Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake Recipe

Bake up a delightful treat with this Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake, a timeless classic that truly lives up to its name. Each bite is a dream—pillowy, light, and packed with aromatic vanilla flavor. This foolproof recipe yields consistently tender layers, making it perfect for both special occasions and cozy weekend baking. Plus, it requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, so anyone can achieve bakery-quality results right at home!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just the right ingredients is the secret to achieving that dreamy texture and golden crumb in your Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake. Each component plays a special role, and you likely already have most of them in your pantry!

• All-purpose flour: The base of the sponge, providing structure while keeping the cake tender.
• Cornstarch: Just a small amount ensures an extra light and soft crumb you’ll absolutely love.
• Baking powder: The leavener that helps give the cake its beautiful rise and airiness.
• Salt: A pinch brings out the sweetness and deepens the vanilla flavor.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs create a fluffy, stable structure and give the cake its signature sponge texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and stabilizes the beaten eggs for maximum volume.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness—use it warm so it blends perfectly into the batter.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps every bite deliciously moist without weighing the cake down.
• Vanilla extract: Infuses the sponge with warmth and that irresistible classic flavor.
• White vinegar or lemon juice: An unexpected but essential addition for enhancing fluffiness—don’t skip it!

How to Make Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake

Step 1: Sift and Combine Your Dry Ingredients

Sift the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl. This step is vital for ensuring your Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake is free from clumps and has an ultra-light texture. A good sift also helps evenly distribute the leavening agent so your cake rises like a dream.

Step 2: Beat the Eggs Until Fluffy

Crack your room temperature eggs into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer, whisk them on high speed for 5 to 7 minutes until they turn pale, thick, and almost triple in volume. Gradually add the granulated sugar during this time. This is the heart of creating that signature airy, cloud-like crumb for your Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients Separately

In a smaller cup or bowl, stir together the warm whole milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and either white vinegar or lemon juice. Mixing these wet ingredients separately ensures they’ll incorporate smoothly without deflating your fluffy egg mixture.

Step 4: Carefully Fold the Dry Ingredients Into the Eggs

Gently fold your sifted flour mixture into the beaten eggs in three additions using a soft spatula. Be careful not to overmix—a light hand preserves all that precious air. It’s totally normal if a few streaks of flour remain at first; they’ll be absorbed in the next step.

Step 5: Add the Milk-Oil Mixture

Pour the milk-oil-vanilla mixture around the edges of your batter and gently fold it in until everything is just combined and the batter is smooth. This method helps keep the batter from deflating, guaranteeing the Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake lives up to its promise.

Step 6: Pan and Bake

Evenly divide the batter between two greased and parchment-lined 8-inch cake pans. Bake at 170°C (340°F) for 25 to 30 minutes. Resist the urge to open the oven door—letting in cool air can flatten your layers! The cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cakes Completely

Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes. Then, gently turn them out onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. This prevents excess moisture from making the crumb gummy, keeping everything perfectly fluffy.

How to Serve Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake

Garnishes

Dress up your Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or a scattering of vibrant berries. Even a simple glaze or chocolate drizzle can make this cake shine for any occasion.

Side Dishes

Complement this cake’s delicate sweetness with a fresh fruit salad, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a spoonful of lemon curd. A cup of hot tea or coffee makes the perfect sippable side, turning each serving into a cozy, memorable treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, slice your Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake into layers and fill with jam or pastry cream. Cube the cake for trifle or parfait, or use cookie cutters to make whimsical shapes for parties. The possibilities for stunning presentations are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is particularly warm or humid, keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness and avoid dryness.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Once completely cool, wrap each layer individually in several layers of plastic wrap and then foil. Store them flat in the freezer for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before unwrapping to prevent condensation.

Reheating

If you’d like to recreate that just-baked warmth, pop individual slices of Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake into the microwave for a few seconds. Alternatively, refresh whole layers by covering them with foil and warming in a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes.

FAQs

Why did my sponge cake turn out dense instead of fluffy?

The most common culprit is overmixing the batter or not beating the eggs long enough. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature and whip them until tripled in volume. Gently fold dry ingredients to avoid deflating the batter.

Can I make Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake without cornstarch?

While it’s possible, the cornstarch is key to that ultra-soft texture. If you’re out, substitute with more all-purpose flour, but expect a slightly firmer crumb.

What’s the best way to slice this cake evenly?

Use a long, serrated knife and chill the cake layers before slicing for clean, even cuts. A little patience goes a long way to picture-perfect slices!

Can I bake this in one tall pan instead of two layers?

Absolutely! Use a deep 8 or 9-inch pan, but increase the baking time and carefully check for doneness in the center with a toothpick.

Is this recipe suitable for cupcakes?

Yes—the Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake batter makes excellent cupcakes. Fill liners about two-thirds full and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until they spring back lightly when touched.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress yourself and everyone else at the table, give this Fluffy and Soft Vanilla Sponge Cake a try! Once you taste that delicate crumb and inhale the sweet aroma right out of the oven, you’ll find endless excuses to make it again. Happy baking!