What happens to the flour sugar and egg in sponge cake when it is put oven?

Here's what happens to the flour, sugar, and egg in a sponge cake when it goes into the oven:

Flour:

* Gluten Development: The heat in the oven helps the gluten in the flour to further develop, creating a more elastic and stable structure. This structure traps air bubbles, giving the cake its rise.

* Starch Gelatinization: The starch granules in the flour absorb moisture and swell as they are heated. This gelatinization process helps to solidify the cake batter, giving it a firm texture.

* Cooking: The flour itself cooks, becoming a solid part of the cake.

Sugar:

* Melting & Caramelization: Sugar melts and begins to caramelize in the heat of the oven. This process contributes to the cake's browning and adds a rich flavor.

* Moisture Retention: Sugar helps to retain moisture in the cake, preventing it from becoming dry.

* Sweetness: Obviously, the sugar provides sweetness to the cake.

Eggs:

* Coagulation: The proteins in the eggs coagulate (solidify) in the heat. This process creates the structure of the cake, holding everything together.

* Emulsification: Eggs help to bind the fat (butter or oil) and water in the batter, creating a smooth and consistent texture.

* Aeration: Egg whites are whipped to incorporate air, which helps to lighten the cake and give it a fluffy texture.

The Baking Process:

The oven heat provides the energy for all these processes to occur simultaneously. The flour, sugar, and egg interact with each other and change their states, leading to a complex chemical reaction that produces a delicious sponge cake.

Here's the breakdown:

1. The batter goes into a hot oven.

2. The heat causes the air bubbles in the batter to expand, helping the cake to rise.

3. The gluten in the flour strengthens, providing structure.

4. The starch gelatinizes, solidifying the cake.

5. The sugar melts and caramelizes, browning the cake and adding flavor.

6. The egg proteins coagulate, holding the cake together.

The result is a light, airy, and moist sponge cake!