Fluffy and Delicious Sponge Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Fluffy and Delicious Sponge Cake is light, airy, and incredibly versatile, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a soft, sweet cake that’s ideal on its own or as the base for layered desserts. Whether topped with powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or whipped cream, this sponge cake will always impress. It’s easy to make, and the result is a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that rivals anything from your favorite bakery. It’s perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you want a delicious homemade dessert.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, sifted

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted (optional, for added richness)

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Oven and Pan:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, making sure to grease the sides as well to prevent sticking.

Mix the Batter:

2. Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand whisk, but a stand mixer or electric mixer works best. Beat on high for about 5–8 minutes until the mixture triples in volume and becomes pale and thick.

3. Add the Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.

5. Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg mixture in batches. Use a spatula and fold carefully to maintain the airiness of the batter. Be gentle to avoid deflating the mixture.

6. Add Melted Butter (Optional): If using, gently fold in the melted butter for a slightly richer texture.

Bake the Cake:

7. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Do not open the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent the cake from collapsing.

Cool and Serve:

9. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cake has cooled, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar, if desired. You can also serve it with whipped cream, fruit, or your favorite frosting.

Serve:

11. Enjoy: Slice and serve your fluffy sponge cake with a cup of tea, coffee, or as a base for other desserts.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 slices of cake. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and baking time is around 20–25 minutes. Total time: approximately 45 minutes.

Variations

If I want to change things up, I sometimes add lemon zest or orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla or fold in chocolate chips, berries, or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store the sponge cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. If you freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to provide structure to the cake.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This sponge cake stores well and can be made a day ahead. Keep it covered in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

Can I add fruit or other ingredients to the batter?

Absolutely! You can fold in fruit like berries or diced apples, or even a few chocolate chips for a fun variation. Just be sure not to overload the batter to maintain the light texture.

Why is my sponge cake dense?

If the batter is over-mixed or the eggs are not beaten properly, the cake can turn out dense. Be sure to fold in the flour gently and avoid overworking the batter to keep it light.

How can I make this cake even fluffier?

For an extra fluffy sponge cake, make sure to beat the eggs and sugar until they’re really light and thick. This step is crucial for creating air bubbles that will make the cake rise properly.

Conclusion

Fluffy and Delicious Sponge Cake is a classic dessert that’s light, airy, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it on its own, dressed up with frosting, or served as a base for layered cakes, it’s an easy-to-make treat that always impresses. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a homemade cake that’s as soft and delicious as anything from a bakery. Try this recipe, and you’ll be baking sponge cake regularly!