Favorite Chocolate Sponge Cake

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

Equipment

  • Oven

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

  • Sifter

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

  • Mixing Bowls

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

  • Hand Mixer

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

  • Measuring Cups and Spoons

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

  • Cake Pans

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

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. ☕

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.

Nutrition facts

Favorite Chocolate Sponge Cake
Recipe Yield:12 servings
Calories:Approximately 250-300 calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):250 - 300
Total Fat:9g
Saturated Fat:1g
Protein:5g
Total Carbohydrate:42g
Total Sugars:25g