Ingredients

Spinach Sponge Cake

Fresh spinach leaves - 200 grams (7 ounces)
Sugar - 160 grams (5.5 ounces)
All-purpose flour - 200 grams (7 ounces)
Vegetable oil - 130 grams (4.5 ounces)
Baking powder - 8 grams (0.5 ounce)
Lemon juice - 25 grams (1 ounce)
Salt - 2 grams (0.1 ounce)
Eggs - 100 grams (2 large)
We recommend:

Soaking Syrup

Sugar - 90 grams (3 ounces)
Water - 120 grams (4 ounces)
Lime juice - 20 grams (0.5 ounce)

Strawberry Compote

Strawberry puree - 350 grams (12 ounces)
Sugar - 90 grams (3 ounces)
Powdered gelatin (220 bloom) - 10 grams (0.5 ounce)
Cold water for gelatin - 60 grams (2 ounces)

Lime Mint Filling

White chocolate - 100 grams (3.5 ounces)
Heavy cream (33% fat) - 70 grams (2.5 ounces)
Powdered gelatin (220 bloom) - 5 grams (0.2 ounce)
Cold water for gelatin - 30 grams (1 ounce)
Butter at room temp - 30 grams (1 ounce)
Mint sprigs - 3
Lime juice - 30 grams (1 ounce)
Zest of one lime
We recommend:

Cheese Cream

Cream cheese - 500 grams (18 ounces)
Heavy cream (33% fat) - 200 grams (7 ounces)
Powdered sugar - 100 to 120 grams (3.5 to 4 ounces)

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare Spinach Sponge Cake

Mix *flour*, *baking powder*, and *salt* in a bowl.

In a blender, puree *spinach*, *vegetable oil*, and *lemon juice* until smooth.

Whip *eggs* and *sugar* on high speed for 5 to 6 minutes, until they form a light and fluffy mixture. Gently fold in the spinach mixture.

Gradually add the sifted *flour mixture*, mixing well each time with a spatula.

Divide the batter into two 16 cm (6.5 inches) round cake pans. Bake at 170-180°C (340-355°F) for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely in the pans before removing.

Step 2

Make Soaking Syrup

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and heat until the *sugar* dissolves completely. Let it cool down.

Step 3

Create Strawberry Compote

Bloom the *gelatin* in cold water.

In a saucepan, bring the *strawberry puree* and *sugar* to a boil, and simmer for a couple of minutes. Stir in the bloomed *gelatin* until dissolved. Pour into two 14 cm (5.5 inches) rings and freeze until set.

Step 4

Prepare Lime Mint Filling

Bloom the *gelatin* in cold water.

Heat the *cream* to boiling, add the bloomed *gelatin*, and stir well. Pour over the *white chocolate* and add *mint leaves*, *lime juice*, and *zest*. Blend using an immersion blender, then add the *butter* and blend again. Pour into a 16 cm (6.5 inches) ring and freeze until ready to use.

Step 5

Whip Up Cheese Cream

*Chill* all the ingredients in a mixer bowl and whip until a firm and stable cream forms.

Step 6

Assemble the Cake

Slice the *sponge cakes* into four layers total.

Layer as follows, soaking each layer: *sponge*, *cream*, *compote* layer, *cream*, *sponge*, more *cream*, the frozen *lime filling*, *cream*, *sponge*, *cream*, another *compote* layer, *cream*, finish with *sponge*.

Servings

Picture the cake at the center of your table - a work of art that draws every eye and tempts every taste bud. **Pair it with a tangy lemonade** or a soothing cup of green tea to elevate the tasting experience. ☕️

For a **gourmet touch**, drizzle a thin layer of balsamic reduction around the plate before serving, amplifying the fresh strawberry profile. Or, why not place freshly sliced strawberries and dollops of cream on top? 🍓

If you want the cake to cater to a younger crowd's curiosity, let them **assemble their slices with different layers!** Each bite becomes a surprise adventure on a plate. 🥳

Equipment

Two Cake Pans (16 cm diameter)

Make sure to grease them well for easy release of the sponge layers.

Round Pastry Rings (14 cm diameter)

Great for making uniform layers of compote and mint lime filling.

Variations

Transform this treat to fit any diet! Here's how: 🌱

Gluten-Free Variation:
Swap regular flour for an equal blend of almond flour and coconut flour. Be sure to sift well to prevent lumps in your batter. Enjoy the nutty twist this brings to your cake layers! 🥥

Vegan Option:
Replace eggs with flaxseed eggs — simply mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit until thickened. Use coconut cream for rich texture and swap gelatin with agar-agar for the compote. This version is not just cruelty-free but also delightfully delicious! 🌿

Faq

  • Why does my cake fall flat?

    Your spinach purée might be too heavy or not well-puréed, leading to a dense texture. Ensure to blend it thoroughly and fold gently!

  • Can I use frozen spinach?

    Fresh is best for this recipe! Frozen spinach has more moisture and could alter the cake’s texture. If you must use frozen, defrost and drain it well.

  • What can I do if my compote is too runny?

    You can simmer it longer to reduce the liquid or add a little more gelatin to help set it better.

  • How to ensure the layers stay together?

    Refrigerate each assembled layer briefly to stabilize before adding the next. This allows each component to hold its shape better.

  • How do I achieve a smooth finish on the cream cheese frosting?

    Ensure all your ingredients are sufficiently cold and beat them in a cool room. Use a hot knife to smooth out the final touches.

  • What other herbs could complement the cake's flavors?

    Basil or lemon thyme could add intriguing notes that pair wonderfully with strawberries and lime.

Nutrition facts

Spinach Lime Cake with Strawberry Compote
Recipe Yield:10 servings
Calories:Approximately 450-500 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):450 - 500
Total Fat:25g
Saturated Fat:10g
Protein:5g
Total Carbohydrate:55g
Total Sugars:40g