Simple Vanilla Sponge Cake

Ingredients

• 125 gram/1/2 cup butter (salted)
• 3/4 cup castor sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla essence
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups cake wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 cup milk (warm)
• 125 gram/1/2 cup butter (soft)
• 2 cups icing sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla essence
• 3-4 tbsp fresh cream

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius or 350 degrees celsius

2. 2

   Grease a 20cmx25cm baking pan and line the base of the pan. set aside. Sift the flour and baking powder and set aside

3. 3

   Using an electric mixer beat the butter and sugar for 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Start at a low speed at first and thereafter medium speed

4. 4

   Add eggs, one at a time and beat until each one is well combined

5. 5

   Mix in the vanilla essence

6. 6

   Add 1/3 cup of flour/baking powder mixture and 1/3 cup milk together with the oil. Mix until combined. Repeat with the remaining flour and milk. Add the vegetable oil. Mix again until combined. Do not over mix.

7. 7

   Pour the batter into the lined baking pan. Tap the pan on the countertop, gently, a few times to release any air bubbles

8. 8

   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean

9. 9

   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a slim knife on the sides of the pan and gently turn the cake onto a cooling rack. Wait for it to completely cool and then decorate as desired

10. 10

    --- Buttercream Frosting ---

11. 11

    Beat the butter until light and fluffy. About 2 minutes

12. 12

    Add the icing sugar and beat for 2 minutes, on a medium speed. Add the vanilla essence and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy. Add the fresh cream in between beating to the consistency you prefer. I used about 4 tablespoons but you could use more or less. Should take about 8 to 10 minutes of beating before you achieve a fluffy frosting

13. 13

    Decorate the cake once completely cooled