Genoise

01Method

1. 1

   Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan, line it with parchment paper, grease the paper, then dust the pan lightly with flour.

2. 2

   Sift the cake flour, the smaller portion of sugar, and salt together onto a sheet of wax paper and set aside.

3. 3

   Combine the eggs and the larger portion of sugar in a mixing bowl placed over a pan of hot (not boiling) water. Whisk the mixture until it reaches approximately body temperature. Transfer the bowl to a stand mixer and beat at medium speed until the mixture turns pale yellow and forms long ribbons when lifted. Stir in the vanilla. Gently fold in the flour mixture in thirds, adding the rest gradually each time.

4. 4

   Scoop roughly a cup of the batter into the bowl with the melted butter and mix until combined. Fold this butter-enriched batter back into the main mixture, then pour the finished batter into the prepared pan.

5. 5

   Bake immediately for about 25 minutes, until the surface is lightly golden. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then invert onto the rack. Flip it once more so it rests top-side up, and leave it to cool completely before slicing or decorating.