The sponge cake is a classic and versatile recipe, which serves as the basis for many other bakery delights. It's a simple but delicious cake that can be served alone or with assorted toppings and fillings. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect sponge cake.
Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups of sugar
- 2 cups of wheat flour
- 1 cup of water or milk
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
Preparation
The first thing you need to do is separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Place the yolks in one bowl and the whites in another. Then beat the egg whites until stiff. You can do this with an electric mixer or by hand, but remember that it's important that the whites are firm so that the sponge cake is fluffy.
Next, add the sugar to the egg yolks and beat until the mixture is light and creamy. This may take a few minutes, but it's important not to rush this step. The mixture should be very airy and light.
Then, add the water or milk to the mixture of egg yolks and sugar and continue beating. Then add the wheat flour, little by little, while continuing to beat the mixture. This will help prevent lumps in the dough.
When the flour is completely incorporated, add the baking powder and mix well. Then add the egg whites to the mixture, little by little, and mix gently with a spatula. This will help keep the air in the whites, which will make the sponge cake lighter and fluffier.
Now, it's time to bake the sponge cake. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a cake tin with butter and flour. Pour the batter into the tin and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
When the sponge cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then unmold the cake and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Now your sponge cake is ready to be served!
Tips and Variations
The sponge cake is a basic recipe that can be customized in many ways. You can add flavors to the dough, such as vanilla, lemon or orange. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick of flavor.
In addition, sponge cake can be used as a base for many other bakery delights. You can cut it into layers and fill it with cream, jam or fresh fruit. You can also cover it with icing or chocolate. The possibilities are endless!
So the next time you want to make a simple yet delicious cake, try this sponge cake recipe. With practice, you can even start experimenting with your own variations and creating your own delicious bakery creations.