Description
Sponge cakes are a delightful baking classic, known for their airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re crafting a simple tea-time treat or a beautifully designed centerpiece for a special occasion, these cakes are versatile and delicious. Follow this easy recipe to create light and fluffy sponge cakes that can be customized to suit any celebration.
Ingredients
- 12 egg yolks (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Equipment
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease your cake pans or molds with butter or line them with parchment paper to ensure easy release. Choose molds or pans based on the design you want to achieve.
2. Whisk the Egg Yolks and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until the mixture is pale and thick. This step creates the light, airy base of the sponge cake.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
- Gradually pour in the vegetable oil and milk while continuing to whisk.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse your cake with a warm, aromatic flavor.
4. Sift and Fold the Dry Ingredients
- Sift the all-purpose flour and cornstarch into a separate bowl to ensure even distribution.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the batter light and fluffy.
5. Pour and Prepare for Baking
- Divide the batter evenly into your prepared cake pans or molds, filling each one about 2/3 full. Tap the pans gently to release air bubbles.
6. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- The cakes are done when the tops are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Decorate
- Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can decorate with frosting, whipped cream, fruit, or any topping of your choice.
Notes
- Customize the Flavor: Add citrus zest, matcha, or cocoa powder to the batter for unique flavor twists.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the eggs, milk, and oil are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Folding the dry ingredients gently is key to preserving the light texture of the sponge cake.
- Storage: Keep the cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International