Apricot ratafia sponge cake

This delicious Apricot Ratafia Sponge Cake is a heavenly concoction that is sure to impress your taste buds. With the rich flavor of almonds and amaretti cookies, it offers a delicious twist on the classic fruit cake. Whether you enjoy it for afternoon tea or as a decadent dessert, it’s sure to leave you wanting more. Enjoy the moist and tender consistency and the fruity sweetness of the apricots. Complete your experience by pairing it with a dollop of cream or a delicious portion of custard. You should definitely try this delicious treat!

Ingredients

200g soft butter, plus some butter for the tin
200g powdered sugar
200g self-raising flour
1 teaspoon Baking powder
4 large eggs
½-1 tsp almond essence (optional)
410g can of apricot halves in natural juice, drained, 100g roughly chopped, the rest halved
85 g ratafia or amaretti cookies (leave the ratafias whole or break the amaretti)
25g almond flakes

Preparation steps

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas 4.
Grease the bottom and sides of a 22cm loose-bottomed cake tin and line with baking paper.
Place butter, sugar, flour and baking powder in a large bowl.
Beat the eggs and add the almond essence if necessary.
Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Set aside a quarter of the mixture.
Stir the chopped apricots and 25 g of biscuits into the remaining mixture.
Pour the mixture into the cake tin and gently smooth it out with the back of the spoon.
Bake for 25 minutes until the cake is almost set.
In the meantime, stir the apricot halves, the remaining cookies and the flaked almonds into the reserved cake mixture until everything is well mixed.
Quickly pour the excess cake mix onto the half-baked cake.
Place the cake in the oven for another 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Nutritional Information

kcal	fat	saturates	carbohydrates	Sugar	fiber	protein	Salt
452	26g	14g	49g	31g	2g	7g	0.9g

Equipment and tools

To prepare this sponge cake with apricots and ratafia, you will need the following equipment and tools:

A mixing bowl
An electric mixer or whisk
A round cake tin with a diameter of 23 cm
Baking paper or parchment paper
A sharp knife
A can opener
A cutting board

Allergen information

This apricot ratafia sponge cake contains the following allergens:

Butter – dairy products
Eggs
Almond essence (optional) – tree nuts
Ratafia or Amaretti cookies – tree nuts, gluten (depending on the type of cookie used)
Almond flakes – tree nuts

Please note that this cake may also contain traces of other allergens not listed above. It is important to check the packaging and labels of each ingredient used.

Storage and leftovers

This Apricot and Ratafia Sponge Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you have leftovers, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to preserve freshness.

The flaked almonds on top of the cake may lose some of their crunch over time, but the taste is still delicious.

Health Benefits of Apricot and Ratafia Sponge Cake

Apricot and ratafia sponge cake is not only a delicious treat but also offers several health benefits. This delicious cake combines the flavors of apricots, almonds and ratafia cookies to provide a nutritious and filling dessert option. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of the main ingredients in this recipe.

1. Apricots

Apricots, both fresh and canned, are full of important vitamins and minerals. Here are some of the health benefits they offer:

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Rich in Vitamin A: Apricots are an excellent source of vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting the growth of strong bones and teeth.
Source of Antioxidants: Apricots are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and beta-carotene, which can help fight free radicals and protect the body from various diseases.
Digestive Health: Apricots contain fiber, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut. They also have natural laxative properties.
Heart Health: The potassium content in apricots helps maintain proper heart function and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

2. Almonds

In addition to being an excellent source of healthy fats and proteins, almonds also provide several health benefits:

Heart Healthy: Almonds are rich in monounsaturated fats, which may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Rich in nutrients: Almonds are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium and calcium, all of which contribute to overall well-being.
Weight Control: Although almonds are high in calories, studies suggest that including almonds in a balanced diet can help with weight control and even promote weight loss.
Brain Health: Almonds contain nutrients such as vitamin E and flavonoids, which have positive effects on brain health and may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

3. Ratafia or Amaretti cookies

The addition of ratafia or amaretti cookies in this recipe not only creates a delicious texture but also offers a subtle almond flavor. Here are some important health benefits:

Almond Flavor: Ratafia or Amaretti cookies are traditionally made from almonds, which offer similar health benefits as mentioned in the almond section.
Low in sugar: Depending on the brand or recipe, ratafia or amaretti cookies often contain less sugar compared to regular cookies, making them a better choice for those watching their sugar consumption.

4. Sliced almonds

Slivered almonds are sprinkled on the apricot ratafia sponge cake, enhancing both the flavor and texture. They also offer additional health benefits including:

Protein and healthy fats: Almond flakes are a good source of plant-based protein and healthy fats, providing energy and promoting a feeling of satiety.
Vitamins and Minerals: Almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium and other essential nutrients that contribute to overall well-being.
Heart Health: The monounsaturated fats in almonds may help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Overall, Apricot Ratafia Sponge Cake not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers several health benefits. The combination of apricots, almonds, ratafia or amaretti cookies and flaked almonds provides important nutrients, antioxidants and healthy fats. So treat yourself to this delicious treat without feeling guilty!