🍰 The Perfect Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe: Light, Fluffy & Irresistible

When it comes to baking, there’s one cake that never goes out of fashion: the vanilla sponge cake recipe. 🎂 It’s simple, elegant, and versatile enough to pair with anything—fresh fruit, whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or even just a dusting of icing sugar.

This guide will walk you through step by step, showing you how to bake a sponge that’s soft, airy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re brand new to baking or already a kitchen pro, this cake is one you’ll want in your repertoire.

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🌟 Why Everyone Loves Vanilla Sponge

A vanilla sponge is the ultimate blank canvas for creativity. It can be dressed up into a showstopper layered with buttercream, or kept beautifully simple for afternoon tea. Its light texture and delicate sweetness make it the kind of cake everyone enjoys.

The beauty of this vanilla sponge cake recipe is that it’s reliable, timeless, and always delivers delicious results. It’s no wonder this cake is baked in homes all around the world. 🌍

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📝 Recipe Card

📌 Vanilla Sponge Cake

✨ Soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet – a cake that never disappoints!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25 minutes

• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Servings: 10 slices

• Skill Level: Easy

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🛒 Ingredients

• 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 🧈

• 200g (1 cup) caster sugar 🍬

• 4 large eggs 🥚

• 200g (1 ½ cups) self-raising flour, sifted 🌾

• 2 tbsp milk 🥛

• 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌼

• A pinch of salt 🧂

Optional for decorating:

• Whipped cream or buttercream 🎀

• Fresh berries 🍓

• Chocolate ganache 🍫

• Sprinkles 🎉

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👩‍🍳 Method

1. Preheat & Prepare 🔥
   Heat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) cake tins.

2. Cream Butter & Sugar 🍯
   Beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy. This adds air for that perfect light texture.

3. Add Eggs 🥚
   Mix in one egg at a time. If curdling, add a spoonful of flour to fix it.

4. Fold in Flour 🌾
   Gently fold in flour and salt. Don’t overmix—light hands make fluffy cakes!

5. Add Vanilla & Milk 🌼
   Stir through vanilla extract and milk until smooth.

6. Bake 🎂
   Divide mixture evenly into tins and bake for 20–25 minutes. A skewer should come out clean.

7. Cool & Decorate ❄️
   Cool on wire racks before decorating. Top with cream, jam, or frosting—your choice!

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💡 Tips for Success

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother mix.

• Weigh ingredients accurately ⚖️—precision matters in baking!

• Don’t overmix the batter; keep it light.

• Cool cakes completely before adding frosting.

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🍋 Fun Variations

The vanilla sponge cake recipe is wonderfully adaptable:

• 🍋 Lemon Zest Twist – Add grated lemon zest for freshness.

• 🍫 Chocolate Marble – Swirl cocoa into the batter for a two-tone sponge.

• 🌰 Nutty Crunch – Fold in chopped walnuts or almonds.

• 🍓 Layered Surprise – Add jam or Nutella between layers for a sweet kick.

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☕ Perfect Pairings

A slice of sponge pairs beautifully with:

• Fresh strawberries & whipped cream 🍓

• Rich chocolate ganache 🍫

• A hot cup of coffee or tea ☕

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🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead

• Store at room temp in an airtight container for 3 days.

• Freeze plain sponge layers (wrapped in cling film) for up to 2 months.

• Bake the day before, decorate the next day—it keeps fresh beautifully.

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🎉 Final Thoughts

This vanilla sponge cake recipe is the definition of a baking essential. It’s light, fluffy, and endlessly versatile. Whether you want something simple for afternoon tea or a layered masterpiece for a birthday, this cake delivers every time.

Once you bake it, you’ll understand why it has remained a favorite for generations. So grab your whisk, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice (or two 😉).