The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
If you are looking for the perfect cake recipe, you have landed at the right place. Sponge cake is one of the most classic and versatile cakes in the world. Its light, airy texture and subtle sweetness make it a favorite for birthdays, tea-time snacks, and festive occasions. Whether you want to enjoy it plain, layer it with cream, or decorate it with fruits, this simple sponge cake recipe will give you a soft, fluffy, and delicious result every single time.
In this detailed guide, we will cover:
- What is a Sponge cake?
- Ingredients required for making cake
- Step-by-step method of baking cake
- Pro tips for a perfect sponge cake
- Variations you can try
- Frequently asked questions about cake
What is a Sponge Cake?
A sponge cake is a light, fluffy cake made primarily with eggs, sugar, and flour. Unlike butter cakes, cakes do not rely heavily on fat or leavening agents like baking powder. Instead, the air whipped into the eggs is what gives the cake its airy texture.
This style of cake originated in Europe and has become a global favorite. From layered birthday cakes to elegant desserts like tiramisu, sponge cake serves as a versatile base for countless recipes.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you can create a bakery-style sponge cake at home.
Ingredients for Cake
Before starting, make sure you gather all the ingredients. Precise measurement is key to a successful sponge cake.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 g) – sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk (60 ml), slightly warm
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
Step-by-Step Cake Recipe
Follow this method carefully to get a soft, fluffy sponge cake that rises beautifully in the oven.
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake tin with butter or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your sponge cake doesn’t stick to the pan.
Step 2: Prepare dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together. Sifting incorporates air and ensures there are no lumps. Set aside.
Step 3: Beat eggs and sugar
In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them on high speed for 7–10 minutes until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and doubles in volume. This step is crucial for creating the airy texture of sponge cake.
Step 4: Add vanilla
Mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Step 5: Fold in dry ingredients
Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the beaten eggs, one-third at a time. Use a spatula and fold carefully in circular motions. Do not overmix, or you’ll lose the air bubbles that give the sponge cake its fluffiness.
Step 6: Add milk and butter
In a separate bowl, combine warm milk with melted butter. Gently fold this into the batter. The milk makes the sponge cake moist, while the butter adds richness.
Step 7: Pour and bake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin. Tap the tin lightly on the counter to remove any large air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and serve
Remove the sponge cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can serve it plain or decorate it with cream, fruits, or icing.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Sponge Cake
- Room temperature eggs: Always use eggs at room temperature for better volume.
- Do not overmix: Folding the flour gently is key to a soft sponge cake.
- Preheat oven properly: A consistent oven temperature ensures even baking.
- Check with a toothpick: To avoid underbaking, test the cake’s center before removing it.
- Cool completely before frosting: If you plan to decorate, let the cake cool fully or the frosting will melt.
Variations of Sponge Cake
The beauty of sponge cake is its versatility. Here are some creative variations you can try:
1. Chocolate Cake
Replace 2 tablespoons of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate version.
2. Lemon Cake
Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for a refreshing citrus flavor.
3. Coffee Cake
Mix 1 tablespoon of instant coffee powder into warm milk for a mocha-flavored cake.
4. Fruit Cake
Top the cake with whipped cream and fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwis, or mangoes for a light dessert.
5. Layered Cake
Cut the cake into two or three layers and fill them with buttercream, jam, or chocolate ganache for a celebration cake.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make cake without baking powder?
Yes! Traditional cakes rely on beaten eggs for rising. However, a small amount of baking powder adds extra lift, especially for beginners.
2. Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing the batter or using cold eggs often leads to a dense sponge cake. Always fold gently and use room-temperature ingredients.
3. Can I make cake in the microwave?
Yes, you can make a quick sponge cake in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl. However, the texture will differ slightly from oven-baked sponge cake.
4. How long does cake last?
Stored in an airtight container, sponge cake stays fresh for 2–3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
5. Can I freeze sponge cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving or decorating.
Conclusion
A sponge cake recipe is something every home baker should know. It’s simple, requires basic ingredients, and can be customized for countless desserts. Whether you enjoy it plain with tea, layer it with cream, or decorate it for a party, this cake never disappoints.
By following this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to make a soft, fluffy cake at home that rivals any bakery version. Remember to use room-temperature ingredients, fold gently, and be patient with baking. With a little practice, your cake will turn out perfect every time.
So next time you crave something sweet, skip the store-bought cake and bake this homemade sponge cake instead. Not only will your kitchen smell amazing, but your family and friends will also love the delicious, melt-in-mouth treat!
