- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Whip the Eggs:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs with an electric mixer on high speed until they become thick and pale, about 5 minutes.
- Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 more minutes.
- Heat the Milk and Butter:
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk and butter over low heat until the butter is melted. Do not let it boil. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Batter:
- Gradually fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
- Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the batter, folding gently until just combined. The batter will be thin, but this is normal.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Once the cake is completely cool, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired.
- Slice and serve plain, or with fresh fruit and whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for the best results.
- Sifting: Sift the flour and other dry ingredients to ensure a light and airy cake.
- Folding: Fold the ingredients gently to maintain the airiness of the batter.
- Cooling: Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Variations
- Lemon Sponge Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and replace 1 tablespoon of the milk with lemon juice for a zesty flavor.
- Chocolate Sponge Cake: Replace 2 tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
- Layered Cake: Slice the cake horizontally and fill with jam, whipped cream, or frosting for a layered cake.
Serving Suggestions
- Plain: Enjoy a simple slice of sponge cake with a cup of tea or coffee.
- With Fruit: Top with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
- Layered: Create a layered cake with your favorite fillings and frostings for a celebration.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If filled with perishable ingredients like whipped cream, refrigerate the cake for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
This super tasty sponge cake is perfect for any occasion. Light, airy, and incredibly versatile, it can be dressed up or enjoyed plain. Follow this recipe for a delightful cake that will impress your friends and family!