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### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan**
1. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
2. Grease an **8-inch round cake pan** and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.
#### **Step 2: Whisk the Eggs**
1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the **eggs** and **sugar** using an electric mixer at high speed for about **7-8 minutes**, or until the mixture has doubled in volume and turned pale yellow. This step is crucial for creating the airy, light texture of the sponge cake.
2. Add the **vanilla extract** and **salt** to the egg mixture and continue to whisk until combined.
#### **Step 3: Fold in the Dry Ingredients**
1. In a separate bowl, sift the **flour** to remove any lumps.
2. Carefully fold the **flour** into the egg mixture, a little at a time, using a spatula. Use a gentle folding motion to avoid deflating the air you’ve incorporated into the eggs. You want the batter to stay light and fluffy.
#### **Step 4: Optional Step – Add Butter**
If you want a slightly richer flavor and a more tender texture, fold in the **melted butter** at this stage. This step is optional but can make the cake a little softer.
#### **Step 5: Bake the Cake**
1. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake for **20-25 minutes** or until the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Avoid opening the oven door during the first 15 minutes of baking to prevent the cake from sinking.
#### **Step 6: Cool the Cake**
1. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.
2. If you want to serve the cake as a layered dessert, slice it horizontally once it’s cool.
#### **Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. Once cooled, dust the top with a light coating of **powdered sugar** or top with your favorite frosting or fruit for added flavor.
2. Slice the cake and serve with a cup of tea, coffee, or a dollop of whipped cream.
### **Why This Sponge Cake Works:**
– **Eggs as the Base**: The key to a fluffy sponge cake is beating the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is light and airy. This step ensures the cake rises beautifully and has a soft texture.
– **Minimal Ingredients**: The beauty of this cake lies in its simplicity. The lightness comes from the whipped eggs and the gentle folding of the flour, making it a treat that doesn’t require too many ingredients to taste amazing.
– **The Perfect Texture**: By folding in the flour gently, you keep the batter light and avoid deflating the whipped eggs. This ensures the cake stays airy and spongy.
– **Customization**: This vanilla sponge cake is an excellent base for a variety of flavors. You can easily transform it into a layered cake with frosting, fill it with fruit, or serve it with whipped cream or jam.
### **Serving Ideas:**
– **Layered Cake**: Slice the cake in half and fill with **whipped cream**, **fresh berries**, or a tangy **lemon curd** for a delightful layered dessert.
– **With Fruit**: Serve a slice of this cake with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or a fruit compote for a light and refreshing dessert.
– **As a Sponge Cake Roll**: You can make a classic **Swiss roll** by spreading a thin layer of jam or cream over the baked sponge, rolling it up, and slicing it into beautiful swirls.
– **With a Cup of Tea**: For an afternoon treat, pair this cake with your favorite tea or coffee for a light, comforting dessert.
### **Storage Tips:**
– **Room Temperature**: If you’re planning to eat the cake within a couple of days, simply cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
– **Freezing**: If you want to keep it longer, sponge cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
### **Conclusion:**
This **Fluffy Vanilla Sponge Cake** is the perfect dessert for any occasion. It’s light, airy, and incredibly versatile, making it an excellent base for countless variations. Whether you enjoy it on its own with a dusting of powdered sugar or layered with cream and fruit, this cake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Best of all, it’s simple enough to make for a casual treat but elegant enough to serve at a special celebration. So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy a slice of pure, fluffy goodness!
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