

Run an offset spatula around the edges of the pan to help release the cake. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire cooling rack and allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes.

Bake until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Make sure the batter is even and reaches the edges of the sheet. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking sheet and smooth the top using an offset spatula. Take care not to deflate the beaten egg whites too much as you fold.

Fold the remaining egg white mixture into the yolk mixture in three additions, alternating each addition with half the flour mixture and reaching to the bottom and around the sides of the bowl as you fold so that no traces of flour remain. Using a flexible spatula, scoop 1 cup egg white mixture and fold into the egg yolk mixture until fully incorporated. Vigorously whisk until pale and smooth, about 3 minutes. To the yolks, add the remaining 50g (1/4 cup) sugar, the canola oil, almond extract, and zest. Add 50g (1/4 cup) of the sugar and the cream of tartar, increase the speed to medium-high, and whisk until stiff peaks form, 5 to 7 minutes. Whisk the egg whites on medium speed until foamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Place the egg yolks in a separate large mixing bowl. Place the egg whites in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. In a medium bowl, whisk to combine the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt.

Preheat the oven to 350☏ and line a large rimmed baking sheet (half size sheet pan) with parchment paper. The combination of light sponge cake with a touch of almond and zest with sweet cream cheese and fresh clementines makes for a deliciously refreshing cake! People have orange juice and cream cheese for breakfast all the time, so this is essentially a breakfast cake! I’m going to stick with that logic : ) They are so easy to peel and always sweet and juicy. We always have a bowl of them for a quick snack. I love all citrus, but I definitely have a sweet spot for Darling Clementines. The clementine center is really the star of the show! I also find the proportions of the cake to fruit to cream cheese just perfect. The cream cheese is much sturdier and grips onto the clementines when the cake is rolled up so everything stays in place. I whipped the cream cheese with just a little salt and confectioner’s sugar until it was smooth and airy. I actually listened to my own recipe and baked the cake long enough and then replaced the whipped cream with cream cheese.
