Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons hot water
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans.
2. Sift Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to remove lumps and aerates the dry ingredients, which is important for a light and fluffy sponge cake.
3. Beat the Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the four large eggs with an electric mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes, or until they become thick and pale in color.
4. Gradually Add Sugar:
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the beaten eggs while continuing to beat. Beat for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and creamy.
5. Add Vanilla Extract:
Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
6. Fold in Dry Ingredients:
Using a spatula, gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg and sugar mixture. Do this in several additions, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can deflate the batter, leading to a less airy sponge.
7. Add Hot Water:
Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. The hot water helps to activate the baking powder and creates a tender crumb.
8. Divide and Bake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
9. Bake in the Preheated Oven:
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary based on your oven, so start checking at 20 minutes and adjust accordingly.
10. Cool and Remove from Pans:
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes and remove them from the pans. Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Optional Filling and Frosting:
You can fill and frost the sponge cake with your choice of filling and frosting, such as whipped cream, fruit preserves, or buttercream. You can also serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar.
12. Slice and Enjoy:
Once the cake is assembled (if you choose to do so) and fully cooled, slice and enjoy your homemade sponge cake. It’s perfect for simple, elegant desserts or for layering with various fillings.
This classic sponge cake is light, tender, and versatile, making it a great base for a wide variety of desserts.