There’s something timeless and comforting about a perfectly baked sponge cake. Light, airy, and delicately sweet, this classic dessert is a favorite for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon treat. What makes a sponge cake truly stand out is its fluffy texture and simple ingredients that come together to create magic in the oven. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make a soft and moist sponge cake with just a few basic steps and tips to guarantee success every time.
Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (about 55 g each)
- 45 g vegetable oil (¼ cup)
- 45 g milk (¼ cup)
- 55 g cake flour (½ cup)
- 40 g granulated sugar (¼ cup)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (≈ 5 g)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (≈ 5 g)
Instructions
- Mix liquids and flour: In a bowl, whisk together the oil and milk until well blended. Sift in the flour and stir until smooth and lump-free.
- Add egg yolks: Separate the eggs. Stir the yolks into the mixture and combine until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 150 °C (302 °F). Line a rectangular baking pan (around 28 × 28 × 2.6 cm) with parchment paper.
- Beat egg whites: In a clean bowl, whip the egg whites with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Fold in egg whites: First, add a small portion of the whipped egg whites to the batter and mix gently to lighten it. Then fold in the remaining whites carefully to keep the mixture airy.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top, tap the pan lightly to remove air bubbles, and bake for 30 minutes or until the top turns a light golden color.
- Cool and release: Let the cake cool on a wire rack. When it’s cool enough to handle, run a spatula around the edges, invert the cake onto parchment paper, and gently peel off the lining.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature eggs for better volume.
- Be gentle when folding to preserve the air in the batter.
- Don’t open the oven during baking to prevent the cake from deflating.
- Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.
Serving Ideas
- Serve plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
- Add whipped cream and fresh fruit for an elegant dessert.
Summary
- Prep time: ~20 minutes
- Bake time: ~30 minutes
- Yields: 9–12 servings