Introduction
Ever wondered how to transform everyday ingredients into a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth sponge cake? This recipe is your answer! We’re making a classic butter sponge cake – light, airy, and perfect for any occasion. It’s surprisingly easy, and the results are guaranteed to impress your family and friends. Get ready for a taste of pure deliciousness!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s a perfect balance of simplicity and deliciousness. The method is straightforward, even for beginner bakers, and the results are consistently amazing. The rich butter flavor shines through, making this a truly comforting and satisfying treat. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!
Key Ingredients
- 🧈 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 🥚 6 large eggs, at room temperature
- 砂糖 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 🍋 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🍚 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 🍋 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 💧 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
2️⃣ Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is where your mixer comes in handy! The fluffier the mixture, the lighter your cake will be.
3️⃣ Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4️⃣ Vanilla & Dry: Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
5️⃣ Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
6️⃣ Pour & Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7️⃣ Cool & Frost: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, frost with your favorite frosting and enjoy!
Handy Tips
- Room temperature ingredients are key for proper emulsification!
- Don’t overmix the batter – it can lead to a tough cake.
- Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Lower temperatures might result in a dense cake, while higher temperatures could lead to burning on the outside before the inside is cooked through.
Crunch Factor
This recipe focuses on a soft, tender crumb. The lack of added nuts or other crunchy elements contributes to its delicate texture.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest along with the vanilla.
- Use cake flour for an even more tender crumb.
- To make this a layer cake, use three 8-inch pans.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Gift Packaging Ideas
Present your cake in a pretty cake box tied with a ribbon, or individually slice and wrap pieces in cellophane for a delightful treat to share.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
🌟 Lemon Poppy Seed: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1/4 cup of poppy seeds to the batter.
🌟 Coconut: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
🌟 Strawberry: Add 1 cup of chopped strawberries to the batter.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Check for doneness earlier next time.
- Cake is dense: You may have overmixed the batter or used cold ingredients.
- Cake sunk in the middle: The oven temperature may have been too low, or the cake wasn’t baked long enough.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sugar? Granulated sugar is best for this recipe, but you can experiment with other types.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, bake it a day or two in advance and store it properly.
- Can I freeze this cake? Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- What type of frosting should I use? Any frosting you like will work! Buttercream, cream cheese frosting, or even a simple glaze are all delicious options.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) this simple yet delicious butter sponge cake. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, and we’d love to hear how yours turns out! Share your creations with us on social media and don’t forget to rate this recipe on Ratemyrecipes.com! Happy baking!
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Sponge Cake
A light and airy butter sponge cake that melts in your mouth, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.