Brazo de Gitano is a delicious Spanish dessert that has gained popularity across the globe.
This delightful cake roll, which translates to “Gypsy’s Arm,” features a light and airy sponge wrapped around a sweet and tangy filling, making it perfect for any occasion. The versatility of Brazo de Gitano allows for a variety of fillings, such as creams, jams, and even guava paste, offering a world of flavor combinations to suit anyone’s tastes.
Traditionally, the cake is made from simple ingredients like flour, eggs, sugar, and baking powder. The moist and tender sponge is achieved by carefully separating the egg yolks from the whites, then beating them separately to create a delicate and airy batter. Once baked, the cake is spread with the filling of choice and rolled into its iconic shape. A dusting of confectioners’ sugar finishes off this classic dessert, giving it an elegant touch that is sure to impress at any gathering.
Creating a Brazo de Gitano may seem intimidating, but with a few helpful tips and the right recipe, even novice bakers can master this beautiful and indulgent dessert. Experimenting with fillings allows bakers to adapt the flavor profile to their personal preferences and discover a delicious treat they can enjoy with family and friends.
We simply can’t get enough of this delightful recipe! It’s one of our absolute favorites, so we simply had to include it in our compilation of 40 Traditional Spanish Dessert Recipes.
History and Origin
The Brazo de Gitano, also known as the gypsy’s arm, is a traditional Spanish dessert that consists of a rolled sponge cake filled with various creams or jams. Its history can be traced back to Spain, but the dessert itself has roots that span several cultures and regions.
It is often believed that the recipe for Brazo Gitano was brought to Spain by a monk who had traveled to Egypt. However, this claim is not supported by concrete evidence, and it is considered more likely that the name originates from the leftover cake trimmings that gypsies would drape over their arms as part of the payment they received when selling their merchandise in bakeries across Catalonia.
Brazo de Gitano has become a popular dessert in many Spanish-speaking countries, often taking on regional variations in terms of flavors and fillings. Some of these variations include different types of cream, chocolate, and jams, such as the guava paste often used in Cuban dessert preparations.
Ingredients
4 eggs
¼ tsp. salt
2 tbsp. sugar
¼ cup Confectioner’s sugar
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
¾ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
Filling Ingredients
1 cup strawberry jam
¼ cup Confectioner’s sugar
Materials
Bowls
Electric mixer
Baking tray (12 x 7 inch)
Kitchen Cloth
How to Make Brazo de Gitano
1. Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
2. Separate the yolks and whites of the eggs.
3. Add salt and granulated sugar to the egg whites and mix with an electric whisk until they are fluffy and white and soft peaks form.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the confectioner’s sugar until creamy.
5. Add the egg yolks to the whites, add vanilla extract, and combine carefully – avoid deflating the mixture as much as possible.
6. Add the flour and baking powder and mix with a wooden spoon slowly, again trying not to deflate the mixture.
7. Line a baking tray with baking paper and spread the mixture.
8. Bake for 12 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and transfer immediately to a working surface. Cover it with a kitchen cloth and roll it in – this will help you create the shape afterward.
10. Once it gets cold, unroll it and dust it with the confectioner’s sugar. Add the jam and spread it evenly.
11. Roll it back into a log and top it with more confectioner’s sugar.
By following these steps, you will create a mouth-watering Brazo Gitano that will impress any guest.
Recipe Notes and Tips
For a successful Brazo de Gitano, follow these expert tips:
1. Choose the right ingredients: Ensure that you use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Cake flour or all-purpose flour works well for this recipe, while fresh eggs at room temperature contribute to the perfect rise and swirling of the sponge.
2. Roll the cake while warm: As soon as you remove it from the oven, roll it while it’s still warm to help create the round shape. Using a clean kitchen towel dusted with powdered sugar prevents it from sticking to the surface.
3. Prepare your filling: It is essential to choose a flavorful and consistent filling, such as guava paste, cream, or even fruit jams. Make sure the filling is cooled and spread evenly over the sponge cake to prevent any lumps or mess.
4. Technique and patience: Rolling the cake requires a gentle touch and patience. Carefully unroll the cooled cake, spread the filling, and then re-roll it, making sure to maintain its structure and avoid cracks.
Storage and Shelf Life
Brazo de Gitano is a delicate dessert that requires proper storage to maintain its freshness and quality. It is essential to know how to store this delicious cake roll effectively and understand its shelf life to enjoy it at its best.
After preparing and assembling the Brazo de Gitano, it is recommended to wrap it in plastic wrap, ensuring it is entirely covered. This protective layer helps to prevent the cake from drying out and preserves its delicate texture.
Refrigeration is highly recommended for Brazo de Gitano due to its cream filling. Store the wrapped cake in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to place it on a plate or container to avoid any possible contamination or absorption of other odors from the fridge.
For a more extended storage option, Brazo de Gitano can be frozen. To freeze the cake, follow these steps:
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring it is fully covered.
- Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and date the container or freezer bag for easy identification.
- Store the Brazo de Gitano in the freezer for up to a month.
- To thaw a frozen Brazo de Gitano, place it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Once it has thawed, remove it from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
In summary, the Brazo de Gitano is a delightful Spanish cake roll that boasts a variety of fillings, from guava paste to cream cheese. The process of creating this dessert is straightforward, involving the preparation of the sponge cake, followed by the addition of the chosen filling, and finally, rolling it into shape.
Key ingredients in the preparation of Brazo de Gitano include eggs, flour, baking powder, sugar, and the optional addition of flavor extracts or confectioners sugar for the finishing touches. While there are slight variations in ingredient proportions and filling options among the numerous recipes, they all maintain a consistent overall structure.
Brazo de Gitano offers not only an enjoyable treat for the taste buds but also serves as a stunning showcase when presented at gatherings or events. Each bite offers a delightful combination of flavors, and the recipe’s simplicity ensures success for even novice bakers. The versatility of this dessert permits creativity, inviting enthusiasts to experiment with new and exciting filling combinations.
Looking for a sweet escape to Spain? Indulge your cravings with our top 24 mouthwatering Spanish cake recipes! From classic flan to churro cake, we’ve got you covered.
Brazo de Gitano Recipe
Equipment
- Bowls
- Electric mixer
- Baking tray (12 x 7 inch)
- Kitchen cloth
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/4 cup Confectioner’s sugar
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
For the Filling
- 1 cup strawberry jam
- 1/4 cup Confectioner’s sugar
Nutrition
Notes
- Choose the right ingredients
- Roll the cake while warm
- Prepare your filling
- Technique and patience
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
- Separate the yolks and whites of the eggs.
- Add salt and granulated sugar to the egg whites and mix with an electric whisk until they are fluffy and white, and soft peaks form.
- In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the confectioner’s sugar until creamy.
- Add the egg yolks to the whites, add vanilla extract and combine carefully – avoid deflating the mixture as much as possible.
- Add the flour and baking powder and mix with a wooden spoon slowly, again trying not to deflate the mixture.
- Line a baking tray with baking paper and spread the mixture.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and transfer immediately to a working surface. Cover it with a kitchen cloth and roll it in – this will help you create the shape afterwards.
- Once it gets cold, unroll it and dust it with confectioner’s sugar. Add the jam and spread it evenly.
- Roll it back into a log and top with more confectioner’s sugar.
