The Best Simple and Easy Sponge Cake Recipe

Written by Abby Robinson Published on December 27, 2024

Sponge cake is a delightful treat that’s light, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious! It’s like a little cloud of sweetness on your plate, made with just a handful of basic ingredients: eggs, sugar, flour, and maybe a tiny bit of butter or milk. What makes it so magical? The secret is all in the whipped eggs that give the cake its bouncy, airy texture.

easy sponge cake recipe

Why Everyone Loves Sponge Cake:

It’s a Crowd-Pleaser! Its neutral flavor means it pairs perfectly with anything—fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or even a simple sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Light as a Feather: The airy cake is naturally fluffy and doesn’t weigh you down, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Super Versatile: It’s a blank canvas for creativity—layer it up with frosting, roll it into a Swiss roll, or enjoy it plain with a cup of tea.

Sponge cake is pure joy in every bite—whether you’re baking for a celebration or just because it’s a Monday in January and cake makes everything better! 🎂✨

easy sponge cake

Is perfect sponge cake hard to make?

Not at all! Sponge cake might seem a bit tricky at first, but with a little care and attention, it’s surprisingly easy to make. It’s all about understanding the process and handling the ingredients gently to keep the sponge cake batter light and airy.

sponge cake recipe

Why It’s Doable:

Simple Ingredients: It uses basic pantry staples— whole eggs, sugar, flour, and maybe a bit of butter or milk. No need for fancy items!
Few Steps: The process is straightforward—whip, fold, and bake. Once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze.
No Special Equipment: All you need is a whisk (or stand mixer or hand mixer), a rubber spatula, and cake tins.

Common Challenges (and How to Fix Them):

Deflated Batter: Overmixing or folding too vigorously can knock out the air. Just fold gently, like you’re handling a cloud!
Dry Cake: This can happen if it’s overbaked. Keep an eye on it and take it out as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Sticky Top: This is normal! Let it cool completely before removing it from the pan.

Why You Should Give It a Try:

Sponge cake is one of the most forgiving cakes once you know the basics, and even if it’s not perfect, it’ll still taste amazing. Plus, practicing means you get to enjoy cake more often—what’s better than that? 🎂✨

What ingredients do I need to make a fluffy sponge cake?

The ingredients for a sponge cake are simple, but each one plays an important role in creating its light, fluffy texture and delicious taste. Here’s a quick rundown:

Core Ingredients:

Eggs
- The star of the show! Eggs provide structure and leavening, making the cake rise and stay airy. Whipping egg whites introduces air, which is key to that fluffy texture.
- Pro Tip: Use room-temperature eggs for better volume when beating.
Sugar
- Adds sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped eggs. Granulated sugar is usually used, but you can experiment with superfine sugar for quicker dissolving.
Flour
- All-purpose or cake flour works great. Cake flour gives a softer texture, while all-purpose flour is slightly denser but still delicious.
- Pro Tip: Sift the flour to keep the batter light and lump-free.
Baking Powder (Optional)
- Sometimes added for extra lift, especially if you’re not relying solely on egg aeration.

Liquid and Fat (Optional but Common):

Milk
- Adds moisture and richness. Warm milk is often mixed into the batter for a smoother texture.
Butter or Oil
- A small amount of melted butter or neutral oil can be added for a touch of tenderness, though classic sponge cakes often skip this for a lighter feel.
Vanilla Extract (or Other Flavorings)
- Enhances the overall flavor. You can also experiment with almond extract, citrus zest, or spices for variety.

Pinch of Salt

Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.

Why These Ingredients Matter:

Sponge cake relies on the magic of eggs and air, so you don’t need heavy fats or tons of sugar. Together, these ingredients create a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s versatile and perfect for endless variations.

Ready to bake? Your pantry is probably already stocked! 😊

How do I store this simple sponge cake recipe?

Storing sponge cake is easy, and with a few simple steps, you can keep it fresh and delicious for days! Here’s how:

Short-Term Storage (1-2 Days):

At Room Temperature:
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out.
- Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
- Ideal for plain or unfrosted sponge cakes.

Medium-Term Storage (Up to 1 Week):

In the Refrigerator:
- Wrap the cake in plastic wrap to keep it from absorbing fridge odors.
- Place it in an airtight container for extra protection.
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Long-Term Storage (Up to 2 Months):

In the Freezer:
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for extra protection. Alternatively, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. (This makes for very moist cake too!)
- Freeze the cake unfrosted for best results. Frosting can sometimes become grainy when thawed.
- To thaw: Move the cake to the fridge overnight, then let it sit at room temperature for an hour before enjoying.

Extra Tips:

Frosted Cakes: Store frosted sponge cakes in the fridge, uncovered, for about 30 minutes to set the frosting. Then cover loosely with plastic wrap or a cake dome.
Layer Cakes: Wrap individual layers separately if you plan to assemble the cake later.

What fillings go best with a simple vanilla sponge cake?

Sponge cake is a blank canvas that pairs beautifully with a variety of fillings, from light and fruity to rich and indulgent. Here are some of the best options to take your cake to the next level:

Fruity Fillings

Jam or Fruit Preserves
- Classics like apricot, raspberry, or strawberry jam add a tangy sweetness. Perfect for a traditional Victoria sponge cake recipe!
Fresh Fruit
- Sliced strawberries, raspberries, peaches, or mangoes add a juicy, refreshing twist. Pair with whipped cream for a summer vibe. Delicious treat with afternoon tea.
Lemon Curd
- Tart and zesty, it cuts through the sweetness and adds a burst of flavor.
Berry Compote
- Cooked-down berries (like blueberries or blackberries) make a luscious, slightly chunky filling.

Creamy Fillings

Whipped Cream
- Light and airy, it complements the fluffiness of the sponge. Sweeten with a touch of sugar or vanilla for extra flavor.
Buttercream Frosting
- Rich and sweet, buttercream (vanilla, chocolate, or even coffee-flavored) works beautifully for a more indulgent cake.
Mascarpone or Cream Cheese
- Combine mascarpone or cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla for a creamy, slightly tangy filling.
Custard or Pastry Cream
- Smooth, creamy, and custardy, it’s perfect for layered sponge cakes. Add a touch of vanilla or chocolate for variety.

Chocolatey Options

Chocolate Ganache
- Made with melted chocolate and cream, ganache adds richness and decadence to any sponge cake.
Nutella or Chocolate Spread
- Quick and easy for a hazelnut-chocolatey delight.

Nutty and Unique

Almond Cream
- A sweet, nutty filling that adds depth to the flavor.
Caramel or Dulce de Leche
- Sweet, sticky, and irresistible, these fillings are perfect for a luxurious twist.

Exotic and Fun Ideas

Matcha Cream
- A unique and slightly earthy filling for matcha lovers.
Coconut Cream
- Add a tropical touch with coconut-flavored filling or frosting.

Perfect Combinations:

Strawberries + Whipped Cream: A classic, light pairing.
Lemon Curd + Fresh Blueberries: Bright and fresh.
Chocolate Ganache + Raspberry Jam: Rich and tangy balance.
Buttercream + Caramel: Sweet and indulgent.

With so many options, you can mix and match fillings to suit your occasion, mood, or favorite flavors. Sponge cake is a delicious playground for creativity!

By following these tips, your sponge cake will stay soft, flavorful, and ready to enjoy whenever you need it!

Happy Baking!

Here’s a simple and easy sponge cake recipe that’s perfect for beginners. It’s soft, fluffy, and made with basic pantry ingredients.

The Best Simple and Easy Sponge Cake Recipe

Ingredients

6 large eggs (room temperature)
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour (sifted)
1/2 t. baking powder
2 T. milk (warm)
1 T. unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
1 t. vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to whip the eggs for about 1 minute.
Add the sugar slowly, and continue to whip the mixture for about 7-10 minutes until it triples in volume, turns pale, and forms a ribbon-like consistency when you lift the beaters.

Sift the flour and baking powder together.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in three batches using a spatula. Use a light hand to avoid deflating the batter.

Mix the warm milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a small bowl.
Take a small portion of the batter (about 1 cup) and mix it with the milk-butter mixture. This helps lighten the liquid before folding it into the main batter.
Gently fold this back into the batter until fully incorporated.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Run a knife around the edges, remove the cake, and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Dust with powdered sugar or frost as desired.

Notes

Tips for Success:

Room temperature eggs are essential for better volume.
Be gentle while folding to keep the air in the batter.
Avoid overmixing, as this will deflate the cake and make it dense.
Enjoy your light and airy sponge cake with tea, coffee, or your favorite toppings!