How To Make Cotton Soft Sponge Cake: The Ultimate Guide for a Perfect, Fluffy Dessert
There’s nothing quite like the taste and texture of a cotton soft sponge cake. This light, airy dessert is a classic for special occasions and daily indulgence. If you’ve been looking for the best butter cake recipe that delivers the ultimate soft texture and rich flavor, you’ve found it! In this post, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to making a super soft sponge cake with the perfect crumb. This recipe has been carefully tested for the best results.
Why This Cotton Soft Sponge Cake Recipe Will Be Your Go-To
Making a cotton soft sponge cake requires attention to detail, but it’s not difficult once you know the essential techniques. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, this fluffy sponge cake recipe will yield a cake that’s light, tender, and moist, perfect for serving at any celebration or as an everyday treat. Plus, it’s highly customizable—feel free to enjoy it with a dusting of powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fresh fruit.
This is the best sponge cake recipe for beginners because it simplifies the process while still delivering extraordinary results. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this heavenly dessert!
Ingredients for a Perfect Cotton Soft Sponge Cake
Before you begin, make sure you have all the ingredients for sponge cake ready. This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, but the key is in the technique. Below are the ingredients you’ll need:
(A) Wet Ingredients
- 35g butter (about 3 tbsp)
- A pinch of salt
- 33g milk (about 3 tbsp)
- 20g sugar (about 2 tbsp)
- 52g cake flour (about 6 ½ tbsp)
- 2 large egg yolks (cold)
(B) Meringue
- 2 large egg whites (cold)
- ½ tsp lime or lemon juice, or ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- 38g sugar (about 4 tbsp)
(C) For Greasing the Cake Pan
- Softened butter for greasing the pan
Preparation: Greasing and Preparing the Cake Pan
Before you get started with the cake batter, the cake pan preparation is essential for achieving the best results. This step ensures that your sponge cake will come out easily after baking, with no sticking or tearing.
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Choose your cake pan: Use a 6-inch round cake pan, a 23cm square baking pan, or a loaf tin for this recipe. It’s crucial to grease your cake pan thoroughly to avoid any issues with sticking during baking.
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Grease and flour the pan: First, rub a little softened butter on the inside of the pan. Then, take a small handful of flour and sprinkle it evenly around the greased pan, ensuring it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess flour. Alternatively, you can line the bottom and sides of the pan with parchment paper, greasing it lightly with butter.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Softest Sponge Cake
Step 1: Preparing the Batter
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Melt the butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add a pinch of sea salt, milk, and sugar. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat once the butter has completely melted.
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Add the dry ingredients: Sift the cake flour into the mixture. Add the cold egg yolks and mix by hand until just combined. The key here is not to overmix—gentle folding ensures a fluffy texture in the final cake.
Step 2: Whipping the Egg Whites
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In a separate clean bowl, beat the cold egg whites until foamy.
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Add acid for stability: Squeeze in a little lime juice or lemon juice, or alternatively, use cream of tartar. Gradually add the sugar, a little at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. This process should take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
Step 3: Folding the Egg Whites into the Batter
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Fold gently: Carefully add a small amount of the whipped egg whites into the batter. Use a spatula or whisk to gently fold the whites into the mixture. This step should be done slowly and carefully to maintain the airiness of the egg whites. The batter should be well-incorporated but not overworked.
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Smooth the surface: Once the egg whites are incorporated, use a spatula to smooth the surface of the batter in the pan. Tap the pan a few times on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
Step 4: Preparing the Water Bath
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Create the water bath: Place a larger pan in the oven and pour enough cold water in it to reach halfway up the side of your cake pan (about 3cm or 1 inch).
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Bake at a low temperature: Preheat your oven to 130°C - 150°C (265°F - 300°F) with both top and bottom heat, preferably with fan assistance. Bake the cake for about 50 minutes or until the cake is set in the center. The baking time can vary depending on the size of your cake pan, so it’s essential to check doneness by inserting a skewer or toothpick.
Cooling and Serving the Cotton Soft Sponge Cake
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Cool the cake: Once the cake is done baking, drop the cake pan from a height (about 10-15 cm) onto a clean surface to prevent shrinkage. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
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Remove from the pan: Once cooled, carefully remove the cake from the pan and peel off the parchment paper. Transfer it to a serving plate.
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Decorate and serve: Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish. You can cut the cake into any shape, or even layer it with whipped cream and fruit for a more decadent treat.
Pro Tips for the Best Sponge Cake
To ensure your cotton soft sponge cake turns out perfect every time, follow these expert tips:
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Use an oven thermometer: Since every oven is different, using an oven thermometer helps you maintain the correct baking temperature and avoid over-baking or under-baking.
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Be patient: Don’t rush the process! Take your time with folding the egg whites into the batter. Stir gently to preserve the air bubbles for a light texture.
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Bake at the right temperature: Avoid baking at high temperatures, as this can cause the cake to crack or collapse. A lower temperature allows the cake to rise evenly and achieve that perfect fluffy texture.
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Use fresh ingredients: For the best results, use fresh eggs and high-quality butter. Fresh eggs will whip better and create more volume in your meringue.
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Test for doneness: Insert a skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it’s still wet, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
FAQs About Cotton Soft Sponge Cake
What makes a sponge cake so soft?
A sponge cake is soft due to the incorporation of air during the mixing process. Whipping the egg whites into stiff peaks and folding them gently into the batter helps create a light and fluffy texture.
Can I use a different type of flour for this recipe?
While cake flour is ideal for making a soft sponge cake, you can use all-purpose flour if necessary. However, your cake might be slightly denser.
How do I store the leftover sponge cake?
Store your leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best served fresh, but you can also freeze it for longer storage.
Conclusion: The Best Cotton Soft Sponge Cake Recipe
This cotton soft sponge cake is a perfect balance of texture, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe will help you create a cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Follow the detailed steps and tips to ensure your cake rises beautifully, with a delicate and airy texture that melts in your mouth.
If you love this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family, and consider trying out other variations, such as adding fruits, homemade cream cheese , or a chocolate ganache topping. Enjoy!
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