Easy Recipe for a Fluffy Sponge Cake
This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers! It's simple, requires minimal ingredients, and results in a delightfully light and airy sponge cake. Ideal for birthdays, afternoon tea, or just a sweet treat. Let's get baking!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature (this is crucial for volume!)
- 1 cup (200g) caster sugar
- 1 cup (120g) self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, but adds extra fluffiness)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, adds moisture)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Your favorite fruit or jam, for filling and decorating (optional)
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake tin. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for extra insurance.
2. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar:
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together vigorously until the mixture is pale, thick, and almost doubled in volume. This is the key to a light and airy sponge! It should form a ribbon when you lift the whisk. This process takes about 5-7 minutes with a hand mixer or 8-10 minutes by hand.
3. Gently Fold in the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder (if using). Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a large metal spoon or spatula. Be gentle to avoid deflating the batter. Use a folding motion, scooping from the bottom and gently turning over the mixture. A few lumps are okay.
4. Add Milk (Optional):
If using, gently fold in the tablespoon of milk. This adds moisture and helps prevent a dry cake.
5. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Decorate:
Let the cake cool in the tin for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, dust with powdered sugar or add your favorite fruit filling and topping.
Tips for Sponge Cake Success:
- Room temperature eggs: This is crucial for maximum volume.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough cake.
- Check for doneness: Use a skewer to test if the cake is baked through.
- Cool completely: This prevents the cake from crumbling when you frost or decorate it.
Variations:
- Chocolate Sponge Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Sponge Cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the batter.
- Vanilla Sponge Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter.
This easy sponge cake recipe is a great starting point for your baking adventures. Experiment with different flavors and fillings to create your own unique masterpiece! Enjoy!
