Pianono is a beloved Filipino pastry that’s all about simplicity and sweetness. This soft, rolled sponge cake filled with butter and sugar is a classic treat that brings back childhood memories for many. It’s perfect for merienda (afternoon snack) or a light dessert. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, making pianono at home is straightforward and rewarding. But if you need some help, check out this delicious pianono recipe below.
Pianono Recipe Tips
Making the perfect pianono requires a few tricks to get that soft, fluffy texture and a beautifully rolled cake. Here are some tips to ensure your pianono recipe turns out just right:
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs, butter, and milk should be at room temperature. Doing this helps the batter mix smoothly and ensures even baking.
Whisk Eggs Properly: Whisking the eggs until they’re light and fluffy is key to getting a soft sponge cake. You want to incorporate as much air as possible.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix gently once you’ve added the flour. Overmixing the batter might make the cake dense.
Use Parchment Paper: Line your baking pan using parchment paper. Doing this prevents the cake from sticking. It also makes rolling the cake much easier.
Roll While Warm: Roll the cake while it’s still warm to avoid cracks. If it cools down too much, it might break when you try to roll it.
Cool Before Filling: Let the rolled cake cool completely before adding the butter and sugar filling. Doing this prevents the butter from melting and making the cake soggy.
Trim the Edges: For a neat presentation, trim the edges of the cake before spreading the filling and rolling it.
What to Serve With This Pianono Recipe
Pianono pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. It’s also great with a glass of cold milk for a simple yet satisfying snack. If you want to make it a bit more indulgent, you can serve pianono with a scoop of ice cream or drizzle it with chocolate sauce. You can also serve it with fresh tropical fruits like strawberries or mango on the side for special occasions. The cake’s lightness complements the sweetness of the fruits, making it a refreshing treat.
How to Store Pianono
Store your pianono in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it fresh and soft. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to wrap each slice with plastic wrap or put the pianono in an airtight container. Doing this prevents it from drying out.
Warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds when you’re ready to enjoy it. Doing this helps bring back its softness. If you’ve made a large batch and want to save some for later, you can freeze the pianono. You can wrap each slice using plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for a few weeks. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them at room temperature. As an alternative, you can warm them up in the microwave before serving.
Pianono Recipe
Cuisine: Filipino
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
4 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
1/4 cup butter (for filling)
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
Instructions
- Line a 10×15-inch baking pan using parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, whisk the egg yolks and sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
- Then, add the melted butter. Whisk thoroughly until combined.
- Sift the baking powder and flour onto the egg yolk mixture. Then, gently fold the ingredients together until you have a smooth batter.
- Next, whip the egg whites and cream of tartar in a separate bowl until stiff peaks form. Doing this will help make the cake light and airy.
- Then, gently fold the whipped egg whites into the egg yolk mixture. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
- Pour the batter into the baking pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cake is lightly golden and springs back when touched.
- While the cake is still warm, dust it with powdered sugar. Place a clean kitchen towel over the top, then carefully flip the cake onto the towel. Then, remove the parchment paper and roll the cake up with the towel. Let it cool completely.
- Once the cake is cool, unroll it and spread a thin layer of butter over the surface. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly on top.
- Roll the cake up again, this time without the towel. Slice it into individual pieces and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
It is called pianono because it is named after Pope Pius IX, who was known as “Pio Nono.”
Pianono is made of eggs, granulated sugar, cream of tartar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, baking powder, powdered sugar for dusting, and butter.
The cake named after the Pope in the Philippines is called pianono. In particular, its name came from Pope Pius IX, who was known as “Pio Nono.”
Conclusion
Pianono is a simple yet delightful pastry that’s sure to bring a smile to anyone who takes a bite. With its soft, fluffy texture and sweet buttery filling, it’s no wonder this treat has been a favorite for generations.
Whether you’re making it for the first time or as a seasoned baker, following these tips will help you create a delicious pianono that everyone will love. So, grab your ingredients, ready your baking tools and equipment, preheat that oven, and get ready to roll out some sweet memories with this pianono recipe!
About HICAPS
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