Martha Bakes Season 6 Episode 4 Sponge Cake

Martha Bakes season 6 episode 4, titled "Sponge Cake," features Martha Stewart showcasing her expertise in baking this airy and light cake. A sponge cake has been one of the classic desserts, and Martha reveals the secret to make it perfectly every time.

The episode begins with Martha sharing the history of sponge cake and how different communities around the world make it. She demonstrates how to make a simple sponge cake with only four ingredients - flour, sugar, eggs, and a pinch of salt. She explains how to layer the cake with berries and whipped cream to make a delicious summer dessert.

Next up, Martha prepares a lemon and raspberry sponge cake with a lemon curd and raspberry jam filling. She emphasizes the importance of properly zesting and juicing a lemon to get the perfect lemon flavor. She also showcases how to create a checkerboard pattern in the sponge cake, adding an impressive visual element to the dessert.

Following that, Martha makes a sponge cake with chocolate ganache and hazelnuts. She explains how to toast and skin hazelnuts and incorporates them into the batter for a nutty flavor. Martha then shows how to make a simple chocolate ganache and apply it to the top of the cake, making it irresistible.

As the next recipe, Martha bakes a fruit-filled sponge cake with Chantilly cream. She advises on the importance of using fresh seasonal fruits and demonstrates how to macerate them for a sweet and juicy flavor. She pairs the fruit with a Chantilly cream, a whipped cream that is stabilized with gelatin, making it the perfect accompaniment to the light sponge cake.

Martha then shows how to make a citrus and olive oil sponge cake, a modern twist on the classic recipe. She uses delicately flavored olive oil and orange zest to create a sophisticated taste. She finishes off the cake with a drizzle of honey, adding a sweet and fragrant touch.

Lastly, Martha demonstrates how to make a tiramisu sponge cake, which takes inspiration from the classic Italian dessert. She prepares the sponge cake, then soaks it in an espresso and liqueur mixture, layering it with a creamy mascarpone filling. She showcases the method of adding a dusting of cocoa powder and grated chocolate to complete the cake.

The "Sponge Cake" episode of Martha Bakes season 6 features a range of sponge cake recipes that reflect diverse flavor profiles. Martha guides viewers through every step and shares tips and tricks that make baking these versatile desserts approachable for all home bakers.