Name: Pianono (Filipino Sponge Cake Roll)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 5 pieces eggs; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup flour; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 3 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 stick margarine, softened; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Pianono with soft, pillowy sponge cake and creamy margarine and sugar filling. This Filipino-style jelly roll is mildly sweet and the perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee.

sliced pianono on a serving platter — Pianono (Filipino Sponge Cake Roll)

Hi, it’s Bebs here again from Foxy Folksy and I am back with another delicious treat you can find at almost every corner Filipino bakeshop.

What is Pianono

Pianono or Pionono is a type of pastry popular in Spain, South America, and the Philippines. It was named after the late Pope Pius IX or ‘Pio Nono’ as the good people of Italy called him, where the pope hailed. The original creator of Pionono, however, is from Santa Fe, Granada of Spain, Ceferino Ysla Gonzalez, who is a devotee of the Virgin Mary.

The story says that some years after Pope Pius IX proclaimed a dogma of the Immaculate Conception, Gonzalez decided to pay homage by creating these mini bite-size cakes shaped in the likeness of the Pope and of course named them after him as well.

The Filipino version

Similar to its Spanish and South American counterparts wherein bread or pastry dough is rolled around various fillings, the Filipino-style Pianono is a type of jelly roll consisting of a soft, pillowy sponge cake wrapped around a mixture of margarine and sugar. It’s also often adapted to include local flavors such as ube, mango, and mocha.

This Filipino cake roll is probably the most simple cake you can make. Aside from the simple filling of margarine and sugar, the original recipe requires only four ingredients, and that would be the eggs, flour, sugar, and milk.

We are, however, taking things up a notch with a splash of vanilla extract added to the batter and a dusting of powdered sugar as a final touch.

Now, you might be wondering why I added cornstarch to the list. The answer to that is because we want our Pianono to be soft and airy. Think of Mamon, and that should give you an idea the texture we are aiming for.

Based on my own experience in baking cakes, the key to having a very light cake is to use cake flour instead of plain all-purpose flour. But since cake flour is not a pantry staple and I have cornstarch on hand more often than not, I’ve resorted to making my cake flour by replacing part of the all-purpose with cornstarch.

For those who are familiar with sponge cake recipes, you would have guessed that this recipe for Pianono involves making a meringue. I know the process maybe a bit daunting, but rest assured that there is nothing to be afraid of, especially if you follow the tips below.

How to make meringue

Eggs are easier to separate when cold, but allow the egg whites to reach room temperature before whisking to create more volume.
Use eggs that are fresh if possible, they might not create as much volume as older (3-5 day-old) eggs, but they make a more stable meringue.
Make sure there is not a speck of grease, fat, or even a smear of yolk in the whites, which will prevent them from foaming properly.
For best results, use clean, grease-free bowls and whisk attachments. Use glass or metal bowls as plastic can have a greasy film that will keep the whites from whipping up to full volume.
Avoid using high speed while whisking or beating the whites. As it incorporates more air and creates larger bubbles, it tends to deflate the meringue during or after baking.

Stages of whipping egg whites

As a guideline, here are visual examples of each step.

Frothy Stage-mixture is a foamy and cloudy liquid with large bubbles.

Soft Peaks Stage-egg whites have a slight sheen and fine-textured bubbles. Peaks begin to form when beaters are pulled from the foam but are too soft to hold shape.

Stiff Peaks Stage-mixture is glossy, thick, and very stiff. Peaks hold up straight without collapsing.

How to serve

Slice into portions and serve for breakfast or midday snack with coffee, tea, or your favorite refreshment.
To prevent the cake from drying out, transfer in an airtight container or wrap in cling wrap. Stored properly, it will keep at room temperature for up 3 days.
For longer storage, freeze the cake in a sealed container to lock in moisture. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.

Want more delectable jelly roll treats? Try this brazo de Mercedes!

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @kawalingpinoy on Facebook and Instagram!

4.2 from 26 votes