Joanne's yummy scrummy sponge cake

Method
Prep:15min  ›  Cook:25min  ›  Ready in:40min 

1. Set the oven to 190 C / Gas 5. Grease a 23cm round cake tin or two shallow sandwich tins.
2. You can make this cake as an all in one method by throwing everything into a bowl and mixing it with an electric beater. If the mixture is a little dry, add a tablespoon of water or milk at a time until you get the right consistency.
3. Alternatively, you can do this: cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, taking care to beat each one in well. Slowly add the flour with a sieve. Once again if the mixture is a little thick or dry, add water with a tablespoon. Be sure too add the vanilla at then end, and mix it well.
4. Tip the mixture into your prepared tin(s). Bake until golden and risen and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean, about 25 to 30 minutes for two sandwich tins or 30 to 40 minutes for one round cake tin.
5. Cool the cake in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out to a wire rack to cool completely. Decorate once completely cooled.

Optional ingredients

Replace 85g (3 oz) of the flour with 85g (3 oz) cocoa powder for a chocolate cake.

Cook's tip

This recipe is for 1 sponge cake, but can also make 2 smaller cakes suitable for a Victoria sandwich. This recipe an also be used to make fairy/queen cakes, which are great for a child's birthday party. They are not too sweet, and are a tasty base for a whole host of toppings, icing, chocolate, sprinkles and what ever else you can think of. Enjoy!