakes typically have a fairly mild buttery vanilla flavor that can be enhanced with flavoring, fresh fruit, or whipped cream piled on top.

However, these two varieties do not require the same fat or egg components. Atraditional sponge cake isn't made with butter. Instead, it whips egg whites, sometimes egg yolks, and sugar together, giving the cake a fluffy texture. A Genoise cake, on the other hand, often uses butter. This cake, which is found in bothFrench and Italian baking,whips together whole eggs, butter, and sugar, creating a more dense and moist texture. While both cakes feature a similar flavor, the slight texture difference -- thanks to their different preparations -- is the defining distinction between the two.

Read more: Cake Hacks Every Baker Will Wish They Knew Sooner

The Cakes Are Prepared A Little Differently

What's The Difference Between A Genoise And A Classic Sponge Cake? (1)

When you're baking a traditional sponge cake, egg whites, sometimes egg yolks, sugar, and other ingredients are beaten intostiff peaks to give the batter some structure. Then, other ingredients like flour are carefully folded in to preserve that light and fluffy texture. The cake is then baked as usual and served. If you want your cake a little more on the moist side, however, you may want to make a Genoise instead.

A Genoise adds in fat in the form of butter. However, the method of adding the butteris a little more complicated than the standard sponge. You'll need to mix melted butter, eggs, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Then, heat the entire mix up using adouble boilerand allow the sugar to dissolve. Once the mix has cooled down a little, you can fold in the dry ingredients and finally bake it. The cake may require a little more work than the standard sponge, but the preparation method will make the cake a little more moist.

How Are The Cakes Served?

What's The Difference Between A Genoise And A Classic Sponge Cake? (2)

The cakes can be served the same way. Both cakes are traditionally sliced up and eaten unfrosted, with only a dusting of powdered sugar or a light coating of icing on top.One Reddit user noted that American buttercream was a little too intense for the Genoise, so another user recommended using a meringue-based buttercream instead.Some also suggest allowing a little bit of simple syrup to soak in to add a burst of extra flavor.

If you stack up multiple layers of cake, like when making aVictoria sponge, you can also add whipped cream or jam in between the cakes. Sponge cakes are also sturdy enough to be used as roll cakes, which can incorporate whipped cream and jam filling as well. Because Genoise are generally a little more tender than their sponge counterpart, they may not hold up as well for this purpose, however. The next time you're baking up a cake, try adding in some extra steps to turn your sponge cake into a Genoise instead.

Read the original article on Daily Meal.

What's The Difference Between A Genoise And A Classic Sponge Cake? (2024)

FAQs

What's The Difference Between A Genoise And A Classic Sponge Cake? ›

What is the different between genoise and sponge cake? Genoise cake is unique because it uses whipped eggs alone to leaven the cake, rather than relying on baking powder or bicarbonate of soda, like regular sponge cakes.

What is the difference between sponge cake and genoise? ›

A traditional sponge cake isn't made with butter. Instead, it whips egg whites, sometimes egg yolks, and sugar together, giving the cake a fluffy texture. A Genoise cake, on the other hand, often uses butter.

What's the difference between a sponge cake and a regular cake? ›

Foam cakes have little to no fat, and usually have a larger proportion of egg. This gives them their lighter, airy texture (think angel food and sponge cake). Butter cakes on the other hand contain butter, margarine, or vegetable shortening, giving you the dense, moist cakes we know and love.

What is the difference between a joconde and a genoise sponge? ›

A joconde is a close relative of a Genoise sponge, the major difference being the inclusion of ground nuts (usually almonds). It is probably best known for its use in an Opera gateau. A dacquoise is ostensibly a meringue with nuts added (usually hazelnuts and almonds) and occasionally a little cornflour.

What is special about sponge cake? ›

A sponge cake is a light and airy cake that is made primarily from whipped egg whites. Unlike other types of cake, such as butter or oil cakes, sponge cakes do not contain much fat which contributes to it's light texture.

What type of cake is best? ›

Top 10 Best Cakes
  • Chocolate Cake. You've guessed it right! ...
  • Red Velvet Cake. The second best cake is a melt-in-mouth red velvet cake. ...
  • Vanilla Cake. If we had to vote upon the safest and most liked flavor by all, it would be vanilla cake! ...
  • Cheese Cake. ...
  • Black Forest Cake. ...
  • Lemon Cake. ...
  • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake. ...
  • Funfetti Cake.

What is the secret of sponge cake? ›

Give it some air. The magic of a light, fluffy sponge with tender crumb is to incorporate as much air in as possible. After all, it is the entrapped air that expands in the oven, creating the magic of the cake rising.

Should sponge cake have soft or stiff peaks? ›

The key to making a fluffy sponge cake is to whip the egg whites with the sugar to full potential. The meringue should hold a soft/semi-firm peak when lifted with the beaters. Also, have the eggs at room temperature and use a bit of acid (cream of tartar or vinegar) to help the eggs foam.

Do angel food cake and sponge cake taste the same? ›

Since they both rely on beaten eggs to make them light as a feather, they're similar. But if you closely compare sponge cake vs. angel food cake, you'll realize that sponge cakes are richer than angel food cakes because they contain egg yolks and whipped whites.

What do the British call sponge cake? ›

In British English, layer cakes like the Victoria sponge are called "sandwich sponge". This type of buttery cake was not possible without baking powder, which was discovered by English food manufacturer Alfred Bird in 1843, allowing the sponge to rise higher.

Should you take a sponge cake straight out of the tin? ›

Wait until your cake is fully cooled before removing it, this may take 2-3 hours. Run a butter knife or a palette knife around the inside edges of the cake tin. Get a cooling rack.

Which is better chiffon or sponge cake? ›

Chiffon cake is a type of sponge cake that is characterized by its light and soft texture. Unlike traditional sponge cakes, which are made with or without butter, chiffon cakes are always made with oil. This gives them a tender, moist crumb and makes them lighter and more delicate than other types of cake.

Is sponge cake the same as genoise? ›

Genoise is a French word for Sponge Cake, I do like the sound of the French word better, “Genoise”. This recipe is the simple basic version, no gimmicks, no self raising flour, baking powder etc. Fresh eggs are all you need. You can add your own flavourings, lemon, vanilla, etc.

What cake is called a genoise in Italy and France? ›

A génoise (US: /ʒeɪˈnwɑːz, ʒəˈ-/, UK: /dʒeɪˈ-, dʒɛˈ-/, French: [ʒenwaz]; usually spelled genoise in English), also known as Genoese cake or Genovese cake, is a French sponge cake named after the city of Genoa and associated with French cuisine.

Why is it called Joconde sponge? ›

What does "Joconde" mean for Joconde sponge? The sponge is called "La Joconde" in French, derived from the famous painting "Mona Lisa." It's the feminine form of her married name, Giocondo.

Is angel food cake like sponge cake? ›

Is sponge cake the same as angel food cake? Since they both rely on beaten eggs to make them light as a feather, they're similar. But if you closely compare sponge cake vs. angel food cake, you'll realize that sponge cakes are richer than angel food cakes because they contain egg yolks and whipped whites.

What makes a cake a gâteau? ›

Gâteau describes a dessert that features a rich filling in between the layers of decadent sponge cake. Popular choices for the gâteau filling include thick cream, mousse, or ganache. Gâteau is often filled with lots of fresh fruit. Because of the spoilage factor, gâteaux are generally created and eaten on the same day.

Is genoise the same as angel food cake? ›

I would say Angel food cake is lighter and possibly slightly more delicate. Genoise is baked in normal cake pans. The sponge is light and airy and holds its shape well. It can be layered, filled and covered with cream or meringue.

Why do the English call cake sponge? ›

The sponge cake can be traced back to the 15th century. It was one of the first types of cake to be made without yeast and the term 'sponge cake' comes from the sponge-like openness of the crumb.

References

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