The document provides a comprehensive guide on baking sponge cakes, outlining their characteristics, common uses, and necessary ingredients and equipment. It details step-by-step instructions for preparing, mixing, pouring, baking, cooling, and decorating the cake, while also highlighting common mistakes to avoid. The conclusion encourages experimentation with flavors and sharing the final creations.

1. How to Bake Sponge Cakes

2. Introduction to Sponge
Cakes
● What is a sponge cake?
● Characteristics: light, fluffy, and airy.
● Common uses: layered cakes, trifles, and
more.

3. Ingredients Needed
● All-purpose flour
● Granulated sugar
● Eggs
● Baking powder (optional)
● Vanilla extract
● Salt

4. Equipment Required
● Mixing bowls
● Electric mixer or whisk
● Measuring cups and spoons
● Baking pan (round or square)
● Oven

5. Step 1: Preparing the
Ingredients
● Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
● Measure and prepare all ingredients.
● Separate egg whites and yolks if needed.

6. Step 2: Mixing the Batter
● Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
● In another bowl, mix egg yolks and sugar
until pale.
● Gently fold in flour and egg whites.

7. Step 3: Pouring the Batter
● Grease the baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
● Pour the batter evenly into the pan.
● Smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Step 4: Baking the Cake
● Place the pan in the preheated oven.
● Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden
brown.
● Test with a toothpick; it should come out
clean.

9. Step 5: Cooling the Cake
● Remove the cake from the oven.
● Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
● Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Step 6: Decorating the
Cake
● Options: whipped cream, fruit, or icing.
● Use a serrated knife to level the cake if
needed.
● Be creative with your decorations!

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Overmixing the batter can lead to dense cakes.
● Not preheating the oven can affect baking time.
● Opening the oven door too early can cause sinking.

12. Questions to Consider
● What flavors can you add to your sponge
cake?
● How can you ensure your cake rises
properly?
● What are some variations of sponge cakes
you can try?

13. Conclusion and Next
Steps
● Recap the steps to bake a sponge cake.
● Encourage experimentation with flavors
and decorations.
● Share your creations with friends and
family!