Passionfruit curd sponge

SERVES 8 TO 10 PREP AND COOK TIME 1 HOUR 15 MINUTES

1⅔ cups (250g) cornflour

2 tablespoons custard powder

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda 8 free-range eggs, separated

1⅓ cups (300g) caster sugar

500ml thickened cream

2 passionfruit, to decorate

PASSIONFRUIT CURD

⅔ cup (150g) caster sugar

2 large free-range eggs

¾ cup (180ml) fresh passionfruit pulp

2 tablespoons lemon juice

150g cold unsalted butter, cut into 1cm dice

1 PASSIONFRUIT CURD Whisk the sugar, eggs, passionfruit and lemon juice in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water. Whisk constantly until the mixture is warm (50°C) then add the butter and continue to whisk until the mixture starts to thicken (80°C).

Take care that it does not get too hot otherwise the mixture will split. Remove from the heat and transfer into a clean bowl or jar and refrigerate several hours or until set. (Makes 2 cups.)

2 Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan-forced). Grease 2 x 25cm round springform cake pans and line the base and sides with baking paper, bringing sides 3cm above the pan.

3 Sift cornflour, custard powder, cream of tartar and soda three times.

4 Beat egg whites and sugar using an electric mixer until thick and meringue like. Beat in egg yolks one at a time, then, using a large whisk or metal spoon, gently fold in dry ingredients.

5 Spoon sponge mixture evenly into the 2 pans and bake for about 40 minutes or until cake feels springy when touched lightly in centre. Cool on wire rack for 15 minutes before removing the sponges from the pans.

6 Meanwhile, whisk cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold half of the passionfruit curd through to create a swirl pattern.

7 Place one of the sponges on a serving platter. Spread over half of the cream mixture then place the other sponge on top; top with remaining cream mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Just before serving, add a tablespoon of hot water to the remaining curd to thin it down and drizzle over the top. Decorate with fresh passionfruit halves.

Sponge suitable to freeze. Not suitable to microwave.