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Donna R. Luis

Filipino Pianono Cake Roll

A soft Filipino sponge cake rolled around a smooth margarine filling, then finished with a delicate coating of white sugar. Pianono is simple, airy, sweet, and best rolled while warm for an attractive spiral shape.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Filipino

Ingredients
  

For the Sponge Cake
  • 7 eggs separated
  • 6 tbsp flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 7 tbsp white sugar
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
For the Filling
  • Margarine enough for spreading over the cake
For the Sugar Coating
  • Extra white sugar for coating or dusting

Equipment

  • Two mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring spoons
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Jelly roll pan
  • Spatula
  • Wax paper
  • Work surface
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Separate the Eggs: Separate the egg whites from the yolks, placing the whites in one mixing bowl and the yolks in another.
  2. Whip the Egg Whites: Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they become very fluffy.
  3. Add the Sugar: Continue beating the egg whites while gradually adding the 7 tablespoons of white sugar one spoonful at a time. Set the whipped mixture aside.
  4. Sift the Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda together to evenly combine the dry ingredients.
  5. Mix the Egg Yolks: Beat the egg yolks with the vanilla extract until combined, then gently add the sifted dry ingredients while mixing on low speed.
  6. Combine the Mixtures: Fold the egg yolk and flour mixture into the whipped egg whites until the batter is well incorporated, taking care to retain the airy texture.
  7. Prepare the Pan: Line a jelly roll pan with wax paper, then pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.
  8. Bake the Sponge: Place the pan in a preheated 180°C oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cake is ready.
  9. Prepare the Sugar-Dusted Paper: Place another sheet of wax paper on a work surface and scatter a thin, even layer of white sugar over the paper.
    This sugar will form the coating on the outside of the finished roll.
  10. Turn Out the Hot Cake: When the cake is baked, immediately turn it over onto the sugar-covered wax paper.
    Work while the cake is still hot so the wax paper underneath can be removed more easily.
  11. Spread the Margarine: Spread a generous amount of margarine evenly over the top surface of the warm cake.
  12. Roll the Cake: Starting from the long side opposite you, roll the cake toward yourself to form the Pianono roll.
  13. Slice the Roll: Cut the rolled cake into sections using a knife.
  14. Cool Before Serving: Allow the sliced Pianono to cool before serving.

Notes

  • Separate the eggs carefully so the whites remain free of yolk, helping them whip into a fluffy mixture.
  • Add the sugar gradually while beating the egg whites rather than adding it all at once.
  • Sift the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and baking soda together before combining them with the yolk mixture.
  • Fold the mixtures together gently so the airy texture of the whipped egg whites is retained.
  • Spread the batter evenly in the jelly roll pan for a consistent cake layer.
  • Turn the baked cake onto the sugar-dusted wax paper while it is still hot, as this makes the bottom wax paper easier to remove.
  • Roll the cake while warm to help create the characteristic Pianono spiral.
  • Allow the sliced roll to cool before serving.