Avoid dense or flat sponge cakes! Discover the 5 most common mistakes when baking sponge cake and how to get a light, fluffy result every time.
Common Mistakes When Making Sponge Cake
Sponge cake is light, airy, and incredibly satisfying when made right. But it can also be temperamental. Even experienced bakers can stumble on small details that make a big difference. If you want your sponge cake to rise beautifully and taste divine, avoid these five common mistakes.
1. Not Beating the Eggs Properly
Eggs are the foundation of a sponge cake. If you under-beat them, your cake won’t have enough air to rise. If you over-beat them, the structure will collapse. Beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale, thick, and triples in volume—this usually takes about 8–10 minutes with an electric mixer.
Tip: Use room temperature eggs and add sugar gradually for better volume.
2. Do Not Sift the Flour, and Folding in the Flour Incorrectly
Over-mixing the sifted flour can deflate the batter, while under-mixing leaves dry pockets. The goal is to fold the sifted flour gently into the batter with a spatula, using a light hand and turning the bowl as you go.
3. Opening the Oven Too Early
Curious to check your cake? Don’t! Opening the oven door in the first 20 minutes can cause the cake to collapse due to a sudden drop in temperature. Wait until the cake is mostly set and starts pulling slightly from the edges before checking.
4. Not Preparing the Pan Correctly
A pan that’s too greasy or unlined can make your sponge cake stick or bake unevenly. Line the pan with parchment paper then lightly grease and flour it. Use an aluminum pan for better heat distribution.
5. Rushing the Cooling Process
Cooling too fast or improperly can ruin the texture. Allow it to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. If the cake sinks while cooling, it was likely underbaked or the structure wasn’t stable enough.
Conclusion
Sponge cake may seem simple, but mastering it requires attention to detail. Avoiding these five mistakes will help you get a perfectly risen, tender, and delicious sponge every time. Ready to put your skills to the test? Try my sponge cake recipe: 3-ingredient fluffy sponge cake recipe!
