20 syrup sponge recipes

Maple-frosted golden cake layers a tender butter-yellow sponge under a fluffy boiled maple frosting made with pure maple syrup and beaten egg whites. Old-fashioned bakery style.

Cocoa sponge cake hearts cut from a sheet pan, dusted with powdered sugar, and plated with pools of raspberry sauce and chocolate syrup. A stunning Valentine's Day or special occasion dessert for 8.

Bien Me Sabe! Layers of brandy-soaked ladyfingers, lush coconut cream filling, and golden meringue make this classic Venezuelan dessert impossible to resist. Chills overnight for the easiest showstopper.

Rasgulla, the classic Bengali cheese ball dessert of spongy homemade chenna simmered in light sugar syrup until pillowy and sweet. Four ingredients, big payoff.