Perfectly Soft Chocolate Sponge Cake: Easy Steps at Home

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

370 grams (2.5 cups) flour

80 grams (0.5 cups) cocoa powder

5 grams (1 teaspoon) baking powder

5 grams (1 teaspoon) baking soda

160 grams (0.75 cups) sugar

Wet Ingredients

170 grams (3/4 cup) milk

2 eggs

70 grams (0.5 cups) vegetable oil

170 milliliters (3/4 cup) boiling water or strong coffee (0.5 teaspoon ground coffee per 1/3 cup boiling water)

Additional Sugar

160 grams (0.75 cups) sugar

Instructions

Step 1

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F) with convection settings.

Sift together all dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and 160 grams sugar.

Step 2

Mixing

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the remaining 160 grams of sugar until light and fluffy.

Combine the dry mixture with the milk, vegetable oil, and the egg mixture. Mix with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth (about 1 minute).

Add the boiling water (or strong coffee) to the batter and mix on high speed for about 1 minute.

Step 3

Baking

Pour the batter evenly into two cake pans.

Bake for 35-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4

Cooling and Serving

Remove from the oven and let cool.

Wrap the cakes in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 5-6 hours or longer.

Once chilled, divide each cake into two layers before serving.

Servings

🌈 Serving Suggestions & Ideas 🌈

Once your Heavenly Fudgy Cake is perfectly chilled and layered, it’s time to turn it into a showstopper!

✨ Classic Style: Serve each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup for that extra touch of luxury.

✨ Berry Delight: Top with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries complements the rich chocolate flavor perfectly. 😍

✨ Nutty Surprise: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts between layers for a delightful crunch with every bite.

✨ Coffee Lover’s Dream: If you used strong coffee instead of boiling water, enhance the coffee flavor by serving with a shot of espresso or a cup of your favorite brew. ☕

Equipment

Oven

Ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 170°C (340°F) with convection settings for even baking.

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(7,963) Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer, Convection Toaster Oven with French Doors, Stainless Steel $189.99 View details

Sifter

Essential for sifting dry ingredients to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth batter.

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Mixing Bowls

Use separate bowls for wet and dry ingredients to make mixing easier.

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Umite Chef Mixing Bowls with Airtight Lids, 6 piece Stainless Steel Metal Nesting Storage Bowls, Non-Slip Bottoms Size 7, 3.5, 2.5, 2.0,1.5, 1QT, Great for Mixing & Serving (Khaki)

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Hand Mixer

A hand mixer will speed up the mixing process and ensure your batter is lump-free.

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Hand Mixer Electric Mixing Bowls Set, 5 Speeds Handheld Mixer with 5 Nesting Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl, Measuring Cups Spoons 200W Kitchen Blender Whisk Beater Baking Supplies For Beginner

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Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are crucial, so use these to measure your ingredients precisely.

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Spring Chef Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons Set of 14 with Leveler, Nesting Kitchen Metal Measuring Cups and Spoons Set for Dry and Liquid Ingredients, Perfect for Cooking & Baking

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Cake Pans

Prepare two cake pans to divide the batter for even baking.

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Variations

🍃 Gluten-Free & Vegan Variations 🍃

Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for best results. Also, check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Vegan: Replace the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons of water for each egg). Ensure the sugar and baking powder are vegan-friendly. Use coconut oil or another vegetable oil instead of oil or butter.

Faq

Why did my cake turn out dry?
Overbaking is a common cause. Ensure to check your cake at the 35-minute mark and use the toothpick test. Also, accurate measurement of ingredients, especially liquid ones, is crucial for moisture.
Can I freeze the cake layers?
Yes! Wrap each layer in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before assembling.
How can I make the cake more chocolatey?
You can add a handful of chocolate chips to the batter or use a richer cocoa powder. Even adding a layer of chocolate ganache between the layers will up the chocolate game.
What’s the best way to ensure even layers?
Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly into the cake pans. Once baked, use a serrated knife or a cake leveler to evenly slice the layers.
How can I create a professional finish?
Crumble one of the cake layers and use the crumbs to decorate the sides of the cake after frosting. This trick hides imperfections and gives a polished look.
Is it okay to use a different oil in the recipe?
Yes, you can use different oils like canola, avocado, or even light olive oil. Just be mindful that certain oils can affect the flavor subtly.