Genoise Coffee Sponge Cake Recipe with Coffee Ganache
If you are looking for a light, soft, and delicate coffee cake, this Genoise Coffee Sponge is a wonderful recipe to try. The sponge has a beautifully airy texture, while the homemade coffee ganache gives it a rich coffee and chocolate flavor.
This cake is made with a simple Genoise-style sponge and finished with a smooth coffee ganache made with milk chocolate, heavy cream, and instant coffee. The result is a soft and delicious coffee cake that looks elegant while being surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Genoise Coffee Sponge
- 4 medium-sized eggs
- 75 g sugar (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons)
- 65 g plain flour (⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons)
- ⅓ teaspoon baking powder
- 10 g corn starch (1 tablespoon)
- 40 g melted butter (3 tablespoons)
- ½ teaspoon almond essence (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coffee Ganache
- 2 tablespoons warm milk
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
- 150 g milk chocolate
- 80 ml heavy cream (⅓ cup)
Optional
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- Cocoa powder for dusting
How to Make Genoise Coffee Sponge
Step 1: Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
Add 4 medium-sized eggs and 75 g sugar (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons) to a mixing bowl.
Whisk the eggs and sugar for about 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and well combined.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine:
- 65 g plain flour (⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons)
- ⅓ teaspoon baking powder
- 10 g corn starch (1 tablespoon)
Mix the dry ingredients well.
Step 3: Add the Flour Gradually
Sift half of the flour mixture into the egg mixture.
Fold gently, making sure not to overmix the batter.
Step 4: Add Half of the Melted Butter
Take 40 g melted butter (3 tablespoons) and add half of it to the batter.
Fold gently until incorporated.
Next, sift in the remaining flour mixture and fold gently again.
Add the rest of the melted butter and fold gently until everything is combined.
Step 5: Add the Flavoring
Add ½ teaspoon almond essence, if using, along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Fold gently one final time.
At this stage, the batter is ready.
Prepare and Bake the Sponge
Pour the batter into a 20 × 20 cm (8 × 8 inch) baking pan.
Tap the pan a few times gently to help release the air bubbles. You should see the bubbles bursting on the surface.
Bake in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes.
Once baked, take the cake out of the baking pan straightaway and allow it to cool completely.
How to Make Simple Coffee Ganache
While the sponge is cooling, prepare the coffee ganache.
Step 1: Prepare the Coffee Mixture
Take 2 tablespoons warm milk and add 1 tablespoon instant coffee.
Mix well until the coffee is properly dissolved.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Cream
Add 150 g milk chocolate and 80 ml heavy cream (⅓ cup) to a suitable bowl.
Microwave for about 1 minute.
Remove from the microwave and mix well until the chocolate and cream are smooth and combined.
Step 3: Add the Coffee
Add the prepared coffee mixture to the chocolate and cream.
Mix well until the coffee is evenly incorporated into the ganache.
Step 4: Chill and Whisk
Chill the coffee ganache for about 10 minutes.
After chilling, whisk the ganache until it becomes thicker.
Once it reaches a thicker, spreadable consistency, the coffee ganache is ready!
Finish the Coffee Cake
Once the Genoise sponge has cooled completely, finish it with the prepared coffee ganache.
If you prefer a slightly lighter consistency for the ganache, you can optionally add 2–3 tablespoons milk.
For an attractive final touch, you can also dust the cake with cocoa powder.
The Perfect Soft Coffee Cake
Your Genoise Coffee Sponge is now ready to enjoy. The sponge is incredibly soft and light, while the coffee ganache adds a delicious combination of coffee and milk chocolate flavors.
The final result is a soft, light, and delicious coffee cake with a smooth coffee ganache topping.
So soft, perfectly light, and full of coffee flavor—this Genoise Coffee Sponge is a perfect homemade treat! ☕🍰