Hi °C | Lo °C As Northern Ireland’s passion for Italian food continues, chef Gennaro Contaldo shares his modern take on some classic recipes.
What you'll need
This is a traditional Italian sponge cake, sometimes known as torta margherita. Over time, it has evolved and this torto paradiso has a creamy filling
For the Sponge
4 eggs, separated
200g Bertolli Spread, plus extra for greasing
200g sugar
150g plain flour
50g cornflour
1 tsp baking powder
1 sachet vanilla powder
Pinch of salt
Zest of 1 lemon
Sifted icing sugar
for the Creamy filling (makes 300g)
50ml water
150g sugar
6 organic free-range egg yolks
175g Bertolli Spread
Seeds of 1vanilla pod or 1 sachet of vanilla powder
1 round cake tin 22cm in diameter, lightly greased and lined with baking parchment paper
Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas 4/350°F.
Whisk the egg whites until stiff and set aside. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks until well amalgamated. In a larger bowl, cream together the Bertolli Spread and sugar. Gradually add the yolks, then fold in flour, cornflour, baking powder, vanilla powder, salt and lemon zest. Gently fold the stiff egg whites into the mixture with a metal spoon until well combined.
Pour into the prepared cake tin and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until golden and springy to the touch. You can check if it is cooked by inserting a wooden skewer in the centre; if it comes out dry, the cake is ready.
Remove, tip out onto a wire rack to cool, then with a sharp knife carefully cut horizontally into two layers. To make the filling, combine water and sugar in a small pan, place on a low heat, stirring from time to time until the sugar has dissolved and you have a syrup.
Whisk the egg yolks and gradually add the syrup to the bowl. Leave the mixture to cool. Then add the Bertolli Spread and vanilla seeds or powder and continue to whisk until you obtain a creamy consistency. Place in the fridge and use when required.
Spread the creamy filling over the cooled cake layers and sandwich together. Sprinkle with lots of sifted icing sugar over the top and serve. For a really tasty filling, mix some strawberry or raspberry jam into the creamy mix.
