Baking a fluffy vanilla sponge cake is a delightful experience for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Here are the steps to follow: ### Ingredients: - **200g All-purpose flour** - **200g Granulated sugar** - **100g Unsalted butter (room temperature)** - **4 Large eggs** - **1 tsp Baking powder** - **1/2 tsp Salt** - **1 tbsp Vanilla extract** ### Tools: - Mixing bowls - Electric mixer or whisk - Measuring cups and spoons - Sieve - 8-inch cake pan - Parchment paper - Oven ### Steps: #### Preheat Your Oven 1. **Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).** #### Prepare Your Pan 2. **Line the bottom of your cake pan with parchment paper.** #### Mix Dry Ingredients 3. **Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.** #### Cream Butter and Sugar 4. **In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.** #### Add Eggs and Vanilla 5. **Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. After all the eggs are incorporated, add the vanilla extract.** #### Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients 6. **Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix.** #### Bake Your Cake 7. **Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.** #### Cool and Decorate 8. **Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate as desired.**
How to Bake a Fluffy Vanilla Sponge Cake
Baking a fluffy vanilla sponge cake is a delightful experience for both beginners and seasoned bakers. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring that you end up with a light, airy, and delicious treat. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 200g All-purpose flour
- 200g Granulated sugar
- 100g Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 Large eggs
- 1 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Vanilla extract
Tools:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sieve
- 8-inch cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Steps:
Preheat Your Oven
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). This ensures that the oven will be at the right temperature when your cake goes in.
Prepare Your Pan
2. Line the bottom of your cake pan with parchment paper. This will help the cake release easily after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps aerate the mixture and remove any lumps.
- Flour
- Baking Powder
- Salt
Cream Butter and Sugar
4. In a separate bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Butter (softened)
- Sugar
Add Eggs and Vanilla
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. After all the eggs are incorporated, add the vanilla extract.
- Eggs (one at a time)
- Vanilla Extract
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
Bake Your Cake
7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Decorate
8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can decorate as desired.
Tips:
- Room temperature ingredients are key for a successful cake. Make sure your butter and eggs are not cold from the fridge.
- Don't open the oven door while baking unless necessary, as this can cause the cake to sink.
- Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the suggested baking time. Adjustments may be needed based on your oven's characteristics.
By following these steps, you'll be able to create a beautiful vanilla sponge cake that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your baking adventure!