16 South African Sponge Cake Recipe Cook Up Something Special!
Published on: Mar 5, 2024
South African sponge cake, also known as "melktert" or milk tart, is a beloved dessert that has been enjoyed by generations. This light and airy cake is a staple at any South African gathering, from family dinners to special occasions. Made with simple ingredients and a touch of love, this sponge cake is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the flavors of South Africa. In this article, we will take a closer look at the traditional South African sponge cake recipe and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Self Rising Cake Flour, Granulated Sugar, Eggs
If you're a fan of classic British desserts, then you've probably heard of the Victoria Sponge Cake. This simple yet delicious cake is a staple at tea time and is loved by many for its light and fluffy texture. The traditional recipe calls for layers of vanilla sponge cake filled with jam and whipped cream, but there are many variations that you can try to make this dessert even more special. Here are 20 amazing Victoria Sponge Cake recipes that you have to try!
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Sponge Cake in a Mug
Main Ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Egg, Milk, Canola Oil
Craving a piece of cake but don't want to make a whole batch? Then this Sponge Cake in a Mug recipe is perfect for you! With just a few pantry staples and a microwave, you can have a warm, fluffy sponge cake in minutes. It's the perfect treat for one, and you can customize it with your favorite toppings like chocolate chips or fresh fruit.
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Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Milk, Cake Flour, Eggs, Sugar, Vanilla Extract
Of course, we can't have a list of sponge cake recipes without including the classic version. This Sponge Cake recipe is simple, yet yields a delicious and versatile cake that can be used for any occasion. It's perfect for layering with your favorite fillings and frosting, or you can enjoy it on its own with a cup of tea or coffee.
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Easy Vanilla Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Self Raising Flour, Butter, Caster Sugar, Large Eggs
If you're new to baking, this Easy Vanilla Sponge Cake recipe is a great place to start. It requires just a few basic ingredients and is foolproof, so you don't have to worry about any baking disasters. The result is a light and airy sponge cake that is perfect for any celebration.
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Classic Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, Large Eggs, Sugar, Vanilla Extract
Sometimes, you just can't beat the classics. This Classic Sponge Cake recipe is a tried and true favorite that has been passed down for generations. It's the perfect balance of sweetness and lightness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Best Ever Vanilla Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
Looking for the ultimate vanilla sponge cake recipe? Look no further! This Best Ever Vanilla Sponge Cake recipe is truly the best of the best. It's soft, moist, and bursting with vanilla flavor. It's also a great base for adding your own twist with different fillings and toppings.
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Hot Milk Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Cake Flour, Baking Powder, Table Salt, Whole Milk
This Hot Milk Sponge Cake recipe is a bit different from the traditional version. The milk is heated before being added to the batter, giving the cake a slightly denser texture and a richer flavor. It's perfect for those who want a more indulgent sponge cake experience.
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Basic Sponge Cake Base
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Caster Sugar, Plain Flour, Warm Water, Vegetable
Looking for a sponge cake recipe that you can use as a base for different flavors? This Basic Sponge Cake Base recipe is perfect for you. It's light and fluffy, with just the right amount of sweetness, making it suitable for any type of filling or frosting.
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Aquafaba sponge cake/Fluffy sponge cake
Main Ingredients: Liquid, Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Vanilla, Aquafaba
For those who are looking for a vegan option, this Aquafaba Sponge Cake recipe is a must-try. It uses aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as an egg substitute, resulting in a light and fluffy sponge cake that is just as delicious as the traditional version.
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Passover Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Sugar, Lemon Juice, Grated Lemon Zest, Salt
During Passover, many traditional desserts are off-limits because they contain leavening agents. But fear not, because this Passover Sponge Cake recipe is here to save the day. It's made with matzo cake meal and potato starch, making it suitable for the holiday and still delicious.
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Orange Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Granulated Sugar, All Purpose Flour, Orange
If you're a fan of citrus flavors, then this Orange Sponge Cake recipe is a must-try. The addition of orange zest and juice gives the cake a bright and refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the light and airy sponge. It's a great dessert for any time of year.
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British Victorian Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Butter, Superfine Sugar, All Purpose Flour
This British Victorian Sponge Cake recipe is the epitome of elegance and simplicity. It's a two-layer cake filled with jam and whipped cream, and then dusted with powdered sugar. It's perfect for a fancy tea party or as a sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family.
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Brown Sugar Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Brown Sugar, Eggs, Cornflour, Baking Powder
For a twist on the classic sponge cake, try this Brown Sugar Sponge Cake recipe. The brown sugar adds a rich and caramelized flavor to the cake, making it a bit more indulgent. You can also switch up the filling and frosting to create your own unique dessert.
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Olive Oil Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Self Raising Flour, Vegetable Oil, Large Eggs
Who says you can't use olive oil in a cake? This Olive Oil Sponge Cake recipe is proof that you can. The olive oil gives the cake a subtle fruity flavor and a moist texture. It's a great option for those who want a healthier alternative to butter in their baking.
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(Vanilla Sponge Cake, Light & Fluffy Sponge Cake)
Main Ingredients: Baking Powder, Eggs, Vanilla Extract, Butter
This Vanilla Sponge Cake recipe is perfect for those who want a light and fluffy cake without any added flavors. It's a great base for any type of frosting or filling, and it's sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, it's so easy to make that you'll want to bake it all the time!
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Eggless Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Maida, Plain Yogurt, Granulated Sugar, Baking Soda
For those who have dietary restrictions or allergies, this Eggless Sponge Cake recipe is a great option. It uses yogurt and baking powder as an egg substitute, resulting in a delicious cake that is suitable for those who can't have eggs. It's perfect for any occasion, and no one will even know it's eggless!
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Basic Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Egg Whites, Egg Yolks, Cake Flour, White Sugar, Corn
If you're looking for a basic sponge cake recipe that is versatile and easy to make, then look no further. This Basic Sponge Cake recipe is perfect for beginners and can be used as a base for many different flavors and fillings. It's a great recipe to have in your repertoire.
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Tender Victoria Sponge Cake
Main Ingredients: Large Egg Whites, Vinegar, Sugar, Large Egg Yolks
If you want a Victoria Sponge Cake that is extra tender and moist, then this Tender Victoria Sponge Cake recipe is for you. The addition of sour cream gives the cake a soft and delicate texture that is sure to impress. It's perfect for any special occasion.
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Simple Sponge Cake (video)
Main Ingredients: Large Eggs, Vanilla Extract, White Granulated Sugar
If you're a visual learner, then this Simple Sponge Cake recipe is perfect for you. This video tutorial will guide you step by step on how to make a delicious sponge cake from scratch. It's a great way to learn a new recipe, and you'll have a delicious cake to enjoy at the end of it!
Looking for a sponge cake recipe that is a bit different? Then this Japanese Sponge Cake recipe is worth a try. It's made with a technique called "sponge cake folding" which creates a light and airy texture. It's perfect for those who want to try something new in the kitchen.
Ingredients for South African Sponge Cake
Flour and Eggs
Flour and eggs are the main ingredients in this sponge cake. The flour provides the structure and the eggs add richness and moisture to the cake. For the best results, use cake flour rather than all-purpose flour, as it has a lower protein content and will result in a lighter cake.
Sugar and Butter
The sugar and butter in this recipe add sweetness and richness to the cake. For an authentic South African taste, use castor sugar instead of granulated sugar. The butter should be softened to room temperature before use to ensure a smooth and creamy batter.
Milk and Vanilla Extract
To add moisture and flavor to the sponge cake, milk and vanilla extract are used. Whole milk is preferred, but you can also use a combination of milk and condensed milk for a richer taste. The vanilla extract should be of good quality to enhance the overall flavor of the cake.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg
For a touch of spice, this recipe calls for cinnamon and nutmeg. These warm and aromatic spices are commonly used in South African desserts and add depth of flavor to the sponge cake.
Method for Making South African Sponge Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Tin
Start by greasing a 9-inch cake tin with butter and dusting it with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the tin and ensure easy removal after baking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and castor sugar together until light and fluffy. This process helps to incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake.
Step 3: Add the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before adding, as this will prevent the batter from curdling.
Step 4: Fold in the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold this into the batter, alternating with the milk. Be careful not to overmix, as this will result in a dense and tough cake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Let it Cool and Serve
Once the cake is done, let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes before removing it. Dust the top with powdered sugar and serve warm or at room temperature.
In conclusion, the South African sponge cake is a delightful dessert that is easy to make and sure to impress. With its light and airy texture and warm spices, it is the perfect treat for any occasion. So why not try this traditional recipe and bring a taste of South Africa into your home?