Soft and Fluffy Vanilla Sponge Cake

Soft and Fluffy Vanilla Sponge Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step helps aerate the flour, making your cake even fluffier.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together. Use an electric mixer set on high speed for about 10 minutes. The mixture should become pale and triple in volume.
4. Incorporate Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract to the egg mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula. This adds that lovely vanilla aroma and flavor.
5. Fold in Flour: Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the egg batter. Gently fold the flour into the batter using a spatula, ensuring you don’t deflate it. Be patient and use a light hand.
6. Warm Milk and Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter into the milk over low heat. Once melted, add this mixture into the batter and fold it in gently until just combined.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and gently smooth the top with your spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
   Tips:

• For extra fluffiness, ensure the eggs are beaten until they triple in volume.
• Room temperature ingredients mix more efficiently, leading to better texture.
• To prevent the cake from deflating, be gentle when folding in the flour.
• Serve with whipped cream or fresh berries for an added touch.
  Prep Time: 15 minutes
  Bake Time: 25-30 minutes
  Calories per slice: Approximately 180 calories (based on 8 servings)