Classic Vanilla Sponge Cake

Classic Vanilla Sponge Cake is a timeless dessert loved for its light, airy texture and delicate vanilla flavor. Perfect for birthdays, layered cakes, or tea-time treats, this sponge is soft, fluffy, and pairs wonderfully with buttercream, fruit, or custard. Its simple yet elegant profile makes it a versatile favorite in baking.

⏱ PREP TIME

Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 25–30 minutes
Total: ~50 minutes
Servings: 8–10

🍳 EQUIPMENT

8-inch round cake pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups & spoons
Sifter
Spatula

🧾 INGREDIENTS

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
4 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk (optional, for softer batter)

📝 INGREDIENT NOTES

Eggs: Provide structure and aeration for a light sponge.
Sugar: Beaten with eggs to create a fluffy texture.
Flour: Sifted to avoid lumps and maintain lightness.
Milk: Optional, adds extra tenderness.

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1️⃣ Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F. Grease and line an 8-inch round cake pan.

2️⃣ Sift dry ingredients

Sift flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3️⃣ Beat eggs and sugar

In a bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer for 5–7 minutes until thick, pale, and fluffy.

4️⃣ Add vanilla

Gently fold in vanilla extract.

5️⃣ Incorporate flour

Sift flour over the egg mixture in batches, folding gently with a spatula to preserve airiness.

6️⃣ Add milk (optional)

Fold in milk carefully for a softer batter.

7️⃣ Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

8️⃣ Cool

Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

9️⃣ Serve

Enjoy as is or layer with frosting, fruit, or cream for a special treat.

🥗 NUTRITION FACTS (approx. per slice)

Calories: ~210
Protein: 5g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g

⭐ TIPS FOR PERFECT VANILLA SPONGE CAKE

✔ Beat eggs and sugar thoroughly for maximum fluffiness
✔ Fold flour gently to avoid deflating the batter
✔ Sift flour to remove lumps
✔ Cool completely before frosting to prevent sliding
✔ Use room-temperature eggs for better volume

🔄 VARIATIONS

Layered Vanilla Cake: Slice and fill with jam, cream, or buttercream.
Fruit Sponge: Add fresh berries between layers.
Chocolate Twist: Fold in cocoa powder for a chocolate variation.
Mini Sponge Cakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.