Sponge Mould

Sponge Mould is a delightful and comforting dessert that breathes new life into stale sponge cakes. This recipe combines the light and airy texture of sponge cakes with the sweetness of raspberry jam and a creamy, almond-flavored custard. The result is a visually appealing dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The process involves halving the sponge cakes, spreading them with jam, arranging them in a mould, and soaking them in hot milk. A creamy custard is prepared with cornflour, sugar, and almond essence, which is then poured over the sponge cakes. Once chilled, the dessert is turned out of the mould, revealing a beautiful and delicious creation.

INGREDIENTS:

• 9 stale sponge cakes
• Raspberry jam
• 2 pints of milk
• 8 oz. of Allinson cornflour
• Sugar to taste
• A few drops of almond essence

PREPARATIONS:

1. Start by buttering the mould to prevent sticking.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Halve the stale sponge cakes.
2. Spread raspberry jam generously onto each half of the sponge cakes.
3. Arrange the jam-covered sponge cakes neatly in the buttered mould.
4. Pour 1/2 pint of boiling hot milk over the sponge cakes, allowing them to soak up the milk.
5. In a separate saucepan, heat the remaining milk until it comes to a boil.
6. In a bowl, mix the cornflour with a little cold milk to create a smooth paste.
7. Gradually add the cornflour paste to the boiling milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and resembles a blancmange.
8. Sweeten the custard with sugar to taste and add a few drops of almond essence for flavor.
9. Pour the creamy custard mixture over the sponge cakes in the mould.

YIELD:

• This recipe should yield a generous Sponge Mould suitable for serving multiple portions.

SERVING:

1. Allow the dessert to cool and set in the mould.
2. Once completely cooled, carefully turn the Sponge Mould out of the mould onto a serving platter.

TIPS:

• Feel free to customize the level of sweetness by adjusting the amount of sugar used in the custard.
• Garnish the top of the Sponge Mould with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
• Serve the dessert chilled for the best taste and texture.

In conclusion, Sponge Mould is a delightful and nostalgic dessert that takes stale sponge cakes and transforms them into a visually appealing and delectable treat. This recipe combines the airy texture of sponge cakes with the sweetness of raspberry jam and the creamy richness of almond-flavored custard. The result is a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of sweet creations.

The magic begins with halving the stale sponge cakes and generously spreading them with raspberry jam. These jam-covered sponge cakes are then carefully arranged in a buttered mould, creating layers of flavor and texture.

To add moisture and richness to the dessert, hot milk is poured over the sponge cakes, allowing them to soak up the liquid. This step rejuvenates the cakes, making them tender and flavorful.

The custard, made with cornflour, milk, sugar, and almond essence, is the crowning glory of this dessert. It’s prepared by thickening the milk with cornflour, resulting in a creamy, blancmange-like texture. The almond essence adds a delightful fragrance and flavor that pairs beautifully with the raspberry jam.

Once the custard is poured over the sponge cakes, the dessert is allowed to cool and set in the mould. When it’s fully chilled, the Sponge Mould is carefully turned out onto a serving platter, revealing its beautiful layers and inviting aroma.

To enhance the presentation, you can garnish the top of the Sponge Mould with fresh berries, sprigs of mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These finishing touches not only add visual appeal but also complement the dessert’s flavors.

Whether you’re serving Sponge Mould for a special occasion or as a comforting dessert after a family meal, it’s sure to impress with its blend of textures and flavors. The contrast of the tender sponge cakes, sweet jam, and creamy custard creates a memorable dessert that’s both elegant and satisfying.

So, embrace the tradition and warmth of Sponge Mould, and savor each spoonful of this delightful dessert. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create a dessert that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious.