RAVANIA - SPONGE SYRUP CAKE

 
Ravania is a traditional Macedonian dessert. It's been prepared for many years in this area, but not only here, but throughout the Balkans. My mom has been doing ravania since I was little and I still love this cake even today, it has a light and juicy structure and is a real treat for all your senses.
Preparation is very easy, anyone can make it. And it's not a mistake in the recipe, it doesn't contain oil.

Ingredients:

Sponge cake 
  • 8 eggs
  • 8 tablespoons sugar
  • 8 tablespoons flour
  • 1 sachet baking powder (12 g)
  • 12 tablespoons semolina
Syrup
  • 1 liter of water (4 full cups)
  • 500 g sugar (17 oz)
  • 2-3 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1 sachet vanilla sugar or 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla stick
Decoration
  • whipping cream (optional)
Preparation:
  1. Prepare the syrup. Let the water and sugar boil for about 15 minutes, then add the vanilla sugar and lemon and allow to cool.
  2. Whisk eggs and sugar until foamy.
  3. Then gradually add the semolina, flour and baking powder and mix with a wooden spoon.
  4. Pour the mixture into an oiled baking tray size approx. 30x40 cm.
  5. Bake at 180 C (356 F) degrees for about 25 minutes.
  6. After baking, allow the sponge cake to cool just slightly, cut into pieces and pour the syrup immediately. The syrup will probably be lukewarm or cold. Syrup will be completely absorbed in a few minutes. 
  7. Once cool, decorate each piece with whipping cream.