Name: Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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There’s a reason the Vanilla Sponge Cake is a beloved classic that sits at the heart of European dessert traditions. It’s a golden, cloud-like confection with an airy crumb, a gentle sweetness, and an old-fashioned comfort that instantly transports you to memories of bustling kitchens and the smell of vanilla wafting through the air. This is the sort of cake that’s universally adored: as wonderful with morning coffee as it is decked out for celebrations. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced cake artist, Vanilla Sponge Cake is that endlessly versatile treat you’ll reach for again and again.

Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a humble handful of essential pantry ingredients, you can create a Vanilla Sponge Cake that’s as light as a feather and full of flavor. Each component plays a vital role, working together for the perfect structure, taste, and beautiful golden color.

All-purpose flour: Easy to find and reliable, this flour forms the sturdy, tender foundation of your sponge. (Use cake flour for an even lighter crumb!)
Baking powder: The secret lifter provides gentle rise, making the cake airy and soft.
Salt: Just a pinch rounds out the sweetness and enhances every flavor note.
Large eggs (room temperature): Whipped to fluffy perfection, they create structure and give incredible lift—don’t skip the whipping!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and gives the cake a lovely, golden exterior.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and a subtle richness, helping keep the cake perfectly soft.
Unsalted butter: Melted into the milk for richness and a hint of creaminess without overpowering the vanilla flavor.
Vanilla extract: The star of the show, it adds a fragrant, sweet flavor that makes this cake utterly irresistible.

How to Make Vanilla Sponge Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so your cake bakes up fluffy and even. Grease the bottom and sides of an 8-inch round cake pan, then line the base with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but also makes it a breeze to release your Vanilla Sponge Cake for that perfect finish.

Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting is key here—it’s not just about combining, but also about ensuring there are no lumps, giving your cake the softest, most delicate crumb imaginable.

Step 3: Whip Eggs and Sugar

Grab a large mixing bowl and your hand or stand mixer. Beat the eggs and sugar together on high speed for 6 to 8 minutes, until the mixture is pale, gorgeously thick, and triples in volume. This step is where the magic happens: all that trapped air gives your Vanilla Sponge Cake its signature lightness.

Step 4: Warm the Milk, Butter, and Vanilla

In a small saucepan, gently heat the milk and butter together just until the butter melts. Stir in the vanilla extract and let the mixture cool slightly. This infuses your baked sponge with melt-in-the-mouth richness and a burst of fragrant vanilla in every bite.

Step 5: Fold the Batter

Carefully fold the sifted flour mixture into the whipped eggs and sugar in three additions. Take your time—gentle folding prevents the batter from deflating, keeping that wonderful airy texture intact. Then, take a spoonful of batter and mix it into the warm milk-butter-vanilla mix to temper it. Gently fold it back into the main batter; this clever step ensures a homogenous, silky final sponge.

Step 6: Bake

Pour your beautiful batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. The scent of baked vanilla will fill your kitchen, and you’ll see the cake turn a perfect shade of gold.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow your cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing—this ensures your Vanilla Sponge Cake is as light, moist, and fluffy as can be.

How to Serve Vanilla Sponge Cake

Garnishes

The beauty of Vanilla Sponge Cake is that it shines with the simplest garnishes: a dusting of powdered sugar, a few fresh berries, or even a light drizzle of chocolate or berry sauce can make each slice feel special. A dollop of whipped cream is always welcome!

Side Dishes

Serve this cake alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream or some lightly sweetened mascarpone. For a European-style touch, a cup of strong coffee or black tea brings out the delicate vanilla flavor and soft crumb.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your Vanilla Sponge Cake for any occasion! Turn it into a showstopper layer cake with jam and whipped cream between layers, or cut it into cubes for an elegant trifle. You can even make individual mini-cakes using ramekins for a charming twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Vanilla Sponge Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The texture stays soft and fresh, perfect for snacking or last-minute desserts. If your kitchen is very warm, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to wrap it well to prevent drying.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, wrap slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying—no one will ever guess it’s been frozen.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, place a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds or briefly warm it in a low oven. This brings out the vanilla aroma and reawakens the cake’s delicate texture. Avoid over-heating as it may dry out the sponge.

FAQs

Can I make Vanilla Sponge Cake without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! A sturdy hand mixer works well—just be prepared to beat the eggs and sugar for several minutes until thick and tripled in volume. Whisking by hand is possible too, though it’ll give your arms a real workout!

What makes a sponge cake different from other cakes?

Sponge cakes, like this Vanilla Sponge Cake, rely on whipped eggs (not heavy fats) for their rise and lightness. This gives them an airy, delicate texture that’s perfect for soaking up flavors and layering, unlike denser butter cakes.

How do I tell when the cake is done baking?

The cake will be golden on top, spring back lightly when pressed, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid over-baking for the softest, fluffiest crumb.

Can I flavor the sponge with something other than vanilla?

You bet! Lemon zest, almond extract, or even orange blossom water make fun alternatives or additions. Try new flavors once you’ve mastered the classic Vanilla Sponge Cake base.

Is Vanilla Sponge Cake suitable for birthday cakes?

Yes, Vanilla Sponge Cake is a classic choice for birthday cakes. Its sturdy yet soft structure pairs fantastically with fillings and frostings, making it ideal for celebration layer cakes or even as cupcakes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a simple, splendidly airy cake that’s nothing short of pure comfort, Vanilla Sponge Cake will win your heart. It’s a fantastic canvas for creativity—or just right as is, with a cup of something warm. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself (and those lucky enough to join you) to a homemade cake that never goes out of style!

Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious Vanilla Sponge Cake that is light, fluffy, and perfect for any occasion. This classic recipe yields a moist and tender cake with a delicate vanilla flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

4 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch round cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
Beat Eggs and Sugar: Beat eggs and sugar until pale and tripled in volume.
Prepare Milk Mixture: Heat milk and butter, add vanilla, and let cool.
Combine Batter: Fold dry ingredients into egg mixture, then mix in milk mixture.
Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool before serving.