Soft Sponge Cake
Soft sponge cake is a delightful dessert that brings joy to any occasion. Its light and airy texture makes it perfect for serving plain or as a base for more elaborate creations like layer cakes and trifles. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just indulging on a quiet afternoon, this cake is sure to please.
Why make this recipe?
Making a soft sponge cake at home is an enjoyable experience. The ingredients are simple and often already in your pantry. Plus, the satisfaction of creating something so fluffy and delicious is unbeatable. This cake is versatile, allowing you to dress it up with frosting, fruits, or whipped cream, making it ideal for any occasion.
How to prepare Soft Sponge Cake
Ingredients:
- 🍳 4 large eggs
- 🍬 1 cup granulated sugar
- 🍚 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 🥄 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 🧈 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 🌼 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🥛 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round 9-inch cake pan. 🍰
- Separate the egg yolks and whites. In one bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with sugar until pale and thick. 🥄
- Add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk to the egg yolk mixture. Mix well. 🧈🌼
- Incorporate the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold until combined. 🍚
- Carefully fold in the beaten egg whites. This will give the cake its lightness. 🥄
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. 🍰
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. ⏲️
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. ❄️
How to serve Soft Sponge Cake
Once the cake is cool, you can serve it plain or dust it with powdered sugar for a classic touch. You can also layer it with whipped cream and fresh fruits for a more elegant presentation. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee! ☕️
How to store Soft Sponge Cake
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake wrapped well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. ❄️
Tips for preparing Soft Sponge Cake
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the batter to maintain the airy texture.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour; this can make the cake dense.
Variations
You can add lemon zest or almond extract for a different flavor. You can also substitute half of the flour with cocoa powder for a chocolate sponge cake! 🍫
FAQs
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
Can I use a different pan size?
Yes! Just remember that baking times may vary based on the size of the pan you use.
How do I make a chocolate version of this cake?
Replace 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder in the recipe.
Now you have a simple and delicious recipe for soft sponge cake to enjoy or share with others! Happy baking! 🎂