There’s something truly magical about a homemade cake. The aroma filling your kitchen, the anticipation of that first bite, and the pure joy it brings to friends and family. And when it comes to classic comfort, nothing beats a perfectly light and fluffy vanilla sponge cake. It’s a timeless dessert that conjures up memories of celebrations, birthdays, and cozy afternoons with a cup of tea.
If you’ve ever felt intimidated by baking a cake from scratch, fret no more! Our recipe for Classic Vanilla Sponge Cake is designed to be incredibly straightforward, ensuring a delicious result every single time. We’ll guide you through each step, guaranteeing a tender crumb and a delightful vanilla flavor that will make you feel like a baking superstar. Get ready to impress everyone (including yourself!) with this irresistible treat.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet moment, this recipe is your new best friend. It’s versatile enough to be adorned with any frosting you desire, or simply enjoyed as is. So, tie on your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s create some baking magic together!
PrintClassic Vanilla Sponge Cake
A light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet vanilla sponge cake, ideal for any celebration or a simple afternoon treat.
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper. Alternatively, use an 8-inch square pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix with a whisk or electric mixer on low speed until just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once completely cooled, the cakes are ready to be frosted, decorated, or served as is.
Notes
For best results, ensure all cold ingredients (eggs, milk) are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them combine more evenly and creates a smoother batter. This cake pairs wonderfully with a simple buttercream frosting, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Keywords: vanilla cake, sponge cake, easy cake recipe, classic dessert, baking