Sponge Cake (Hot Milk)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A light and fluffy sponge cake infused with warm milk and vanilla, perfect for teatime or celebrations. Its airy texture and gentle sweetness make it suitable for all ages, pairing wonderfully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or simply a dusting of powdered sugar.

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Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Whip eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
  2. Heat milk and butter together until the butter melts.
  3. Gradually add 1/4 of the flour and 1/4 of the milk mixture into the egg mixture on low speed, alternating between the two.
  4. Repeat until all the flour and milk mixture are incorporated.
  5. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
  6. Pour batter into a prepared baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Tips & Substitutions

Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation of air, resulting in a lighter texture. If you're out of butter, you can substitute with vegetable oil or margarine in the same amount. For a twist, consider adding citrus zest or almond extract instead of vanilla. This sponge cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or whipped cream.

Serving Suggestions

This sponge cake is delightful on its own or can be served with a dusting of powdered sugar. For an indulgent treat, top it with whipped cream and fresh berries or slice it horizontally and fill it with jam or frosting. It also complements a cup of tea or coffee perfectly, making it a great addition to afternoon gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover sponge cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sponge Cake (Hot Milk) contains roughly 345 calories, with 7g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of iron (18% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (12% of the Daily Value).

345 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.9g 14% DV
Total Fat 1.5g 2% DV
Carbs 58.1g 21% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 4.5g 9% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 252.2mg 11% DV
Potassium 180.7mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 5.2mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.1mcg
Vitamin C 9.3mg 10% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 158.5mg 12% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk 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 make this sponge cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sponge cake a day in advance. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. Just remember to frost or fill it right before serving to maintain its freshness.

What can I do if my cake doesn't rise?

If your sponge cake doesn't rise, it could be due to expired baking powder or overmixing the batter. Make sure to check the freshness of your baking powder and mix just until combined to avoid deflating the batter.

Can I add flavors to the sponge cake?

Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor by adding extracts like almond or lemon, or by folding in cocoa powder for a chocolate version. Just be cautious with liquid ingredients to maintain the right batter consistency.

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).

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