Christmas Sponge Cake

Ingredients

• 1 lb unsalted butter (4 sticks)
• 1 lb light brown sugar or white granulated, about 2 level cups
• 8 or 9 eggs, room temperature
• Zest of one orange
• Zest of one lemon
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp almond extract or mixed essence
• 3 cups all-purpose flour, level
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Dash of salt

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   Bring butter and eggs to room temperature. Butter...: Bring butter and eggs to room temperature. Butter and flour 2 9-inch baking pans, set aside.

3. 3

   Add flour, spices and baking powder to a...: Add flour, spices and baking powder to a mixing bowl, set aside.

4. 4

   Cream butter and sugar until fluffy using a...: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy using a stand mixer or hand mixer, about 10 minutes. Add vanilla and almond extracts.

5. 5

   In a separate mixing bowl, crack eggs one...: In a separate mixing bowl, crack eggs one at a time and remove little white membrane from each egg using a fork or spoon. Add orange and lemon zests, beat until frothy, about 7-8 minutes.

6. 6

   Add egg mixture to butter and sugar mixture...: Add egg mixture to butter and sugar mixture a little at a time. Scrape sides of bowl as you go.

7. 7

   Once egg mixture is incorporated, add flour mixture...: Once egg mixture is incorporated, add flour mixture a little at a time. Fold in gently. Spatula should stand up when placed in the center of the mixing bowl.

8. 8

   Pour batter into prepared pans.

9. 9

   Fill a small tray or pan half way...: Fill a small tray or pan half way with water. Place on bottom of oven.

10. 10

    Place cake in middle rack of oven. Bake...: Place cake in middle rack of oven. Bake 36-38 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.