Grape Sponge Recipes

CONCORD GRAPE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Make the filling: Combine the grapes, apple and water in a medium Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Cover and cook until most of the grapes pop and shrivel, about 12 minutes. Increase the heat to medium and stir in the granulated sugar. Cook, stirring often and mashing with a potato masher occasionally to crush the apple, until the filling is thick and syrupy, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool completely.
• Make the cake: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour three 8-inch round cake pans; line the bottoms with parchment paper. Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a medium bowl. Beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until it looks like wet sand, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla; beat on high speed until light, about 2 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low; beat in the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour. Continue beating until smooth, about 1 minute.
• Divide the batter among the prepared pans and bake until a toothpick inserted into the centers comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes in the pans, then invert onto racks; remove the parchment and let cool completely.
• Meanwhile, make the topping: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk the egg whites in a medium bowl until just foamy. Spread the granulated sugar in a pie plate or shallow bowl. Dip the grapes in the egg whites, letting any excess drip back into the bowl, then roll in the sugar. Transfer the sugared grapes to the prepared baking sheet. Freeze at least 30 minutes.
• Make the frosting: Beat the butter and salt in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar, then the vanilla. Increase the mixer speed to medium high and beat until very light and fluffy, about 2 more minutes.
• Assemble the cake: Put 1 cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread about one-third of the grape filling on the cake, then top with another cake layer and half of the remaining filling. Top with the third cake layer. Cover the top and side of the cake with the frosting. Refrigerate to set the frosting, 15 to 20 minutes. Spread the remaining filling on top of the cake, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Arrange the frozen grapes around the border.

CITRUS GRAPE CAKE

Steps:

• Pour the wine into a small pan. Bring to the boil, then keep simmering until reduced down to 85ml - this will take 5-10 mins. Leave to cool.
• Heat oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas 4. Brush a 23cm springform cake tin with olive oil, tip in 1 tbsp flour, then shake all over the pan until covered. Discard any excess. Beat together the sugar and butter until creamy and well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, then stir through the zests. Stir together the cooled wine and olive oil, then pour a little into the cake mix. Stir, then fold in a third of the flour and the baking powder. Keep alternating between adding the liquid and flour until everything has been incorporated and the batter is smooth.
• Spoon the cake batter into the prepared tin, then smooth the surface with the back of the spoon. Scatter the halved grapes over the top, then sprinkle over the sugar. Bake for 35-40 mins until a skewer inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. Eat warm or cool. Will store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

FAIL SAFE SPONGE

Steps:

• beat egg white and sugar until sugar is dissolved.
• add yolks and vanilla and beat until thick.
• fold in sifted dry ingredients.
• bake at 180 degrees for 25 minutes.

GRAPE SPONGE

Steps:

• Let gelatin stand in cold water until soft, then dissolve in boiling water.
• Add sugar and fruit juices and chill until mixture begins to set and beat until frothy.
• Whisk in the stiffly beaten egg whites and beat mixture until almost firm. Fold in the whipped cream.
• Pile in sherbet glasses.
• Garnish with additional whipped cream.
• Keep refrigerated until serving time.