Delicious Banh Bong Lan (Vietnamese Sponge Cake) Recipe
Are you ready to dive into the world of Vietnamese cuisine? Today, we’ll explore the delightful recipe for Banh Bong Lan, a traditional sponge cake that is beloved across Vietnam. This fluffy cake is often enjoyed at special occasions like birthdays and weddings, making it a significant part of Vietnamese culture. Its light texture and sweet flavor make it a popular treat for both kids and adults. Let’s discover how to make this delicious cake!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| All-purpose flour | 200g |
| Sugar | 150g |
| Eggs | 4 large |
| Coconut milk | 100ml |
| Baking powder | 1 tsp |
| Butter (melted) | 50g |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use regular milk or almond milk as a substitute.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 160°C (320°F).
- Prepare the cake pan: Grease a round cake pan (about 8 inches) with butter and line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them with an electric mixer until they are fluffy and light in color (about 5 minutes).
- Add sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the egg mixture while continuing to beat it until well blended.
- Add coconut milk: Slowly mix in the coconut milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Pour batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount | Daily Value (%) |
| Calories | 180 | 9% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Sugar | 15g | N/A |
| Calcium | 50mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
Tips and Tricks
- Fluffiness: To make your cake even fluffier, make sure your eggs are at room temperature before beating them.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of coconut flakes to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Serving: Banh Bong Lan is great on its own, but you can serve it with fresh fruit or whipped cream for a special treat.
- Avoiding mistakes: Be careful not to open the oven door while the cake is baking, as this can cause the cake to collapse.
FAQs
What is Banh Bong Lan?
Banh Bong Lan is a Vietnamese sponge cake that is light and fluffy. It is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert during special occasions.
Can I use whole eggs instead of separating them?
You can use whole eggs, but separating them and beating the whites separately will give a lighter texture to the cake.
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
If you want to avoid coconut milk, you can use regular milk or almond milk as a substitute in this recipe.
How do I store leftover Banh Bong Lan?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I add flavors to the cake?
Absolutely! You can add lemon zest, orange extract, or other extracts to customize the flavor of your cake.
Why did my cake sink in the middle?
A cake may sink if the oven temperature is too low or if the batter is overmixed. Make sure to follow the baking time and temperature closely.
Is Banh Bong Lan gluten-free?
This recipe is not gluten-free because it uses all-purpose flour. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed.
How can I make it more colorful?
You can add food coloring to the batter before baking to create a more vibrant look for your Banh Bong Lan.
Can I freeze Banh Bong Lan?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn.
What is the best way to serve Banh Bong Lan?
Banh Bong Lan can be served plain, or topped with fresh fruits like strawberries or mangoes. A drizzle of sweetened condensed milk also adds a delicious touch!
Now that you know how to make this delightful Vietnamese sponge cake, why not gather your ingredients and start baking? Enjoy the sweet and fluffy goodness of Banh Bong Lan with your family and friends!
