Sherry Sponge Cake

Prep: 20 min

A light and flavorful sponge cake infused with sherry and orange, perfect for elegant afternoon teas or special occasions with a citrus and nutty profile.

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 c. whole blanched or unblanched almonds
  • 1 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 8 eggs, separated
  • 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar
  • 1/3 c. sweet sherry
  • 1/3 c. orange juice
  • powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. In a food processor or blender, whirl almonds until finely ground.
  2. Sift flour, salt, and cinnamon into a large bowl.
  3. Stir in ground almonds until well mixed and set aside.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks before folding them into the batter. If you don't have sweet sherry, you can substitute with a sweet dessert wine or even a splash of apple juice. Ground almonds can also be swapped with hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Always sift dry ingredients to avoid lumps and improve the cake’s lightness.

Serving Suggestions

This sherry sponge cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It can also be served alongside a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat. For a twist, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover sherry sponge cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sherry Sponge Cake contains roughly 1005 calories, with 28g protein, 122g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (79% of the Daily Value), protein (56% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 719mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).

1005 kcal 50% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 28.2g 56% DV
Total Fat 52.6g 67% DV
Carbs 121.5g 44% DV
Fiber 22.1g 79% DV
Sugar 5.3g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 718.8mg 31% DV
Potassium 1217mg 26% DV
Cholesterol 193.5mg 65% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 50.3mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 17.4mg 19% DV
Calcium 597.9mg 46% DV
Iron 7.3mg 40% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use almond flour instead of whole almonds?

Yes, you can substitute almond flour for whole almonds. Use about 1/2 cup of almond flour to replace 3/4 cup of whole almonds, as almond flour is more finely ground and will integrate more easily into the batter.

Is there a non-alcoholic option for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace the sweet sherry with an equal amount of apple juice or a mix of orange juice and a bit of vanilla extract. This will maintain the flavor profile while keeping the cake alcohol-free.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make this sherry sponge cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the blend's instructions, as some may require additional binding agents like xanthan gum.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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