Basic Vanilla Sponge Cake

A basic sponge is a fluffy, soft. delightful cake which is a treat for the palette. You bite into this not so sweet lightness, makes your heart sing.

The very first cake I tried with my new oven was this basic vanilla sponge. This light airy cake uses vegetable oil instead of butter, hence healthier than the regular cake.

I had promised my sister that my nephew's 2nd year birthday cake would be prepared by none other than his chikkamma (aunt). So I had to get going, see if I could bake a decent cake. Of course, the oven was also new. Once the cake was baked, I had some whipping cream ready. Chilled the bowl and blade of electric mixer and beat the whipping cream till it held medium peaks. A semi sweet whipped cream frosting with this light cake made this maiden venture extra special. The cake was enjoyed by family and was gone in no time. To say the least, I was a happy baker!

Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup Flour

1 cup powdered sugar

3/4 cup vegetable oil

4 large eggs

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp vanilla essence

Method:

Sift flour and baking powder together twice.

Beat eggs till light and frothy to about 3 times the original volume.

Add the vanilla, sugar and beat again for about 2minutes.

Pour in the oil continuously in a stream while continuing the beating.

Fold the flour mixture gently into the wet ingredients.

Pour into the greased tin, dusted with flour.

Tap the tin couple of times so that the bubbles settle down.

Bake at 180C for about 25-30min or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Notes:
1. Pour the sugar and oil into the mixture slowly and continuously.
2. Move the mixer in one direction only lest you let the air out from the batter.
3. Don't mix the flour in frantically. Gently cut and fold in circular motion.
4. Gluten will start forming if you overmix.

Happy Baking!

Budding Baker