This Vanilla Sponge Cake is light, airy, and beautifully soft with a delicate crumb. It’s a classic base cake that works perfectly for layering, frosting, or enjoying on its own.
📝 Ingredients
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 140g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 130g (1 cup) cake flour
- 20g (4 teaspoons) milk
- 40g (3 tablespoons) neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
Line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Do not grease the sides.
2. Whip Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl:
- Add eggs and sugar
- Beat on high speed for 8–10 minutes
The mixture should become pale, thick, and increase significantly in volume.
3. Add Vanilla
Gently mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Prepare Dry Ingredients
Sift together:
- Cake flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Gradually fold into the egg mixture using a spatula.
👉 Fold gently to keep the batter airy.
5. Add Milk and Oil
In a small bowl:
- Mix milk and oil
Add a small portion of batter into this mixture, then fold it back into the main batter.
6. Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan.
Tap lightly to release large air bubbles.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
🔥 Tips for Best Results
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume
- Beat eggs properly — this creates the fluffy texture
- Do not overmix after adding flour
- Fold gently to keep air inside
- Avoid opening the oven early
❓ FAQ
1. Why is my sponge cake dense?
It usually happens if the eggs are not whipped enough or the batter is overmixed.
2. Can I skip baking powder?
Yes, but adding it makes the cake more stable and beginner-friendly.
3. Why did my cake sink?
It may be underbaked or exposed to sudden temperature changes.
4. Can I use all-purpose flour?
Yes, but cake flour gives a softer, lighter texture.
5. How should I store it?
- Room temperature: up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
💛 Final Thoughts
This Vanilla Sponge Cake is:
- Light and fluffy
- Soft and delicate
- Perfect for any occasion
A simple yet essential recipe every baker should know.
