This better than bakery sponge cake recipe is light, airy, and just straight-up DELICIOUS! With over 300 5-star reviews, it’s one of the most popular recipes on the blog. It has the most delicate, cloud-like crumb and is SO versatile. I love filling mine like a classic Victoria sponge with whipped cream and jam, but honestly, it’s just as delicious on its own with a cup of tea. YUM!
What Is a Sponge Cake?
A sponge cake is a light and airy cake made primarily from whipped egg whites. Unlike other types of cake, such as butter or oil cakes (like my vanilla and red velvet cake), sponge cakes do not contain much fat, which is what helps give them their light and airy texture.
Sponge cakes are often used as a base for other desserts like layered cakes, trifles, or French-style pastries. It can also be served on its own, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with fresh fruit and whipped cream like a classic Victoria sponge, which is how I love mine!
For more sponge based recipes of mine, check out my tres leches cake, coffee sponge cake and black forest cake.
My Secret to the Perfect Sponge Cake
I’ve made A LOT of sponge cakes over the years, and after plenty of testing and tweaking, I found that one of the biggest secrets to getting the perfect texture is actually cornstarch!
I wanted a sponge that was incredibly light and airy without being too heavy or dense, so I tested this recipe over and over again, adjusting the amount of cornstarch each time. It took quite a few trials to find the right balance because too little cornstarch and the cake wasn’t quite as light as I wanted, while too much changed the texture in a way I didn’t love.
After all those adjustments, I finally landed on the amount that gives this cake its soft, delicate, cloud-like crumb. The cornstarch helps thicken the batter without developing as much gluten as flour, which helps give you that light and airy texture we’re looking for in a sponge cake.
Want a chocolate version? Check out my chocolate sponge cake that has the same light & airy texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this sponge cake recipe, but here are a few of my favorites:
Light and airy: This cake has the softest, fluffiest texture with a delicate crumb that practically melts in your mouth.
Soft, not dry: Even though it’s incredibly light, it still has enough moisture to keep it soft and tender.
Super versatile: Use it for a classic Victoria sponge, layer it with your favorite fillings, or use it as a base for other desserts.
Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make this cake.
Tried and loved: With over 300 5-star reviews, this is a recipe that so many of you have already made and loved!
How to make Sponge Cake
Now I’m not going to sugar coat it, sponge cakes are a little more challenging to master than regular cakes! BUT, if you carefully follow the steps below, you should end up with the perfect sponge 🙂
Begin by preheating your oven to 320°F (160°C) with the convection fan on (see recipe card for instructions if using a conventional oven). Line the bottoms of two 8 × 3-inch cake pans with parchment paper, but do not grease the bottoms. Leave the sides of the cake pans ungreased and bare (do not line with parchment paper). This will prevent the cakes from shrinking once they’re baked.
In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt. Mix until well combined (you do not need to sift it yet). Set aside.
In another medium bowl, add the egg whites and white vinegar. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip on medium-high speed for 30 seconds, until foamy. Gradually add ⅓ cup of the sugar, then continue mixing for a further 2 minutes. Turn your mixer down to low and mix for another minute (about 4 minutes of mixing altogether). You should end up with stiff peaks. Set aside.
In a large bowl, add the remaining ⅓ cup of white sugar and the warm water. Mix until the sugar is coated in the water. Add the egg yolks and vanilla, then use a hand or stand mixer to whip on medium-high speed for 4 minutes. Turn the mixer down to low and mix for a further minute (5 minutes of mixing altogether). Your mixture should now be thick, and you should be able to create ribbons with it when you lift it up with a spoon.
Slowly stream the vegetable oil into the egg yolk mixture while mixing on medium speed. Mix until well combined.
Add half of the egg whites to the egg yolk mixture and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined.
Sift in the dry ingredients and gently fold through until just combined.
Finish by adding the remaining egg whites and gently fold until just combined. You can use your spatula to break up any large chunks of unmixed egg whites, but try not to push out too many air bubbles. Be careful not to overmix.
Distribute the batter evenly between your cake pans, then lightly tap the pans on your counter. Run a thin knife or toothpick through the batter to remove any large air bubbles. Bake for 25 minutes. To check whether they’re done, gently touch the tops. They should create a little indent that slowly bounces back.
Once the sponges are done, immediately tap the pans on the counter from a height of about 10 cm. Then, while the sponges are still in their pans, turn them upside down onto a wire rack and leave them to cool completely.
Once cooled (about an hour later), run a thin knife around the edges to release the cakes from the pans, then turn them out onto a wire rack.
To make my cake layers look nice and neat, I gently rub my fingers around the edges and tops to remove the dark crust (see video for demonstration). I find that the dark crust on sponge cakes can also contain a slight eggy aftertaste, which is why I prefer to remove it.
APPLY SIMPLE SYRUP: Combine the sugar and hot water for the simple syrup, mixing until the sugar has completely dissolved. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops and sides of the sponges with the simple syrup (see note 5). I use about ¾ of the simple syrup mixture in total.
How to Decorate a Sponge Cake
You can decorate your sponge cake however you like 🙂 but I like to fill mine with raspberry filling, strawberries and cream.
Place one sponge cake layer on your serving plate and cover the top with a thin layer of my raspberry jam filling.
Place the strawberries on top (I like to cut mine in half and place them upside down). Cover with a generous amount of whipped cream and spread it out evenly with an offset spatula or knife.
Place the next sponge cake layer on top and cover with more whipped cream. Finish decorating with more strawberries on top. Enjoy!
How to Store Sponge Cake
If your sponge cake layers haven’t been filled or decorated, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
If your sponge cake has been filled with whipped cream, jam, or fresh fruit, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my sponge cake deflate after baking?
Some slight deflation is normal, but if your sponge cake collapses significantly, it could be due to overmixing the batter, not whipping your egg whites enough, or removing too much air when folding everything together. I also recommend turning your cake pans upside down immediately after baking and allowing the cakes to cool completely while still in the pans. This helps prevent them from collapsing as they cool.
Why do I need to cool the sponge cakes upside down?
This is a really important step! Sponge cakes are incredibly light and airy, which means they can easily shrink or deflate as they cool. By turning the pans upside down while the cakes are still inside, the cakes stay suspended and are less likely to collapse.
Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?
I haven’t tested this recipe with cake flour, so I recommend sticking to the recipe as written. There is a very careful balance between the amount of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in this recipe. We need enough gluten development to give the cake structure while still keeping that light, airy, delicate texture. Changing the flour could affect this balance and the final result!
Why do I need to whip the egg whites and egg yolks separately?
Whipping the egg whites separately helps incorporate lots of air into the batter, which gives the sponge cake its light and fluffy texture. The egg yolks are also whipped separately to create a thick, airy mixture. Gently folding everything together helps keep as much of that air in the batter as possible.
Can I make this sponge cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the sponge cake layers a day ahead of time. Once completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. I recommend adding the simple syrup and decorating the cake closer to when you plan to serve it.
Can I use this sponge cake for a Victoria sponge cake?
Absolutely! This is actually one of my favorite ways to enjoy it. Simply layer the sponge cakes with raspberry jam or your favorite fruit filling and whipped cream. You can also add fresh strawberries for an extra delicious touch!
Light & Airy Sponge Cake Recipe
Print Pin VideoIMPORTANT: For accuracy, I would recommend using the gram measurements provided, as those are the exact quantities I use. Cup measurements are given as estimates (based on US cup measurements) to make it easier for those who do not have a scale.
Ingredients
Sponge Cake
- ⅓ cup (40 g) all-purpose flour - see note 1
- ½ cup (60 g) cornstarch
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 large eggs - whites and yolks separated, room temperature
- ⅛ tsp white vinegar
- ⅔ cup (132 g) white granulated sugar - divided in half: ⅓ cup (66 g) for the egg whites and ⅓ cup (66 g) for the egg yolk mixture
- 1½ tbsp warm water - not boiling
- 2 tsp vanilla essence/extract
- 2 tbsp (30 g) unflavoured vegetable oil - I use canola
Simple Syrup
- ½ cup (100 g) white granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110 g) boiling water
Whipping Cream
- 2 cups (375 g) heavy cream - cold
- 2 tsp powdered sugar - also known as icing/confectioners' sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract/essence
- 1 punnet fresh strawberries for decorating
Raspberry Jam
Instructions
Sponge Cake
- Preheat oven to 320°F (160 °C) with the convection fan on (see note 2 for instructions if using a conventional oven). Line the bottom of two 8 x 3 inch baking tins with parchment paper without greasing the bottom. Leave the sides of the cake tins ungreased and bare (do not line with parchment paper).
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt. Mix until well combined (you do not need to sift it yet). Set aside.
- In another medium bowl, add the egg whites and white vinegar. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip on medium-high speed for 30 seconds, until foamy. Gradually add ⅓ cup of the sugar, then continue mixing for a further 2 minutes. Turn your mixer down to low and mix for another minute (about 4 minutes of mixing altogether). You should end up with stiff peaks (see note 3). Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the remaining ⅓ cup of white sugar and the warm water. Mix until the sugar is coated in the water. Add the egg yolks and vanilla, then use a hand or stand mixer to whip on medium-high speed for 4 minutes. Turn the mixer down to low and mix for a further minute (5 minutes of mixing altogether). Your mixture should now be thick, and you should be able to create ribbons with it when you lift it up with a spoon.
- Slowly stream the vegetable oil into the egg yolk mixture while mixing on medium speed. Mix until well combined.
- Add half of the egg whites to the egg yolk mixture and gently fold together with a spatula until just combined.
- Sift in the dry ingredients and gently fold through until just combined.
- Finish by adding the remaining egg whites and gently fold until just combined. You can use your spatula to break up any large chunks of unmixed egg whites, but try not to push out too many air bubbles. Be careful not to overmix.
- Distribute the batter evenly between your cake pans, then lightly tap the pans on your counter. Run a thin knife or toothpick through the batter to remove any large air bubbles. Bake for 25 minutes. To check whether they're done, gently touch the tops. They should create a little indent that slowly bounces back.
- Once the sponges are done, immediately tap the pans on the counter from a height of about 10 cm. Then, while the sponges are still in their pans, turn them upside down onto a wire rack and leave them to cool completely (see note 4).
- Once cooled (about an hour later), run a thin knife around the edges to release the cakes from the pans, then turn them out onto a wire rack.
- To make my cake layers look nice and neat, I gently rub my fingers around the edges and tops to remove the dark crust (see video for demonstration). I find that the dark crust on sponge cakes can also contain a slight eggy aftertaste, which is why I prefer to remove it.
- APPLY SIMPLE SYRUP: Combine the sugar and hot water for the simple syrup, mixing until the sugar has completely dissolved. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the tops and sides of the sponges with the simple syrup (see note 5). I use about ¾ of the simple syrup mixture in total.
Whipped Cream
- In a large bowl, add the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Whip until you reach stiff peaks. Be careful not to overwhip the cream.
Assembly
- Place one sponge cake layer on your serving plate and cover the top with a thin layer of my raspberry jam filling.
- Place the strawberries on top (I like to cut mine in half and place them upside down). Cover with a generous amount of whipped cream and spread it out evenly with an offset spatula or knife.
- Place the next sponge cake layer on top and cover with more whipped cream. Finish decorating with more strawberries on top. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information are estimates only as they are automatically calculated by a third party application. Actual values may differ based on brands and types of products used.
696 Comments
It was my first time baking a cake, and I wanted it to be this! It was super delicious, and my family wanted more. Are there any substitutes for white vinegar and oil, as those are not very commonly used here?
Hi Aash! 😊 Thank you so much for your lovely comment! I’m so happy this was your first cake and that you and your family enjoyed it!
You can replace the white vinegar with the same amount of lemon juice. For the oil, I recommend using any neutral-flavoured oil, such as sunflower oil or canola oil. I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out, as it helps keep the cake lovely and moist. I hope that helps!
Can I make one batch in a single 9×4 inch round pan instead of 2 8 inch ones?
Hi Sarah! 🙂 I haven’t tried making this sponge cake as a tall cake myself, but usually sponge cakes do bake up well as taller cakes so it may be okay! Would love to hear how it goes if you decide to try it out 🙂
Can I use corn flour instead of corn starch? I really want to bake this cake but don’t have any corn starch.
Hi Sharon! 🙂
If by cornflour you mean the white powder used to thicken soups/sauces, then yes you can use that! In some countries it is called cornflour 🙂
If you mean the yellow powder, then unfortunately that won’t work.
Hope that helps and hope you enjoy the recipe!
I literally never rate recipes but I had to rate this one!
Omg it was the BEST sponge cake I’ve ever had in my life so airy and light and very flavourful aswell as at not being to sweet or eggy. I didn’t have white vinegar on hand (I had every over vinegar known to man but white lmao) so I subbed for cream of tartar! The sponges didn’t deflate at all and it was super duper soft and pillowy I made it for my mum (who always swears on Chelsea sugar or Edmond’s) but she said it was way better then theirs which is a shock! Defo making this again for the next birthday/event we need a cake for 🙂 it felt like I was eating a cloud!!
Aww yay! So so happy to hear you loved the recipe Raven and that your mum gave it the tick of approval 😀
Cream of tartar is a great substitute (I would actually recommend using that instead if you have it on hand, but since lemon juice is more accessible globally I use that), so great decision by you 😀
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review, really appreciate it 🙂
Hi MK,
The cake looks yummy. I would love to bake this cake for my birthday. Just a quick question. Can I bake the cake and make the raspberry jam one day before? Thanks
Hi Nissy! 🙂 Yes you can totally do that, just be sure to place the cake layers in an airtight container and store them at room temp. The raspberry jam can go in the fridge 🙂
Hope that helps and hope you have a wonderful birthday! 😀
Had been in search of a light and moist sponge after bakery stopped making my favourite cake (light sponge with pineapple jam) so I decided to learn to bake myself and after countless recipes the light vanilla sponge gave exact results and I used mg own pineapple jam filling , thankyou so much MK
So so happy to hear you found what you were looking for with this recipe Saira!
Pineapple jam filling sounds incredible, I’ll have to try that with this cake sometime 🙂
Thank you again for the wondeful feedback 🙂
Hi – this recipe is fantastic.
Is there a way to convert it to chocolate cake?
Substitute half the flour for cocoa maybe?
Thanks so much Ulya! 🙂 I have a chocolate version of this recipe that you can find here: https://cakesbymk.com/recipe/light-airy-chocolate-sponge-cake/
Enjoy!
Love love love this recipe! Better than a bakery cake!
Made last year for my daughter’s first birthday and doing again this weekend for her second! Could you make it day ahead and then assemble morning of party or bake and assemble same day??
Thank you!
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback Karen 😀
So happy to hear you’re loving this recipe 🙂
Yes you could make the cake layers the day beforehand, apply the simple syrup and then leave them at room temp in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them the next day 🙂
Hope that helps and hope your daughter has a wonderful second birthday!
Best cake ever! Totally worth the extra steps.
Yay! So glad you loved the sponge cake Rose 😀
This is one of the best cake recipes I’ve ever made! It was so soft and light and with the whip cream, tasted practically like a cloud! I’m always trying to make lighter, not too sweet cakes and this fits perfectly. I was wondering if this could be used as a base and I could add other flavors to it like maybe pistachio, biscoff, etc. How much if the flour would I omit if I wanted to add a powdered flavoring of some kind for other cake flavors?
So so happy to hear you loved the sponge cake and appreciated how light and not-too-sweet it is 😀
I haven’t tried adding in other flavors myself, apart from making this recipe into a chocolate version which you can find here: https://cakesbymk.com/recipe/light-airy-chocolate-sponge-cake/
I think adding in other flavors may work fine, but you just have to make sure the add-ins aren’t too heavy, otherwise it may weigh the sponge down and prevent it from rising properly.
In terms of adding in other powders, I am not too sure about this as I haven’t tried it myself, but you could maybe check out the chocolate version linked earlier, and replace the cocoa with other powdered flavors you may like to try (and omit the coffee in the original chocolate version) 🙂
Would love to hear how it goes if you decide to try some other flavors out 🙂
Wow, this is literally the most perfect recipe!
Do you think I could add some crushed oreo cookie pieces at the end of the batter without affecting the cakes structure? Or should I just stick to using an oreo cream filling?
So so happy to hear you loved the sponge cake 😀
Hmmm good question! I haven’t tried that myself so I’m really not too sure sorry! I think if the crushed cookies were quite small (not large chunks) then it may be okay. Would love to hear how it goes if you decide to try it out 🙂
I made this with a little over 1/8 cup of biscoff crumbs. I had to use a food processor and get it as fine as possible and it does make it not quite as fluffy. Larger chunks of oreo pieces for regular cake batter recipes would probably weight this one down unfortunately 🙁
Hi, is there any substitute that I can use instead of vinegar?
Hi Anne! You could try lemon juice or cream of tartar instead 🙂
Hope you enjoy the recipe!