Simple European Sponge Cake

I love this sponge cake recipe because it’s the most uncomplicated recipe I have ever made. You get to use four ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.

This classic European sponge cake, also known as Genoise, is easy to memorize after trying the recipe a few times. You’ll be able to bake cakes that look and taste like they are from a fancy bakery.

This sponge cake takes on moisture well from syrups, frostings, fruits, and liqueurs. We have tried many ways to make this cake, and this is the best and most fail-proof method to make Genoise cake.

Ingredients

6 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. Beat 6 large room temperature eggs at high speed for 1 minute.
3. While the mixer is on, gradually add 1 cup of sugar and continue beating on high speed for 8 minutes. The egg and sugar should look thick and fluffy when they are done.
4. On the side, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour and ½ tsp of baking powder.
5. Sift the flour mixture into the batter in thirds, folding between each addition.
6. Since this cake relies on the volume of the eggs, it’s important not to over-mix. So you want to mix until there is no streak or hidden pocket of flour.
7. Line the bottoms of two 9-inch cake pan with parchment paper and divide the batter evenly into two. You can grease the sides of the pans if you don’t have parchment paper.
8. Smooth out the top and place in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes. You will know the cake is done when there is a deep golden color on top.
9. 10 minutes after your cake is out of the oven, you can loosen the cake out of the pan and invert them onto a wire rack.
10. Remove the backing, and you’ll have your beautiful simple sponge cake. You’re done!

Note: Once your cakes are at room temperature, you can slice them in halves and make a beautiful layered cake. We will share more ideas on how you can use this cake in the future.