Vanilla Sponge Cake
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Light, airy, and perfectly sweet, this Vanilla Sponge Cake recipe is a classic treat that will delight your taste buds. With its tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor, it's the perfect base for layering with fresh fruits and whipped cream or simply enjoyed on its own. Effortless to make, this cake is great for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to afternoon tea.
This Vanilla Sponge Cake is not only simple to make but also wonderfully versatile.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Vanilla Sponge Cake is incredibly versatile, making it an excellent choice for a variety of occasions. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, hosting an afternoon tea, or simply looking for a delightful dessert to enjoy with family, this cake fits the bill. Its light and airy texture complements a wide array of toppings, from fresh fruits to indulgent whipped cream, allowing you to get creative with your presentations.
Additionally, the simplicity of this cake makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. It requires just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, and the straightforward steps make it easy to whip up at a moment's notice. You can also Customize it by adding flavors such as lemon zest or almond extract, creating a delightful twist that suits your personal taste.
Tips for the Perfect Bake
To ensure your Vanilla Sponge Cake rises beautifully and maintains a soft texture, be sure to accurately measure your ingredients. Using a kitchen scale can help you achieve precision, which is especially important for the flour and sugar. Additionally, sifting the flour before mixing it with the other dry ingredients incorporates air and helps create a lighter cake.
Another key factor is the temperature of your ingredients. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature before beating them with the sugar, as this helps to create a stable foam that will support the cake's structure. Similarly, using melted butter that has cooled slightly will ensure it blends seamlessly into the batter.
Finally, avoid over-mixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients. Over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, which we definitely want to avoid. Gently folding the ingredients together will help maintain the aeration needed for that airy sponge.
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature for best results.
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
Beat Eggs and Sugar
In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
Combine Mixtures
Gently fold in the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, followed by the melted butter and vanilla extract.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Once cooled, decorate as desired.
Serving Suggestions
Once your Vanilla Sponge Cake has cooled, the serving possibilities are endless. For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar, or drizzle with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. Pair it with fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor and color that enhances both the appearance and taste.
If you're looking to create a more decadent dessert, consider layering the sponge cake with whipped cream and your favorite fruits. This not only adds a deliciously creamy texture but also makes for a stunning visual treat that your guests will love. You can even create a trifles by cutting the sponge into cubes and layering with custard and fruit.
Storing Your Cake
To keep your Vanilla Sponge Cake fresh and delicious, proper storage is crucial. If you plan to enjoy the cake within a couple of days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help preserve its moisture and light texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake. Make sure it has completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature and serve, retaining that delightful flavor and texture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I substitute the flour?
Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Vanilla Sponge Cake
Light, airy, and perfectly sweet, this Vanilla Sponge Cake recipe is a classic treat that will delight your taste buds. With its tender crumb and rich vanilla flavor, it's the perfect base for layering with fresh fruits and whipped cream or simply enjoyed on its own. Effortless to make, this cake is great for any occasion, from birthday celebrations to afternoon tea.
Created by: Maisie Clarke
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8.0
What You'll Need
Basic Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy.
Gently fold in the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, followed by the melted butter and vanilla extract.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Protein: 3g