Name: Old School Dinner Sponge Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 250 g Softened butter; 250 g Caster sugar; 1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract; 4 Medium Eggs; 250 g Self-raising flour; 3 Tablespoons Milk; 200 g Icing sugar; 2 Tablespoons Milk; Few Tablespoons Hundreds and thousands (or any other colourful sprinkles)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 63 reviews

If you’ve ever longed for a nostalgic treat that brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of childhood magic to your kitchen, then the Old School Dinner Sponge Cake Recipe is your new best friend. This classic cake is the embodiment of simplicity and comfort, with its soft, buttery crumb and a delightfully sweet icing crowned with colorful sprinkles. Every bite feels like a cozy memory, perfect for sharing with family or a leisurely afternoon tea. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A square piece of soft yellow cake with one thick layer shows a smooth white frosting topped with small round sprinkles in red, pink, white, orange, and blue on top, sitting on a white marbled surface; in the background, similar pieces of the cake are slightly out of focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Old School Dinner Sponge Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating that light, moist texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and richness that defines this cake.

250 g Softened butter: This adds richness and helps create a tender crumb by coating the flour proteins.
250 g Caster sugar: Provides sweetness and helps aerate the butter for a fluffy texture.
1 Teaspoon Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth that complements the buttery flavor.
4 Medium Eggs: Eggs bind all the ingredients and add structure as well as moisture.
250 g Self-raising flour: The rising agent ensures your sponge lifts beautifully without being dense.
3 Tablespoons Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, keeping the sponge soft and tender.
200 g Icing sugar: For the sweet, smooth icing that finishes the cake.
2 Tablespoons Milk: Helps to achieve the perfect icing consistency.
Few Tablespoons Hundreds and thousands (or any other colourful sprinkles): These add a cheerful, playful touch on top of the icing.

How to Make Old School Dinner Sponge Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Tin

Start by heating your oven to 180℃ (or 160℃ if you’re using a fan oven). Line an 8×10-inch baking tin with parchment paper or grease it lightly. This simple prep makes all the difference in getting your cake out cleanly and baking evenly.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and caster sugar. Using an electric hand whisk really speeds this up, but a wooden spoon works too. Cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which is key to a soft, airy sponge. Then stir in your vanilla extract to infuse that lovely flavor from the start.

Step 3: Add Eggs, Flour, and Milk

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual process helps keep the batter smooth and prevents it from curdling. Then, gently fold in the self-raising flour and milk bit by bit until you have a thick yet smooth cake batter. The milk adds moisture, and the flour provides structure, balancing each other out perfectly.

Step 4: Bake Your Sponge Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared tin and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling a perfectly cooked sponge that’s soft without being wet.

Step 5: Cooling

Allow the cake to cool in the tin for around 10 minutes to firm up. Then gently flip it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures your sponge won’t go soggy on the bottom and stays light as air.

Step 6: Icing and Sprinkles

Mix the icing sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until you achieve a smooth, thick icing. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk to thin it or more icing sugar to thicken it. Spread this luscious coating evenly over the cooled cake, then generously scatter your colorful hundreds and thousands on top. Let the icing harden slightly before slicing.

How to Serve Old School Dinner Sponge Cake Recipe

A single square piece of light yellow sponge cake sits on a white plate with a white marbled texture background. The cake has a smooth, thin layer of white icing on top, decorated with small round colorful sprinkles in red, orange, pink, purple, and blue on one side. A thick, creamy yellow sauce is being poured over the cake, flowing down its side and pooling slightly on the plate. The textures show the soft crumb of the cake, the glossy icing, and the rich, smooth sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic colorful sprinkles are the traditional way to finish off this cake, you can also try dusting a light sprinkling of extra icing sugar or adding a few fresh berries for a slightly more grown-up presentation. A small dollop of whipped cream on the side makes each bite feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. For something heartier, why not serve it alongside some fresh fruit salad or a bowl of creamy custard? These sides complement the sponge’s sweetness and add a refreshing or indulgent note to your dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn slices of the Old School Dinner Sponge Cake Recipe into mini sandwiches by spreading a layer of your favorite jam or buttercream between two thinner cake layers. Alternatively, cut the cake into small cubes and serve them on skewers with marshmallows and fruit for a festive party treat that everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover cake (which is rare because it’s so delicious), store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy over a few days without losing any charm.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight. The vibrant taste and texture come back beautifully, almost as good as freshly baked.

Reheating

If you want a warm slice, gently reheat your cake in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. Warm sponge cake with icing just slightly softened is a heavenly treat that feels like a fresh bake all over again.

FAQs

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour for this recipe?

You can, but you’ll need to add a leavening agent like baking powder (about 2 teaspoons) to help the sponge rise properly. Self-raising flour simplifies things by combining flour and raising agents for you.

What’s the secret to a super fluffy sponge cake?

Creaming the butter and sugar well until light and fluffy, adding the eggs one at a time, and gently folding in the flour are crucial steps. Over-mixing after adding flour can make the cake dense, so handle the batter with care!

Can I substitute the butter with oil or margarine?

Butter provides flavor and a lovely texture to this traditional sponge, so it’s best not to substitute it. Oil could make the cake heavier, and margarine doesn’t offer quite the same richness or taste.

How long can I leave the iced cake before serving?

Once the icing is set, the cake can be left at room temperature for several hours without drying out, especially if covered lightly. For longer storage, keep it in an airtight container.

Are the hundreds and thousands essential?

They are a hallmark of the Old School Dinner Sponge Cake Recipe and add delightful color and texture, making the cake extra fun to eat. However, you can skip them or replace them with nuts or coconut flakes for a different twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about baking and sharing the Old School Dinner Sponge Cake Recipe. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps create a cake that feels lovingly nostalgic and endlessly comforting. Whether you are baking for a crowd or simply treating yourself, this cake embodies all the warmth and joy a homemade dessert can bring. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and fill your kitchen with the sweet aromas of a timeless favorite.