Butter Cake (sponge cake) RecipeTin Eats from www.recipetineats.com
Introduction
Are you looking for a simple and delicious cake recipe that you can make at home? Look no further than the plain sponge cake. This classic dessert is fluffy, moist, and versatile, making it the perfect base for any frosting, fruit, or decoration. Plus, it's easy to make with just a few basic ingredients.
Ingredients
To make a plain sponge cake, you'll need: - 4 large eggs - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
Here's how to make a plain sponge cake: 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan with butter or cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. 3. Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, and gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. 4. Add the vanilla extract and milk, and fold again until the batter is smooth and well combined. 5. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, and smooth the top with a spatula. 6. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. 8. Once the cake is cool, you can decorate it with your favorite frosting, fruit, or toppings.
Nutrition
A slice of plain sponge cake (1/8 of the cake) contains approximately: - Calories: 200 - Fat: 3g - Carbohydrates: 38g - Protein: 5g
Variations
While the plain sponge cake is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different flavors and additions to make it even more special. Here are a few variations to try: - Lemon sponge cake: Add the zest of one lemon to the egg mixture, and substitute the milk for lemon juice. Top with a lemon glaze or frosting. - Chocolate sponge cake: Sift in 1/4 cup cocoa powder with the flour, and add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to the batter. Top with a chocolate ganache or frosting. - Vanilla sponge cake with berries: Slice fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, and layer them between the cake layers. Frost with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting. - Coconut sponge cake: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the batter, and top with a coconut frosting or whipped cream.
Tips and Tricks
- Make sure your eggs and ingredients are at room temperature before starting the recipe. - When whisking the eggs and sugar, be patient and whisk for at least 5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. - Sift the dry ingredients to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution. - Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture to avoid deflating the batter. - Don't overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. - Let the cake cool completely before frosting or adding toppings. - Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
Conclusion
The plain sponge cake is a classic dessert that's easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a fluffy, moist cake that's sure to impress. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is a must-try. So go ahead and give it a go – your taste buds will thank you!
