The Vanilla Sponge Cake is an unforgettable classic, serving as a splendid canvas for all your sweet indulgences. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or simply craving a delightful dessert, this cake meets the needs of every occasion. Its light and airy texture accompanied by a subtly sweet flavor captivates the hearts of everyone who tries it. Moreover, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to pair it with fruits, fill it with jams, or simply enjoy it with a dusting of powdered sugar or whipped cream.
One remarkable aspect of this vanilla sponge cake is its simplicity. With a handful of basic ingredients, such as flour, sugar, and eggs, you can effortlessly whip up a deliciously fluffy cake. This recipe’s versatility is what makes it stand out, as it can seamlessly adapt from an afternoon tea delight to a show-stopping birthday cake. Embrace the joys of baking this lovely Vanilla Sponge Cake and enjoy the smiles it brings as you serve it.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Sponge Cake
Here are a few reasons why this Vanilla Sponge Cake will win you over:
- Simplicity: Uses basic pantry staples.
- Delicious Flavor: The perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of vanilla.
- Versatile: Adaptable to different fillings, toppings, and occasions.
- Texture: A light and fluffy cake that melts in your mouth.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Preparing to bake the perfect Vanilla Sponge Cake is almost as important as the baking itself. Before getting started, ensure your kitchen is organized for success. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is crucial for giving your cake that golden brown hue and achieving an even bake throughout.
Make sure your kitchen tools are ready and accessible. You will need an 8-inch round cake pan, preferably non-stick. Grease it well and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. A mixing bowl along with a whisk or electric mixer will get your batter to the ideal thick and pale texture.
Also, have a sifter on hand for the flour and baking powder mixture to ensure a smooth batter. A small saucepan will be used to warm the milk and butter – a step that brings in more flavor depth to your cake. Lastly, a cooling rack is essential for letting your cake cool evenly once baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious cake:
- 1 cup (125g) plain flour
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Begin by sifting together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium-sized bowl. Sifting these ingredients ensures they are well combined and aerated, which is crucial for the cake’s texture.
Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar vigorously until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and forms ribbons when drizzled from the whisk. This usually takes about 5 minutes, helping to incorporate air, which is vital for a fluffy texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold in the sifted flour mixture into the egg and sugar mixture a little at a time. This step should be done carefully to avoid deflating the air you’ve incorporated, which gives the sponge its volume.
Step 4: Incorporate Milk and Butter
In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and melted butter together until warm, then stir in the vanilla extract. Gradually add this milk mixture to the batter, folding gently. The warmth of the milk helps maintain the emulsion, ensuring the batter remains smooth.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the prepared batter into your greased and lined cake pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a skewer into the center – it should come out clean when ready.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process firms up the cake, making it easier to handle or decorate. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Variations
- Protein: For added richness, substitute some of the flour with almond flour.
- Vegetables: A touch of grated carrot or zucchini could add an interesting texture.
- Spices: Experiment with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
- Using room temperature eggs helps produce a more stable batter, hence a better rise.
- Do not over-mix when combining the flour with the egg mixture to avoid a dense cake.
Serving Suggestions
- Perfect with a dollop of whipped cream and a selection of fresh berries.
- Consider layering with jam or frosting for added visual and taste appeal.
Tips
- To ensure even baking, avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking.
- Cooling the cake on a wire rack prevents any sogginess at the bottom from retained heat.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 260 per slice (estimating 8 slices)
- Protein: 6g per slice
- Sodium: 220mg per slice
FAQs
Can I make this vanilla sponge cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake this sponge cake a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to retain moisture until you’re ready to serve.
Can I substitute baking powder with baking soda?
Baking soda is not a direct substitute for baking powder in this recipe as it requires an acidic component to activate.
Why is my sponge cake dense and not fluffy?
This could be due to overmixing the batter, which knocks out the air. Make sure to fold gently to keep the batter light.
Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?
Yes, but omit the baking powder and salt contained in the recipe since self-raising flour already includes these ingredients.
Conclusion
There you have it, a timeless Vanilla Sponge Cake that is both delectable and versatile. Whether you enjoy it plain, layered, or dusted with sugar, this cake undoubtedly brings joy to any gathering. Kids and adults alike will appreciate its simple yet satisfying flavor. Don’t hesitate to customize this classic for various events or try out variations with different fillings and toppings. Dive into the world of baking with this classic cake and delight your loved ones. Do share your outcomes and variations in the comments, and feel free to spread the joy by sharing this recipe with friends and family.
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Vanilla Sponge Cake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Vanilla Sponge Cake is a delightful classic, perfect for every occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (125g) plain flour
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by sifting together the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium-sized bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar vigorously until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and forms ribbons.
- Gently fold in the sifted flour mixture into the egg and sugar mixture.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and melted butter together until warm, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the prepared batter into your greased and lined cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Notes
Using room temperature eggs helps produce a more stable batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Protein: 6 g