This Easy Vanilla Sponge Cake is a light, fluffy, and simple-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a cake that’s versatile enough to be decorated and filled with your favorite ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a casual dessert, this sponge cake is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vanilla sponge cake is the perfect balance of sweetness and fluffiness. The cake is airy, light, and has a delicate crumb, making it the ideal base for layered cakes, fillings, or frosting. It’s a straightforward recipe that requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible even for beginners. Plus, the texture is soft enough to melt in your mouth, while still holding its shape for decorating. It’s versatile and can be enjoyed as-is or customized with your favorite toppings and fillings.

Ingredients

4 large eggs
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Pinch of salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan (you can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal).
Beat the eggs and sugar together in a bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process should take about 5-7 minutes, using an electric mixer for the best results.
Add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together to remove any lumps, and then gently fold them into the egg mixture with a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the batter—fold it in slowly to keep the airiness.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before serving or decorating.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Flavor options: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a subtle flavor twist.
Filling ideas: Fill the cake with whipped cream, fruit compote, or custard for a more indulgent dessert. You can also layer it with jam or chocolate ganache.
Topping ideas: Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a more decadent touch, you could also add frosting or ganache.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve added frosting or cream fillings, it’s best to refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh.
Freezing: You can freeze the uniced cake for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating: If you prefer your sponge cake slightly warm, you can microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds, but it’s best enjoyed fresh or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cake flour for a finer texture, though the cake will still turn out great with regular flour.

Can I make this cake without a mixer?

Yes, you can whisk the eggs and sugar by hand, but it will take more time and effort to achieve the light, fluffy texture. A hand mixer or stand mixer is recommended for the best results.

How can I make this cake more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, you can add a bit of lemon zest, orange zest, or almond extract to the batter. A splash of milk or buttermilk can also add richness.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend is one-to-one for an easy substitution, and check the ingredients for any added gums or binders.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when it is golden brown and has risen well. You can check by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This vanilla sponge cake can be baked ahead of time and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the unassembled cake layers and thaw them when needed.

How can I make this cake lighter?

For an even fluffier cake, you can separate the eggs, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks, and then fold them into the batter gently after adding the dry ingredients. This adds more air and creates a lighter, more delicate texture.

Can I add fillings to the cake before baking?

For a more traditional approach, you can slice the cake into layers after it cools and then add fillings like jam, cream, or fruit. It’s best to add these fillings after the cake is baked to keep it from becoming soggy.

Can I use a different pan size?

You can use a larger or smaller pan, but you may need to adjust the baking time depending on the size. If using a smaller pan, the cake will likely bake faster, while a larger pan may require more baking time.

Conclusion

This Easy Vanilla Sponge Cake is the perfect base for any celebration, from a simple family dessert to a showstopping birthday cake. With its light, fluffy texture and subtle vanilla flavor, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with different fillings and toppings to suit any occasion. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger dessert creation, this sponge cake is sure to become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire!

Easy Vanilla Sponge Cake

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Print Recipe

This Easy Vanilla Sponge Cake is a light, fluffy, and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal ingredients, it creates a soft and airy cake ideal for layering, filling, or simply enjoying on its own. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or making a simple dessert, this sponge cake is sure to impress!

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

4 large eggs

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan (lining it with parchment paper is optional for easy removal).
Beat the eggs and sugar together in a bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This should take 5-7 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together to remove any lumps, then gently fold them into the egg mixture with a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before serving or decorating.

Notes

Flavor Options: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a twist in flavor.
Filling Ideas: Fill the cake with whipped cream, fruit compote, or custard for an indulgent dessert. You can also layer it with jam or chocolate ganache.
Topping Ideas: Top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or powdered sugar. For extra decadence, add frosting or ganache.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cake, Celebration
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian