The Fizzy Mandarinata Sponge Cake is a delightful and refreshing dessert perfect for various occasions, whether it's a summer party, a special celebration, or simply a weekend treat for the family. Infused with the vibrant and zesty flavours of mandarinata, an Italian sparkling mandarin beverage, this cake promises to deliver a unique and memorable culinary experience. Let's dive into this recipe that blends traditional Italian dessert elements with a modern twist, ensuring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine in every bite.
What is Mandarinata?
Mandarinata is a sparkling beverage from Italy, akin to orangeade but with a distinctive twist. This delightful drink is characterised by its effervescent and refreshing taste, derived from juicy, sun-ripened mandarins. Often, mandarinata is enhanced with a touch of iris flower, which adds a subtle floral note, making it perfect for enjoying on warm afternoons. Beyond being a thirst-quencher, mandarinata is a versatile ingredient that can bring a refreshing citrusy note to various culinary creations, including our featured sponge cake.
Mandarinata is not just a drink; it embodies the essence of Italian summer, capturing the spirit of leisurely days spent under the Mediterranean sun. This sparkling beverage, with its combination of sweetness and slight bitterness, makes it an excellent ingredient for desserts, adding both flavour and a unique texture due to its fizziness.
Fizzy Mandarinata Sponge Cake Recipe
Servings: 8-10
Time: 40 minutes
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Sponge:
4 eggs
100g granulated sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp olive oil
75ml mandarinata drink
200g plain flour
1.5 tsp baking powder
For the Topping:
250ml double cream
150g icing sugar
250ml sour cream
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
100g tinned mandarins, drained and chopped
Candied mandarin peel or orange peel (optional, for garnish)
Cooking Method
Prepare the Sponge:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas 4).
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat them on high speed for about 1 minute. The goal is to incorporate air into the eggs, which will help the sponge cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the eggs while continuing to beat the mixture. Follow this by adding the vanilla extract, and beat for another couple of minutes until the mixture becomes frothy and light.
Carefully stir in the olive oil and mandarinata drink, gently combining them with the egg mixture. It’s important to do this step gently to maintain the airiness of the batter.
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the plain flour and baking powder. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is crucial for the even rising of the cake.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the cake to become dense. The goal is to gently incorporate the flour into the batter until just combined.
Bake the Sponge:
Grease and line a round baking tin, approximately 22cm in diameter, with baking paper. This prevents the cake from sticking to the tin and ensures easy removal after baking.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin, spreading it evenly.
Place the tin in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the centre of the cake; it should come out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the sponge to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Topping:
While the sponge is cooling, prepare the topping. In a mixing bowl, whip the double cream using an electric mixer for about 20 seconds until it begins to thicken.
Add the icing sugar to the cream and continue to whip until stiff peaks form. This means the cream should hold its shape when the beaters are lifted.
Gently fold in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and chopped tinned mandarins. Be careful not to deflate the mixture; the goal is to maintain a light and airy topping.
Spread the topping evenly over the cooled sponge cake, ensuring it is covered completely.
Place the cake in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to allow the topping to set and the flavours to meld together.
Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish the cake with candied mandarin peel or orange peel if desired. This adds a touch of elegance and an extra burst of citrus flavour.
Slice and enjoy the cake on its own, or pair it with a cup of creamy coffee for a true Italian experience. For an extra indulgence, serve it with a scoop of traditional Italian vanilla gelato.
How to Enjoy Mandarinata Cake
The rich and fruity flavours of this mandarinata sponge cake are best enjoyed without any overpowering accompaniments. In Italy, citrus cakes like this are often savoured in small portions, making them ideal for breakfast with a creamy coffee or as a delightful afternoon treat. The effervescent and slightly floral notes of the mandarinata make the cake light and refreshing, a perfect match for a warm summer day.
For those who prefer a simpler topping, the whipped cream can be replaced with a straightforward icing, allowing the mandarinata flavour to shine through even more prominently. Alternatively, you can enjoy this cake with a dollop of Italian vanilla gelato, which complements the citrus notes beautifully and adds a creamy contrast.
Summing up this Mandarinata Cake Recipe
This Fizzy Mandarinata Sponge Cake is a delightful Italian dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer. Its unique blend of traditional sponge cake with the vibrant flavours of mandarinata offers a refreshing twist that is sure to impress. Whether you are hosting a get-together or simply looking to treat yourself, this cake is bound to be a hit. The use of authentic Italian mandarinata ensures that the cake has a fresh and unforgettable flavour, making it a wonderful addition to any dessert repertoire. Enjoy the rich, fruity flavours as a breakfast treat, an afternoon delight, or a special dessert that transports you straight to the sunny Mediterranean coast.