There’s something magical about a sponge cake. The way it rises, the lightness of each bite, and the sweet scent that fills the kitchen as it bakes always brings back memories of my grandmother’s sunny afternoons spent in her cozy kitchen. She would whip up sponge cakes for every family gathering, and each slice felt like a warm embrace. Inspired by those cherished moments, I decided to create my own version of her classic vanilla sponge cake, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
4 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
A pinch of salt
Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a round 9-inch cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. As the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and let the eggs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps in achieving a fluffier cake.
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed until it becomes pale and triples in volume, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The texture should be light and airy, resembling a fluffy cloud.
While the egg mixture is beating, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Once the egg mixture is ready, gently fold in the dry ingredients using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the batter.
Next, drizzle in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Continue folding until everything is just combined, ensuring not to overmix. The batter should be smooth and velvety, with a hint of vanilla wafting through the air.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently run a knife around the edges and turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. The sweet aroma of the sponge cake will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to come and have a taste.
When the cake is cool, dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish. You can serve it plain or adorn it with whipped cream and fresh berries for an extra touch of elegance. Each slice will remind you of those sunny afternoons with family, creating new memories with every bite.
Enjoy your Heavenly Vanilla Sponge Cake, a delightful treat that embodies the warmth and joy of home baking!