The uniquely shaped sponge cakes from Quang Nam province attract customers during Tet.

Sponge cake - Photo 1.

People in Thang Binh commune mix flour to make sponge cake - Photo: LE TRUNG

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse, the sponge cake and glutinous rice cake bakeries in Thang Binh commune, Da Nang city (formerly part of Thang Binh district, Quang Nam province) are busy producing to serve the market.

At the sponge cake production facility of Mr. Nguyen Quang Ban (40 years old, Quy Thanh village, Thang Binh commune), the couple is busily making batches of cakes to sell for Tet (Lunar New Year).

Mr. Ban said that his facility has been producing sponge cakes for three years now, but starting around the 10th day of the 12th lunar month, they produce more to sell to the Tet market.

The cake-making process is also elaborate and time-consuming, especially making the dough using a dough mixer.

First, beat the chicken eggs (free-range eggs are especially good for a fragrant aroma and a light, fluffy texture), then add the sugar and mix well for about 20 minutes.

Continue adding flour, ginger, and orange juice to the mixture and whisk for another few dozen minutes.

The baking process uses an electric oven with molds in various cute shapes such as cat faces, puppies, hands, smiley faces, Christmas trees, stars, etc.

Before pouring the batter, grease the mold with a layer of butter, then bake for about 10 minutes to get the finished cake.

Sponge cake - Photo 2.

The dough mixing process is time-consuming - Photo: LE TRUNG

According to Mr. Ban, in addition to electric ovens, people also use charcoal ovens to bake cakes. His facility currently has four electric ovens. After baking, the cakes are packaged and labeled for sale on the market.

When baked, sponge cake has a beautiful golden color, a very distinctive flavor, a gentle sweetness from the sugar, and the aroma of eggs, orange, and ginger; it is also a favorite cake for children.

He said that the facility produces nearly 50-70 kg of finished cakes daily, selling them on the market for about 150,000 VND/kg.

According to him, the establishment's whimsical sponge cakes are supplied to the market in Da Nang city, to small traders, and to many local markets. In addition, the products are also sold at the spring fair to serve locals and tourists.

And the establishment's "cute" sponge cakes are attracting customers during Tet (Lunar New Year), selling out every day they're produced.

Besides sponge cake bakeries, many traditional Vietnamese rice cake bakeries in Thang Binh commune are also busily producing cakes to sell during the Tet holiday.

Sponge cake - Photo 3.