The Local Legend Behind NYC Chinatown’s Favorite Sponge Cakes
Recipe Overview
Overview
Sponges Cafe has quickly become a beloved spot in NYC’s Chinatown, known for its light and fluffy sponge cakes that melt in your mouth. The owner, Fernando, brings a unique blend of Asian and Mexican influences to his baking, creating flavors that are both familiar and exciting. His journey from a young boy watching his grandmother bake in Mexico to running his own cafe is truly inspiring.
The atmosphere at Sponges Cafe is warm and inviting, making it a perfect place to grab a coffee and a slice of cake. Fernando’s passion for baking shines through in every cake he creates, and his commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients is evident. The cafe’s popularity has grown, with locals and visitors alike flocking to try the various flavors on offer.
What sets Sponges Cafe apart is not just the delicious cakes but also the sense of community it fosters. Fernando’s dedication to his craft and his customers creates a welcoming environment that feels like home. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick breakfast or to enjoy a leisurely afternoon treat, Sponges Cafe is a must-visit destination in Chinatown.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Open Sponges Cafe and start selling sponge cake, coffee, and tea.
Mix the ingredients for the sponge cake.
Bake the sponge cakes until they catch air.
Tip: When baking sponge cakes, avoid hitting them to keep them fluffy.
Prepare around 1,500 sponge cakes in summer and 3,000 to 4,000 in winter.
Tip: Create your own flavors to stand out in the market.
Create unique flavors for the sponge cakes.
Select three purple yam, two chocolate, and two banana for the cakes.
Tip: Use fresh ingredients for vibrant colors in your cakes.
Use fresh pandan for the light green color in the cakes.
Shop for ingredients in Chinatown.
Make sponge cakes every day as a source of motivation.
Tip: Put extra love into your baking for better results.
Ingredients
No ingredients available.
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Sponges Cafe combines Asian and Mexican baking traditions to create unique sponge cakes.
- •The cafe has become a community hub in Chinatown, known for its friendly atmosphere and delicious offerings.
- •Fernando, the owner, has a rich history in baking, having learned from his mentor in the 80s.
- •The cafe serves a variety of flavors, including pandan and chocolate, appealing to diverse tastes.
