Moist Vanilla Sponge Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• Buttercream frosting (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter and lining the bottom with parchment paper.

2. 2

   Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

3. 3

   Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes using an electric mixer.

4. 4

   Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the melted butter and vanilla extract into the egg and sugar mixture. Be careful not to deflate the fluffy texture you've created.

5. 5

   Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the flour, and mix just until combined.

6. 6

   Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

7. 7

   Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake to avoid overbaking.

8. 8

   Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. 9

   Serve: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or frost with your favorite buttercream. Slice and serve this delightful treat at your next gathering.