The vanilla sponge cake is a timeless dessert that brings joy to any occasion. Its soft, airy texture and sweet vanilla flavor make it a favorite among both children and adults. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a tea party, or just wanting a delicious treat, a well-made vanilla sponge cake can be the perfect centerpiece. In this guide, I’ll take you through each step of making a spongy vanilla sponge cake, ensuring that you achieve the perfect result.
Ingredients
To make a spongy vanilla sponge cake, you will need the following ingredients:
- Flour: 200 grams of all-purpose flour (sifted to remove any lumps)
- Sugar: 150 grams of granulated sugar
- Butter: 100 grams of unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- Eggs: 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- Milk: 4 tablespoons of whole milk (you can use any type of milk, but whole milk gives a richer flavor)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract (for that authentic vanilla flavor)
- Baking Powder: 1.5 teaspoons (to help the cake rise)
- Salt: A pinch (to enhance the flavors)
Equipment
You will also need some basic kitchen equipment to make your vanilla sponge cake:
- Mixing Bowls: Two large mixing bowls (one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients)
- Electric Mixer: Or a hand whisk if you prefer (for mixing the batter)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure your ingredients
- Rubber Spatula: For folding and mixing the batter
- Cake Pan: An 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan, greased and lined with parchment paper (for easy removal of the cake)
- Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C)
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cake after baking
Preparation
Before you start mixing the ingredients, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and ingredients properly. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs. Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly and create a smoother batter.
Sift the Flour: Sift the flour and baking powder together into one of your mixing bowls. Add a pinch of salt and stir gently to combine. This ensures that there are no lumps in your flour and that the baking powder is evenly distributed.
Prepare the Butter and Sugar: In another mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar together is crucial as it incorporates air into the batter, making the cake lighter and more spongy.
Mixing the Batter
Now, it’s time to mix all the ingredients together to form the batter.
Add the Eggs: One by one, add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure everything is well combined. Adding the eggs one at a time allows the batter to emulsify properly, creating a smoother texture.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, mix the milk and vanilla extract together. With the mixer on low speed, add about a third of the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the butter and egg mixture. Mix until just combined. Then, add half of the milk and vanilla mixture. Continue alternating between adding dry ingredients and the milk mixture, ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined. Do not overmix the batter, as this can cause the cake to be dense and tough.
Baking the Cake
Once your batter is ready, it’s time to bake the cake.
Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Make sure the batter reaches the edges of the pan to ensure an even rise.
Bake: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake, as oven temperatures can vary. If the cake starts to brown too much on top, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning.
Cooling and Removing the Cake
Once the cake is done baking, it’s important to let it cool properly to ensure it retains its spongy texture.
Cool in the Pan: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This gives the cake time to set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.
Transfer to a Cooling Rack: Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Place a cooling rack over the top of the pan and carefully flip the pan and rack together, so the cake comes out onto the rack. Peel off the parchment paper and let the cake cool completely.
Decorating and Serving
While a simple vanilla sponge cake is delicious on its own, you can dress it up with various toppings and decorations to make it more festive or suitable for different occasions.
Simple Syrup: Brush a light syrup made of water and sugar over the cake while it’s still warm to add extra moisture and sweetness.
Whipped Cream or Frosting: Spread a layer of whipped cream, buttercream, or your favorite frosting on top of the cake for a richer, creamier taste.
Fresh Fruit: Add a layer of fresh berries, sliced bananas, or any other fruit you like on top of the cake for a fresh, tangy flavor.
Sprinkles or Chocolate Shavings: Add a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles or chocolate shavings for a festive touch.
Icing Sugar: Lightly dust the top of the cake with icing sugar for a classic, elegant look.
Tips for Perfect Sponge Cake
Here are some additional tips to ensure your vanilla sponge cake is perfect every time:
Room Temperature Ingredients: As mentioned earlier, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature. This includes the butter, eggs, and milk.
Accurate Measuring: Use measuring cups and spoons to accurately measure your ingredients. Over- or under-measuring can affect the texture and flavor of your cake.
Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sifting the flour and baking powder ensures there are no lumps and helps create a lighter cake.
Creaming Butter and Sugar: Cream the butter and sugar together for at least 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. This incorporates air into the batter.
Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter until everything is just combined. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense and tough.
Proper Cooling: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding any decorations or frosting. This ensures the cake retains its spongy texture.
Conclusion
Making a spongy vanilla sponge cake may seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients, equipment, and techniques, you can achieve a delicious and beautiful cake. From sifting your dry ingredients to creaming your butter and sugar, each step is crucial in creating a perfect vanilla sponge cake. With its soft, airy texture and sweet vanilla flavor, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering or occasion. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and start baking your own spongy vanilla sponge cake today!
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