Quick Sponge Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Cuisine: American

A light and airy sponge cake with a tender crumb, perfect for teatime or celebrations, showcasing delicate vanilla flavor that appeals to all ages.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 egg yolks
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cold water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

  1. Beat egg yolks and then cream in the sugar.
  2. Add exactly 3 tablespoons of cold water and vanilla, salt, flour, and baking powder.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until stiff.
  4. Fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture gently.
  5. Bake about 1 hour at 325°F or until the cake is firm to the touch and a delicate brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, make sure to fold the beaten egg whites gently into the yolk mixture to maintain the airiness. You can substitute the sugar with a sugar substitute for a lower-calorie option. If you need a gluten-free version, consider using almond flour instead of regular flour. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sponge cake plain or dusted with powdered sugar for a simple dessert. It pairs beautifully with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a scoop of ice cream. For an elegant touch, consider layering it with custard or serving alongside a fruit compote. This cake can also be used as a base for other desserts like trifles or as a layer in a celebratory cake.

Storage & Reheating

To store leftovers, wrap the cooled sponge cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap it well.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Quick Sponge Cake contains roughly 628 calories, with 21g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (43% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (35% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1061mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).

628 kcal 31% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.4g 43% DV
Total Fat 35.7g 46% DV
Carbs 22.1g 8% DV
Fiber 2.3g 8% DV
Sugar 7.7g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1060.8mg 46% DV
Potassium 373.5mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 600mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 289.8mcg 32% DV
Vitamin C 18.2mg 20% DV
Vitamin D 6.2mcg 31% DV
Calcium 457.4mg 35% DV
Iron 6.7mg 37% DV
Diet fit High-protein
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 whole eggs instead of just yolks?

Using whole eggs will change the texture of the sponge cake, making it denser. The yolks provide richness while the whites add volume. For best results, stick to the recipe as written.

What can I do if my cake is too dry?

If the cake turns out dry, you can moisten it with a simple syrup made from equal parts sugar and water. Brush the syrup onto the cake layers before serving to add moisture and flavor.

How can I tell when the cake is done baking?

The cake is done when it is firm to the touch and has a delicate brown color. You can also test it by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →