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Recipe, celebration sponge

Classic vanilla sponge cake

Sift the flour four times. That is the part everybody skips, and it is the difference between a sponge that rises evenly and one that sits heavy. This is the base we use for layered celebration cakes.

Read the recipe Rather have us bake it?
Sponge squares cut open to show a soft vanilla crumb, baked at The Cake Studio Harare
20 minPrep
40 minBake
1 hourTotal
Two 8 inchYield

Ingredients

What you need.

  • 2 cups cake flour
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • Half a cup of cooking oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla essence
  • 1 cup fresh milk
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 4 eggs

Method

How to bake it.

  1. Step 1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Step 2. Grease two 8 inch cake tins and line them with baking paper.
  3. Step 3. Sift the cake flour and baking powder together at least four times. This is what makes the sponge light.
  4. Step 4. In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale, thick and creamy, about the consistency of custard.
  5. Step 5. Add the milk, oil and vanilla essence. Mix until well combined.
  6. Step 6. Fold in the dry ingredients gradually, until they are just combined. Do not overmix, or the cake will come out dense.
  7. Step 7. Divide the batter evenly between the two tins.
  8. Step 8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until a toothpick in the centre comes out clean.
  9. Step 9. Cool the cakes in the tins for 10 minutes, then turn them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

What makes the difference.

  • Take the eggs and milk out of the fridge an hour before you start. Cold ingredients do not aerate properly.
  • Stop mixing the moment the flour disappears. Every extra turn after that costs you height.
  • It pairs well with buttercream, whipped cream, fresh fruit or jam.
  • Harare sits at altitude. If the middle sinks, cut the baking powder back to two teaspoons next time.
Sponge squares cut open to show a soft vanilla crumb, baked at The Cake Studio Harare

Rather have us bake it?

Order our Vanilla.

The same sponge, layered, filled and finished in the studio. Order on WhatsApp with one day of notice and we deliver across Harare.

See the Vanilla cake Quick WhatsApp

Want to learn it in person?

Take a baking lesson at the studio.

Cake basics, buttercream finishing, fondant, sugar flowers. Small group lessons in the studio. Beginners welcome.

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