Sponge
The online cake retailer has bolstered its line of baked sweet treats with its first non-refined sugar product.
The NPD combines the brand’s classic Maple and Pecan bake with non-refined ingredients, such as maple syrup and crushed and whole pecans, and is available for both trade customers and consumers ordering via the website.
The launch follows a significant increase in demand for ‘better-for-you’ snacks and specialised cakes that suit dietary requirements, without compromising on quality or taste.
The new arrival uses natural ingredients, including lashings of maple syrup baked into the sponge, and is Sponge’s first cake to not use refined sugar (such as caster sugar), making it suited for wholesalers that are looking to provide customers with a healthier snack alternative.
“Our first non-refined sugar cake follows feedback we’ve had from customers, asking for a range of non-refined sugar options to accommodate for those who need to keep an eye on their sugar intake,” said Richard Fowler, head of Sponge.
“It’s taken several months of development to create the ideal balance of flavours and texture; it’s certainly not been straightforward, but we’re delighted with the outcome. One challenge we’ve had to address is getting the bake right, as the alternative ingredients were initially making the cake extremely moist, so it’s taken some time to get the optimal baking time right.
“Our new cake is made with crushed and whole pecans along with lashings of maple syrup baked into the sponge. The sponge is then drizzled with more syrup as it comes out of the oven, so it soaks straight into the delicious sponge. We’re constantly looking to increase flavour options for all of our ranges, so this is an exciting time for us and there is certainly potential for us to create more flavours for our non-refined sugar range in the future.”
In 2021, the brand embarked on a major expansion of its production capabilities, ramping up its production with the addition of an extra 10,000 sq ft to its bakery warehouse in Holt, Norfolk.
Sponge’s non-refined sugar Maple and Pecan Cake is available to buy online.