London Sponge
A delicate sponge cake with a light, airy texture, subtly flavored with vanilla and topped with confectioners sugar, perfect for elegant desserts or teatime treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- On waxed paper, sift together 1/2 cup of the confectioners sugar and the cornstarch three times.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and water until soft peaks form.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla to the egg whites mixture.
- Beat just until blended.
- Fold in the sifted sugar and cornstarch mixture a little at a time until no dry particles remain.
- Divide the batter evenly into two ungreased 8-inch round cake pans with 1 1/4-inch depth.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 30 minutes until the top springs back when lightly touched.
- Cool the cakes in the pans on wire racks.
- Loosen the edges and carefully ease out the cakes.
- Fill with jam.
- Sprinkle confectioners sugar on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure that the egg whites are beaten to soft peaks, as this is crucial for the sponge's rise. If you don't have cornstarch, you can use cake flour as a substitute. To add flavor variations, consider incorporating lemon zest or almond extract in addition to the vanilla. Be sure to sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent clumping.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the London sponge with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Pineapple Icing For Cake for an added tropical twist. Dust with additional confectioners sugar before serving for a beautiful presentation, and consider serving alongside a cup of tea or coffee.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the filled London sponge in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but it can last for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, use a microwave for short intervals to avoid drying it out. You can also serve it cold after chilling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of London Sponge contains roughly 184 calories, with 1g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of sugar instead of confectioners sugar?
While confectioners sugar is ideal for this recipe due to its fine texture, you can use a Powdered Sugar Replacement(Sugar Free) if you're looking for a lower-calorie option. Just be sure to check the packaging for any additional adjustments needed in measurements.
What type of jam works best for filling the sponge?
Any fruit jam can work well, but raspberry or strawberry jam are popular choices due to their sweet-tart balance. For a unique twist, try using lemon curd for a zesty contrast. Just be sure to spread it evenly to prevent the layers from sliding apart.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the London sponge, substitute the cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend that works in baking. Ensure that the confectioners sugar is also gluten-free, which is typically the case. This way, you can enjoy a delicious treat without gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).