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"El pastel" is a form of "pastel", a noun which is often translated as "cake". "El bizcocho" is a form of "bizcocho", a noun which is often translated as "sponge cake". Learn more about the difference between "el pastel" and "el bizcocho" below.
el pastel(
pahs
-
tehl
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (culinary)
a. cake
Necesito extracto de vainilla para hacer el glaseado del pastel.I need some vanilla extract to make the icing for the cake.
b. pie (with a pastry crust)
He comprado pastel de carne para la cena.I bought a meat pie for dinner.
2. (fine arts)
a. pastel
La mayoría de su obra es al pastel y acuarelas.Most of his work is done with pastels and watercolors.
el bizcocho(
bees
-
koh
-
choh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. sponge cake
Necesitas claras de huevo para hacer un bizcocho.You need egg whites to make a sponge cake.
b. sponge
Cocina el bizcocho en el microondas durante 60 segundos.Cook the sponge in the microwave for 60 seconds.
a. lady finger (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Se suele usar bizcochos para hacer tiramisú.You typically use lady fingers to make tiramisu.
b. sponge finger (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Me gusta mojar los bizcochos en chocolate caliente antes de comerlos.I like dipping sponge fingers in hot chocolate before eating them.
3. (ceramics)
a. biscuit
Prefiero el bizcocho al vidriado para las macetas porque es más rústico.I prefer biscuit to glazed earthenware for flowerpots because it's more rustic.
4. (baked sweet item) (Colombia) (Puerto Rico)
Regionalism used in Colombia
Regionalism used in Puerto Rico
a. cake
Preparé un bizcocho de chocolate con un glaseado de vainilla para tu cumpleaños.I made a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting for your birthday.