This classic sponge cake is beautifully light, airy, and incredibly easy to make with just three basic ingredients: eggs, sugar, and flour. It’s perfect as a base for layered cakes, trifles, or simply served with a dusting of powdered sugar and some fresh fruit. The texture is soft and springy, and it’s ready to impress with minimal effort!
Ingredients:
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5 large eggs
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
(This recipe serves about 4 people. For a larger group, simply double all the ingredients.)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and line an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan or a similar size pan with parchment paper at the bottom for easy removal.
2. Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 5 eggs.
Using an electric mixer (hand or stand mixer), beat the eggs on high speed for about 8 to 10 minutes. Gradually add the sugar while beating.
The mixture should become thick, pale, and triple in volume. It will look almost like a soft mousse. This step is critical—this is how the cake will rise without baking powder!
3. Fold in the Flour
Sift the flour to remove lumps and to add air.
Gently fold the flour into the egg and sugar mixture in batches using a spatula.
Be very careful during this step: fold, don’t stir—you want to keep as much air in the batter as possible to maintain the cake’s fluffiness.
4. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and lightly tap the pan on the counter once to remove any large air bubbles.
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
Then carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Dust with powdered sugar if desired, or slice and fill with whipped cream, jam, or frosting for a richer treat.
Tips for Success:
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Use room temperature eggs for maximum volume.
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Don’t overmix after adding flour—gentle folding keeps the batter airy.
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Check the oven temperature: an oven thermometer can help ensure it’s accurate.
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If you like, you can flavor the batter with a touch of vanilla extract, almond extract, or lemon zest for a simple twist.
This 3-ingredient sponge cake is delicious on its own or can be dressed up for a celebration. It’s one of those recipes every home baker should have in their back pocket!
