How do you make a sponge cake with plain flour?

Simple Sponge Cake with Plain Flour

This recipe uses the classic creaming method for a light and airy sponge cake. You can adjust the flavor by adding extracts, zest, or even cocoa powder!

Ingredients:

* 125g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened

* 125g (1 cup) granulated sugar

* 2 large eggs

* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

* 175g (1 1/4 cups) plain flour

* 1 teaspoon baking powder

* 1/4 teaspoon salt

* 1/4 cup milk (optional)

Equipment:

* Two 8-inch round cake pans

* Electric mixer

* Measuring cups and spoons

* Spatula

* Sieve

* Parchment paper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.

3. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

4. Dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

5. Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. If the batter seems too thick, add 1/4 cup of milk, mixing until just incorporated.

6. Divide batter: Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans.

7. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

* Room temperature ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best results.

* Don't overmix: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing.

* Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean, it's ready.

* Cool completely: Let the cakes cool completely before frosting or filling.

Variations:

* Chocolate sponge cake: Add 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.

* Lemon sponge cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the batter.

* Vanilla bean sponge cake: Scrape seeds from 1 vanilla bean and add to the batter.

Enjoy your delicious homemade sponge cake!