Aroma generation in sponge cakes: The influence of sucrose particle size and sucrose source.

The influence of sucrose source and particle size was investigated in relation to the volatile and aromatic properties of sponge cakes. Six sponge cake formulations were studied using two sucrose sources (sugarbeet and sugarcane), at two particle sizes (large and small) with controls. Volatiles profiles and odour active compounds were identified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and olfactometry. Sixty two volatile compounds were identified, incorporating twenty five odour active compounds/co-eluting compounds, with 5 odours perceived without any corresponding volatile. Particle size had the greatest impact on volatile abundance, with particle size especially influencing pyrazine abundance. Five odour active volatiles (methional, furfural, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, heptanal and (E)-2-octenal) contributed most to the aroma of these sponge cakes. Small particle size particularly from sugarbeet yielded higher levels of some Maillard and caramelisation reaction compounds, such as furfural (spicy/ bready), where larger particle size supressed volatile abundance in comparison to the control.

Characterising the sensory quality and volatile aroma profile of clean-label sucrose reduced sponge cakes.

The sensory and aroma quality of 30% (w/w) sucrose reduced sponge cakes incorporating clean-label replacers were investigated. The sensory quality of the reformulated sponge cakes varied, with those containing apple pomace powder (APP) showing the greatest difference to the control (SC100). Volatile profiles mainly differed in relation to compounds derived from the Maillard reaction, caramelisation and lipid oxidation. Thrity six aroma active volatile compounds were identified in the SC100, APP and oligofructose (OLIGO) sponge cakes by olfactometry. Furfural 'spicy bready' contributed most to the overall aroma of all samples, with factor dilution values differing the most for heptanal 'fatty cake crust', methional 'potato damp', and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine 'cake crust, nutty'. This study provides an in-depth insight into the impact of sugar reduction reformulation on the sensory perception of sponge cakes and demonstrates how this approach can be used to improve the sensory perception of reduced sucrose sponge cakes.