The Only Sponge Cake Recipe Anyone Will Ever Need

Not everyone loves ice cream or crème brulée, but we have yet to meet someone who isn’t a fan of sponge cake. This simple cake is the foundation of several elaborate desserts but is also tasty enough to be eaten on its own. To celebrate National Sponge Cake Day the right way, we’ll be sharing the best sponge cake recipe ever created.

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All you’ll need is one cup of softened butter, one cup of caster sugar, four large eggs, one cup of self-raising flour, and a tablespoon of vanilla extract. First, pre-heat your oven to 350F and line the base of your cake pan with parchment paper. Then, whisk the butter and sugar together until the mixture becomes fluffy. While whisking, crack in one egg at a time, then add the vanilla, flour, a splash of milk, and a pinch of salt. Pour the batter into the cake pan and bake for 30 minutes. Let it cool completely and dust the top with powdered sugar.

Here are a few tips to make sure you nail your sponge cake every time: always bake your cake in the center of the oven; always pre-heat the oven; never open the oven door to check on your dessert until it’s fully cooked. You can use this sponge cake recipe for several desserts such as madeleines, ladyfingers, trifles, and even strawberry shortcakes.