Vanilla Sponge Cake: Perfectly Fluffy & Delicious Recipe By Chef Manju Shah

Vanilla sponge cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or as the base for more elaborate cakes. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just satisfying a sweet craving, this fluffy, soft vanilla sponge cake is a delight. Chef Manju Shah’s recipe simplifies the process, making it perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. With just the right balance of ingredients, this cake is light, airy, and full of vanilla flavor.

In this blog, you’ll learn how to make a vanilla sponge cake with step-by-step instructions and some baking tips to ensure your cake turns out perfect every time. We’ll also cover how to optimize the recipe to fit your taste and some additional tips to elevate your cake.

Ingredients for Vanilla Sponge Cake

Wet Ingredients:

• Curd (yogurt): ½ cup
• Powdered sugar: ½ cup
• Oil: 2.5 TBSP
• Water: ¼ cup

Dry Ingredients:

• Refined flour (all-purpose flour): 1 cup
• Milk powder: 2.5 TBSP
• Vanilla powder or essence: 1 TSP
• Baking soda: 1 TSP
• Baking powder: ½ TSP

Method: How to Bake Vanilla Sponge Cake

1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of curd, ½ cup powdered sugar, 2.5 tablespoons of oil, and ¼ cup water. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The yogurt adds moisture, ensuring the cake stays soft and fluffy.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup refined flour, 2.5 tablespoons milk powder, 1 teaspoon vanilla powder (or essence), 1 teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures that they’re evenly mixed and helps avoid clumps.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently to combine. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a dense cake. Fold the ingredients until the batter is smooth and lump-free, maintaining its light and airy texture.

4. Prepare the Baking Mold:

Grease a 6-inch cake mold with butter or oil and lightly dust it with flour. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan, ensuring smooth release after baking.

5. Bake the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Pour the batter into the prepared mold and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If your cake browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

6. Cool and Serve:

Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the mold for 10-15 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the cake from the mold and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling process ensures that your cake remains moist and light.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Vanilla Sponge Cake

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients:
   Cold ingredients don’t combine as smoothly as those at room temperature. Make sure your yogurt, oil, and water are at room temperature before mixing.
2. Don’t Overmix:
   When combining wet and dry ingredients, overmixing can cause gluten to develop, making the cake dense. Fold the ingredients just enough to combine everything.
3. Accurate Measurements:
   Baking is all about precision. Use measuring spoons and cups to ensure that you add the correct amount of each ingredient.
4. Preheat the Oven:
   Always preheat your oven to the required temperature. A well-heated oven helps the cake rise properly and bake evenly.
5. Greasing the Mold:
   Ensure that your cake mold is properly greased and dusted with flour. You don’t want your cake to stick to the mold and ruin its shape.
6. Bake at the Right Temperature:
   Maintaining the correct oven temperature is crucial. Too high a temperature will cause the cake to brown quickly on the outside while staying undercooked inside.
7. Don’t Open the Oven Too Early:
   Resist the temptation to check on your cake too soon! Opening the oven early can cause the cake to deflate. Wait until at least 20 minutes have passed before checking.

Customizing Your Vanilla Sponge Cake

Want to make your cake extra special?

Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Add Toppings:
   Once your vanilla sponge cake is baked and cooled, top it with whipped cream, chocolate ganache, or fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries for added flavor.
2. Turn It into a Layer Cake:
   This sponge cake serves as an excellent base for a layer cake. Slice it in half and fill it with jam, buttercream, or a combination of both. Frost the outside for a beautiful layered dessert.
3. Add a Flavor Twist:
   To customize the flavor, you can add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder for a chocolate twist or lemon zest for a refreshing citrus flavor.
4. Make It Eggless:
   If you prefer an eggless version, the yogurt in this recipe serves as a great substitute for eggs, making the cake just as fluffy and moist.

Why Vanilla Sponge Cake is Perfect for Any Occasion

Vanilla sponge cake is a classic dessert that works for any event, whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or casual get-together. Its versatility allows you to pair it with different toppings and fillings to suit any occasion.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also simple to make. With basic pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a cake in no time, making it an ideal dessert for both novice and expert bakers.

Nutritional Benefits of Vanilla Sponge Cake

Though typically enjoyed as a treat, this vanilla sponge cake has some nutritional value thanks to the use of yogurt and milk powder. These ingredients add protein and calcium, making the cake more than just an indulgence.

By following Chef Manju Shah’s recipe and these additional baking tips, you’ll create a perfect vanilla sponge cake every time—light, fluffy, and full of flavor.

If you’d like to learn more flavors and master the art of making the perfect sponge cake, enroll today in our Basic Cake Masterclass!

Happy baking!