How To Make Italian Sponge Cake - Pan di Spagna (e91)

Buon Giorno A Tutti! In this episode, Nonna Mia, la nonna di tutti (everyone's grandmother), bakes up a delicious Italian Sponge Cake - Pan Di Spagna. This is a simple 3-ingredient cake: eggs, sugar, and flour…with no baking powder. It is even oil and dairy-free.
Pan di Spagna / Italian Sponge Cake is a highly versatile cake that you can enjoy plain, just dusted with powdered (icing) sugar, or drizzled with liqueurs, creams, fruit or really, whatever your heart desires. It was originally made in honour of the Spanish court in the 18th Century and as such, it takes it name from Spain (Spagna).
Here are the ingredients that you will need for the sponge cake:
- 6 extra large eggs (at room temperature)
- 200 grams of sugar (1 cup)
- 200 grams of flour (1.5 cups)
- pinch of salt
- 5 ml (1 tsp) of vanilla extra (or lemon zest, or almond extract as desired)
You will want to use a standing mixer for this recipe as it requires 15 to 20 minutes of whipping. There is no baking powder or leavening agent - the air, incorporated while beating, helps the cake to rise.
As you are beating the eggs, you will want to slowly add in the sugar. Once the eggs and sugar are fluffy and form ribbons when lifted, you can then add in the vanilla extract (or alternative) and a pinch of salt. Mix in then, slowly add in 200 grams (about 1.5 cups) of flour. Be gentle as you will want to keep the batter light and airy.
Grease a 25 cm / 10-inch spring-form pan and add the batter. You will bake this in an oven preheated to 340F / 170C. It will take about 35 minutes, but do not open the oven for the first 30 minutes. Test with a toothpick or spaghetti stick (as Nonna always does) to ensure it comes up clean. Once done, turn the oven off, slightly open the oven door and leave for another 5 minutes.
Allow to cool and then remove from pan, placing the cake on a cooling rack.
Once cooled, dust with powdered (icing) sugar, or proceed to dress it up as desired. Here, Nonna adds whipped cream and strawberries. If you wish to make this version, you will also need the following ingredients:
- 500 ml (2 cups) of 35% whipping cream (whipped)
- 80 ml (1/3 cup) liqueur (Nonna uses Amaretto), you could certainly add more if you wish
- 250 ml (1 cup) of strawberry jam
- about 500 grams of fresh sliced strawberries
- 25 grams (1/4 cup) sliced almonds
- balsamic glaze (optional)
With a spoon, drizzle the liqueur all along the cake surface. Then smooth on the strawberry jam. Whip up the whipping cream, and spread across, add fresh sliced strawberries, and some more cream if desired. Top the cake with the other layer, spread the whipped cream, top with the strawberries, sprinkle the sliced almond and drizzle with balsamic glaze (optional).
... and that's it. We hope you enjoy the cake!
Buon appetito!
Contact Details:
Mobile: [phone] or via
Email: [e-mail] & [e-mail]
KZbin Channel:
/ @nonnamia7890
TikTok @nonnamiarecipes
Instagram: nonnamiarecipes
Facebook: @nonnamiarecipes
Buon appetito!
Contact Details:
Mobile: [phone] or via
Email: [e-mail] & [e-mail]
KZbin Channel:
/ @nonnamia7890
TikTok @nonnamiarecipes
Instagram: nonnamiarecipes
Facebook: @nonnamiarecipes

[@jodirucki9281]

So happy I came across this video! Instant subscriber!! I love all of the recipes passed down through generations, the fact that they are Italian makes me even happier!

[@nonnamia7890]

Thank you so, so much Jodi for subscribing to my channel. It means a lot to me. I love it when people follow my recipes - it started as a way to teach my grandkids, but I love that everyone can try them. Hopefully you like some of my recipes bella! Sending you hugs to your corner of the world. From Ontario! xox

[@user-dc6wo3sy7o]

Thank you Bella Nonna Mia 🙏❤

[@nonnamia7890]

Prego prego!! Thank you for watching me! 🥰

[@Mona77401]

I tried this recipe today in Texas! It's lovely! Thank you so much Nonna!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nonnamia7890]

Wow. Texas. I’m sooo happy. I hope you enjoy cara Mona. 😍

[@antoniobroccoliporto4774]

When I was little…I’m now 67…my Zia Carolina would take two busses to come and visit us in the Bronx for my birthday and make this pan di Spagna..she would add pineapple in the middle then top it with whip Cream and peaches. Thanks

[@nonnamia7890]

What a wonderful memory caro Antonio. Sending hugs n love 🤗💛🤗

[@lindaseel8633]

Oh Nonna! I am soaring to heaven with this recipe! Beautiful like you. 🙏❤️🙏💓🙏🤗

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie tanto bella. I hope you try my pan di Spagna. 🤗🤗

[@homebein6173]

I adore nonnas cheerful disposition on the videos! It makes my day.

[@nonnamia7890]

And these comments make Nonna's. Thanks sooo much for making the time to write! xox

[@chuckbujno9687]

I love every single thing this wonderful woman makes. Absolutely amazing.

[@nonnamia7890]

You’re so sweet caro. Big hug 🤗🤗

[@mercedescash2712]

Thank you. I have been searching for this recipe. Beautiful.

[@nonnamia7890]

I’m so pleased cara. You are most welcome. 🥰

[@lindarennie2212]

Nonna, you are incredible! I just love watching you cook and sing! 😘😘

[@nonnamia7890]

Thank you bella - I really appreciate your sweet words; it means a lot to me. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. xox

[@MA-yd3yt]

My mom used 2 tsp baking powder and a package of Vanillina. But other than that, same recipe. Then when it comes out of the oven invert the pan and cool upside down so it stays nice and full. Thank you for sharing these wonderful recipes!

[@nonnamia7890]

Good morning and thank you so much for writing me. I love that your Mom made a very similar cake. I prefer the package of Vanillina too. I used extract because non-Italians often don't identify with that ingredient. So I guess the only difference is the baking powder. It would taste the exact same. Maybe your Mom's is just a bit higher? Anyway, I hope you enjoy your Sunday and send you bacioni!

[@giajensen5996]

I made this recipe and was amazing!! I am Mexican so I use it for a 3 leches cake sponge omg this was perfect 😍 ! I double the recipe and do it in two batches cause my mixer is a regular one ! I just use one oven pan, this was amazing firm but airy! I cut it in half , And soak in the 3 leches mix I add strawberries and whipping cream 😊! Everyone thought that I bought the cake 🎂! Thank you Nonna querida ! You have a new subscriber !!

[@nonnamia7890]

Thank you so much bella! Your note makes me very happy. I really appreciate that you subscribed too. Big hug xx

[@amandamaddux8629]

I am so happy i found your channel 🥰 you are a blessing 😘💕 grazie bella ❤🇮🇹

[@nonnamia7890]

I'm grateful that you subscribed and wrote me. It is so nice to receive beautiful messages like this - they make my day! Sending you a big hug bella! xx

[@r.barone1441]

Hi Nonna Mia! Thank you for sharing. I made a sponge cake yesterday, but yours takes the cake!! Lol. Can't wait to try. Beautiful. Baci e abbracchi xoxo 😘💜🌻Etta

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie cara Etta. Sending you bacioni!! I hope your summer is going well. xox

[@abjealva]

Awwwww she is so cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Funny grandma!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nonnamia7890]

thank you so much bella! xoxo

[@irenek3462]

This Nona is so cute and I love her recipe!!

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie Mille cara Irene. Sweet of you to say that. Thanks so much for subscribing!! 🥰🥰

[@annacaligiuri6651]

Sei bravissima e simpaticissima!anche mia nonna lo faceva cosi era di bocchigliero! Provincia di cosenza!un abbraccio e tante belle cose

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie tanto cara - me fa molto contenta!! 🥰😍🤩

[@connieabc]

Your sponge cake looks wonderful. Thanks for posting this video. Learning from you is a blessing.

[@nonnamia7890]

Prego cara!! 😘

[@karenciufo3587]

I’m so excited to be making this cake while watching your video. Thank you for sharing God Bless

[@nonnamia7890]

Buon giorno Karen and thanks so much for making this cake! I hope you enjoyed it. God bless you and your family too! xx

[@cakelandia6825]

Nonna you are as beautiful as your cake ❤❤❤thanks for the recipe!

[@nonnamia7890]

Wow. Grazie. You’re so sweet. 🥰🥰

[@lisaflower5994]

Grazie Nonna!

[@nonnamia7890]

Prego cara. 🤗🤗

[@franceskloos1297]

Hi Nonna, wow what a beautiful cake, I cannot wait to try it, I did not know how to make a sponge cakes, thank you for sharing and teaching me. I look forward to your videos you brighten my day!!!❤️❤️

[@nonnamia7890]

Buon giorno bella .. grazie mille! It is lovely to hear from you. I'm so glad that this is something new for you. It's super simple to make and then you can dress it up any way you like! If you do try it, let me know what you think? A presto...baci! xx

[@DorrisDiaz]

Hi Nonna, wonderful no fuss, cheerful recipe. Thank-you from France.

[@nonnamia7890]

France! Wonderful & bonjour! Thank you so much for watching my video. I'm so happy you wrote me. Sending you a big hug! xx

[@gabriellatulipano2752]

Love you so much too Nonna!❤️

[@nonnamia7890]

Love you MORE bella! Buon compleanno carissima Gabriella! xoxoxo

[@WhereToGoTravelProgram]

Please keep making videos, they make me happy. You are a wonderful ☺️

[@nonnamia7890]

You are so sweet. Thank you very much. I am hoping to make another in the next couple of weeks. Thank you for watching my videos and especially for writing me. It means a lot to me. xox

[@bayareaconsult4115]

Thank you Nona 🙏😍🌹

[@nonnamia7890]

Prego - my pleasure dear. xox

[@TuckerSP2011]

That cake came out BEAUTIFUL!

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie mille. It was fun to make! And not difficult at all. Thank you for saying so! Sending you BACIONI!!

[@brightsidevlog524]

Hi Nonna new friend here im watching and following you...thanks for sharing

[@nonnamia7890]

Thanks so much - I am so grateful that you subscribed. It means a lot to me. Sending you a big, big hug! xo

[@Janieblueyes]

Caio Nonna , beautiful sponge cake 🤌🏻

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie mille! 🤗

[@nonnadibenedetto9942]

Beautiful. Tanti baci a voi tutti in famigliax

[@nonnamia7890]

Long time no hear ... I missed you. It is so wonderful to hear from you. Sending you a big hug all the way to the UK!! xoxo

[@francescoscaglione5182]

At 8.11 a.m. I've already had my breakfast, but now I just wish I had nonna's italian sponge cake. I bet it must be impossibly good 👍👍👍❤

[@nonnamia7890]

I wish I could share with you bello ... if you ever fly over to NYC to visit your family, you must come by Orillia too, ok?! Bacioni!

[@francescoscaglione5182]

@@nonnamia7890 you bet, nonna ❤👍

[@nonnamia7890]

@@francescoscaglione5182 bravo. 😍

[@teresadirocco5904]

Bravissima e simpaticissima 💯🇮🇹🌹

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie tanto cara Teresa. Baci e amore!! 🤗🤗

[@lorettawiles6307]

Gotta tell ya you won’t taste a sponge cake better than this one…thank you Zia it was delicious 😘

[@nonnamia7890]

Prego cara. And thank you for the visit n sweet words. So lovely to see you. 🥰❤️🥰

[@mccardieclan1755]

OH MY!! I am so glad I sub'd because I hv been looking for the best sponge cake recipe for tiramisu!!! Now I hv found it!!! Bless you with joy and hugs !!

[@nonnamia7890]

That's wonderful - so happy to read this. I hope you enjoyed the recipe. xox

[@oneitalia2312]

HAPPY THANKSGIVING BELLA!!! ~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~

[@nonnamia7890]

A belated Happy Thanksgiving to you cara! xox

[@littledancer10100]

Thank you for this recipe Nonna! I hope you are enjoying the summer

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie mille - you too! It's been a bit wetter than normal, but on the positive, my beans are SOOOOO tall already! My garden is beautiful and that makes me very happy too! How is your summer? xx

[@rellyperrone6593]

Just like my mum used to make :) thank you for the recipe....much love from Melbourne Australia xx

[@nonnamia7890]

Bella, you’re far away! Hope you are well and warm. Where is your Mom from?

[@rellyperrone6593]

@@nonnamia7890 My parents were from Sicily in a small village about an hour from Messina 🖤💕

[@NancyJurgens]

Trying this recipe now, fingers crossed that it comes out just like the video.

[@nonnamia7890]

Bella, thank you for trying the recipe. I would love to hear how it turns out for you. xx

[@laurettatulipano5905]

I was lucky enough to try this cake tonight for dessert and it was outstanding!!!! Grazie mille Nonna xoxoxo

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie bella. Next I will have to make you Italian Rum Cake!! Miss you! xoxox

[@wagnerab1958]

Beautiful cake, can't wait to try this. Thank you for sharing!

[@nonnamia7890]

Prego ... my pleasure cara Anne. If you get the chance, let me know how you found it! The pan di spagna is quite plain ... but even with just liqueur poured on it, it becomes yummy. Yesterday I mixed espresso and Marsala and drenched the cake in that. So so good! xx

[@francam5874]

Looks delicious ❤️

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie Franca! Your garden must be doing great with all this rain! xo

[@nancyparrella8471]

Amasing

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie cara Nancy

[@caitogrady8747]

Such a beautiful cake! Almost too good to eat, but i tried it and it tastes even better than it looks!!

[@nonnamia7890]

Awww that’s sweet of you Cait. Thank you for your kind words. They are so appreciated. 🥰

[@nancyparrella8471]

So good

[@nonnamia7890]

🥰

[@alexiadiakos4653]

Brava nonnina fantastica ❣️❣️

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie cara Alexia! I really appreciate hearing from you. xo

[@elizabethdjokovic2691]

6 eggs 1 cup of sugar 200g flour. How easy is that? Easy to remember. Nonna certainly knows her stuff.

[@nonnamia7890]

You’re sweet. Thanks bella. 🤗

[@tbrough90]

Nonna another perfect recipe! It's my baby's first birthday tomorrow 🎉 this will be fantastic! Grazie mille ❤️ Your videos bring so much joy, and I cannot wait to make this recipe 🎂

[@nonnamia7890]

Awww, so sweet.Thank you cara! I am thrilled that you made this cake for your baby's birthday. Wow, that fill my heart!! Buon Compleanno to your baby!! Bacioni! xox

[@tbrough90]

@@nonnamia7890 He loved the cake! I wish I could include pictures. We love all your recipes, but this one was the most fun 🎂Love from the Costantino's xoxo

[@nonnamia7890]

@@tbrough90 I would love to see pictures!! 😍 You can email me? Or if you’re on Facebook I have a page. Contact details are below the recipe in the description box if you click see more.

[@surekhaoommen3690]

U r awesome 😘😘😘😘

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie tanto cara … you’re so sweet. 🥰

[@debrahearn3759]

Hello Nonna, looks great!

[@nonnamia7890]

Thank you - thank you! xox

[@surinderpuri9141]

Looks delicious!

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie caro. 😊

[@marieg9934]

Love this cake! So the flour is All Purpose Flour?

[@nonnamia7890]

Si bella 🤗

[@rosemaryduby2130]

Nonna, Recipe for whipping cream please 🙏🏻

[@nonnamia7890]

Buon giorno cara - I just whipped the cream. I didn't't add anything. Of course you can, but there are a lot of flavours in the cake owing to the Amaretto, and the jam, and strawberries - sweet enough in my view. Enjoy! xx

[@angiestojanovski1463]

Love your video Nonna, I am a new subscriber. I miss my Dear Mum and Nonna so watching you cook makes me very happy 😊 I live in Western Australia 🇦🇺 Perth . Can you tell me what flour you use selfrasing or plan. Keep up the good work, I look forward to seeing more of your cooking Keep safe XOXO

[@nonnamia7890]

Perth! Wow. My daughter used to live there. Thank you very much for subscribing Angie. It means a lot to me!! Regarding your question, the flour is all purpose / plain flour. Sending you bacioni bella!! 😘🤗😘

[@vittoriawallen889]

Looks AMAZING!! Che Buona! I need that Apron! Please where is it from?🥰

[@nonnamia7890]

I am so glad you like my apron Vittoria. If you can believe, I got it from Canadian Tire!! Bacioni xox

[@mariadipaolo2353]

Deliziosa

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie Maria! xx

[@wonderwoman4819]

Nonna is that just plain flour you used? Grazie Mille!

[@nonnamia7890]

Si si. AP flour. But cake flour would be good too. Prego!! 🥰

[@wonderwoman4819]

@@nonnamia7890 💕💕💕

[@valeriodeli7491]

Hi Nonna a big kiss from Australia, I follow your details , but the eggs wan't mount ( non salgono) . although I haven't pick up the eggs from the fridge ( bought eggs from the shop and fresh), but after 30 minutes use my mixer, still the eggs doesn't want mount.... i saw your eggs went like a white foam, mine didn't... wrong eggs could be, Please help and always keep the receipts coming... lol Love you nonna xxoo

[@nonnamia7890]

Grazie caro Valerio- sei dolce!! 🤗 This is curious. I’m wondering if you had a standing mixer? It’s stronger? I’ve not experienced what you mentioned so I’m a bit unsure why, even after you beat them 30 minutes they didn’t fluff up. 🤔

[@valeriodeli7491]

@@nonnamia7890 Yes nonna, doesn't get fluff up, my mixer's one of this industrial machine which I paid good money ( Pizza dough and other thinks coming superb), I'm wondering the eggs, that the only reason, I have followed step by step your details , but when coming to fluff up... nothing, I gona change eggs, may the eggs coming from an industrial company and I gona use natural eggs... ( I will ask a friend mine '' calabrese to give me a dozen of eggs from their chickens and I let you know) Thank you nonna and a big hug from all of us in Australia xxoo

[@valeriodeli7491]

Nonna, ma la farina non e' self-raising or farina per dolci , any chance? 😊 Thanks

[@nonnamia7890]

@@valeriodeli7491 all purpose / plain flour is all I use caro.

[@valeriodeli7491]

@@nonnamia7890 thank you

[@gurwinderamandeep9353]

Whipped cream ingredients in Italian

[@nonnamia7890]

I just buy whipping cream and whip it at high speed ...

[@abdullahiahmed2409]

I love you mom where you live I would like to visit you

[@nonnamia7890]

You’re sweet. Grazie Ahmed! I’m in Ontario. North of Toronto. How about you?

[@abdullahiahmed2409]

@@nonnamia7890 I am in London send me your email I will contact to you. You are also sweet mom

[@francoa.pasqualeasid4777]

Are you abruzzese?

[@nonnamia7890]

Buon giorno caro Franco - non, sono Calabrese, di Cosenza. Buon Natale!

[@gurwinderamandeep9353]

How to make whipped cream

[@nonnamia7890]

500 ml (2 cups) of 35% whipping cream whipped at high speed until peaks form.

[@michaelraiti7548]

ciao nonna mia puoi per favore fare le ossa dei morti il ​​biscotto pasquale siciliano il mio zen nonno li faceva non riesco a ricordare come grazie michael

[@nonnamia7890]

Buon gourd Michael. Bei ricordi! Mi dispiace, in realtà non li ho mai fatti. Spero che troviate una buona ricetta e vi auguro una buona Pasqua. xx

[@michaelraiti7548]

@@nonnamia7890 va bene, grazie così tanto che non ne ho ancora trovato uno ma devo continuare a cercare, buona pasqua e grazie per i fantastici video xx

[@nancyparrella8471]

S

[@nonnamia7890]

🤩

[@nasrinearakozie4791]

Don’t like it

[@nonnamia7890]

Sorry to hear that