Sliced golden sponge cake neatly arranged on a white board.

🍰 Classic Golden Sponge Cake Recipe – Soft, Fluffy & Irresistible

By Tima Gaye

⬇️ Jump to Ingredients

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple ingredients, dreamy texture, endless ways to enjoy.

  • Light & fluffy texture: Soft crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
  • 🧺 Pantry-friendly: Uses everyday staples—no special trips needed.
  • 🎂 Versatile base: Enjoy plain, dust with icing sugar, or dress up with frosting and fruit.
  • 🫖 Any-occasion perfect: Lovely for tea time, birthdays, or simple home bakes.
💡 Baker’s note: Add lemon zest or almond essence for a delicate twist without changing the texture.

Classic Golden Sponge Cake Recipe

This Classic Golden Sponge Cake Recipe is everything you’re looking for — soft, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible. More than just a dessert, it’s a slice of comfort that starts with the simplest ingredients and ends with joy in every bite.

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar – For sweetness and structure
  • 250g butter – Brings that rich, indulgent flavor
  • 1 cup flour – The base that holds it all together
  • 1½ tsp baking powder – To give your cake a perfect rise
  • 4 eggs – Adds richness and binds the batter
  • ½ tsp salt – To balance and enhance the flavors
  • ¼ cup milk – For moisture and tenderness
  • 1 tsp vanilla essence – Adds a warm, comforting aroma

Create the Cake Base

Start by gently melting the butter and pouring it into a mixing bowl. Add the sugar and whisk until it fully dissolves, creating a smooth, glossy mixture. Gradually stir in the flour, a little at a time, until well incorporated.

This simple step lays the foundation for your Classic Golden Sponge Cake — giving it that soft, airy texture we all love.

👉 Pro Tip: Ensure the butter is melted but not hot, so it blends smoothly without cooking the sugar or flour too quickly.

Add the Baking Powder

Sprinkle the baking powder over your butter, sugar, and flour mixture. Using your whisk, stir gently — just enough to blend it in.

This little addition works its magic by giving the sponge its light, fluffy rise. Remember, less is more: don’t overmix, or you’ll lose the air bubbles that help create that dreamy, soft texture.

👉 Pro Tip: Sift the baking powder first to avoid any clumps and ensure even distribution.

Baking powder is being sprinkled into a yellow cake mixture in a bowl.

Balance with Eggs & Vanilla – Enriching the Sponge Cake Recipe

Crack in the eggs, one at a time, whisking gently after each addition. This step brings smoothness and structure to your batter, turning it into a rich, unified mix that promises a tender crumb.

Next, stir in the vanilla essence. This simple ingredient adds a soft, aromatic warmth that wraps your sponge cake in a cozy, irresistible flavor. With each swirl, your batter becomes more luscious and layered — a true celebration of homemade goodness.

Add Milk, Salt & Vanilla Essence

Pour in the milk, sprinkle the salt, and finish with a dash of vanilla essence. These simple ingredients bring balance and depth:

  • Salt enhances the sweetness and sharpens flavors.
  • Milk keeps the cake moist and tender.
  • Vanilla ties it all together with a soft, fragrant warmth.

With a gentle whisk, your batter is now complete — smooth, rich, and ready to bake into the perfect sponge.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t overmix at this stage; a light stir keeps your sponge airy.

Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line your loaf pan, then pour in the smooth batter. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a skewer comes out clean.

As the cake rises, your kitchen will fill with the comforting aroma of vanilla and butter — a sign your Classic Golden Sponge Cake is almost ready.

👉 Pro Tip: Don’t open the oven too early; it may cause the cake to sink. Wait until the final 5 minutes to check.

Slice & Serve

Once baked, allow the cake to cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and keeps each slice neat and tender.

You can enjoy it just as it is — soft, golden, and melt-in-your-mouth — or turn it into a celebration cake by adding frosting, cream layers, or fresh fruit toppings.

👉 Whether it’s served plain with a cup of tea ☕ or dressed up for a party 🎉, this Classic Golden Sponge Cake is always a winner.

💡 Tips for Success

Nail your Classic Golden Sponge Cake with these quick wins.

  • Bring to room temp: Butter, eggs, and milk at room temperature blend smoothly for a lighter crumb.
  • Mix gently: After adding flour & baking powder, fold just until combined to keep the batter airy.
  • Measure right: Weigh ingredients or level cups—too much flour = dense cake.
  • Bake smart: Start checking a few minutes early; a toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool with care: Rest 5–10 min in the tin, then transfer to a rack to set and avoid cracks.
  • Serve your way: Dust with icing sugar, add whipped cream & berries, or layer with jam and buttercream.
Pro tip: If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common sponge cake questions.

1. Why is my sponge cake dense?

Overmixing after adding flour can knock out the air. Be gentle and fold just until combined.

2. Can I use self-raising flour instead of plain flour?

Yes! If you use self-raising flour, skip the baking powder to avoid too much rise and cracking.

3. How do I know when my cake is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with light crumbs, not wet batter.

4. Can I freeze sponge cake?

Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly in cling film, then in foil. Store up to 3 months — just thaw before serving.

5. How can I add more flavor?

Mix in lemon zest, orange zest, or almond essence for a refreshing twist without changing the texture.

🌍 Learn More About Sponge Cake

Get expert baking tips from a trusted source.

👉 For more expert sponge cake tips, check out BBC Good Food – How to Make Cake: Top 10 Tips for Success .

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About the Author:
Tima Gaye is a Gambian-born, UK-based home cook and recipe creator. She shares rich, flavorful recipes inspired by African roots and global dishes. Every meal she creates comes from the heart — blending tradition, creativity, and love.


💛 Follow Tima for More Recipes & Videos:

👉 Facebook: Cook with Tima Gaye
👉 TikTok: @timagaye712

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