Our fail-safe sponge cake recipes - perfect for birthdays through to dinner parties
Take a basic sponge cake recipe to the next level with these show-stopping creations.
There really isn't anything that satisfies like a giant piece of tender sponge cake and all our recipes below are so simple to master, we promise.
It's important to make sure you beat the butter and sugar together until pale, as this will give the sponge it's light and airy texture. For this, you'll want your butter at room temperature (and not straight from the fridge).
Eggs also need to be at room temperature and will need to be added to the butter and sugar mixture, gradually, rather than all at once, to avoid curdling. Curdling is where the batter separates, when it should be smooth. However, even curdled batter will make a cake that tastes delicious - and no-one will be able to tell once it's baked.
When it comes to sponge cake recipes, we've got every base covered - including our classic Victoria sponge recipe, (with a twist of course!). Plus a Victoria sponge traybake which is far easier to slice for guests. It might seem like a simple idea, but honestly we'll never go back now!
You can go for a real showstopper, like our chocolate fudge cake or keep it simple with an easy chocolate traybake. And there are the classics such as coffee and walnut or a lemon drizzle, both of which are equally delicious and have their places in this world. The choices are endless. Happy baking!
Victoria Sponge Traybake Recipe
Victoria sponge is a true classic and our version of the royal recipe turns the cake into a convenient traybake which makes it easier to cut up for guests.
Recipe: Victoria sponge traybake
Marbled Victoria Sandwich Recipe
Take a twist on the classic Victoria sponge cake with a marbled effect using dollops of raspberry jam.
Recipe: Marbled Victoria sandwich recipe
Gingerbread Latte Loaf Cake Recipe
Autumnal flavours take centre stage in this squidgy gingerbread bake.
Recipe: Gingerbread latte loaf cake
Pumpkin Spice Latte Loaf Cake Recipe
Your favourite autumn drink reimagined into a tasty cake - this pumpkin spice latte loaf cake is sure to hit the spot.
Recipe: Pumpkin spice latte loaf cake
Strawberry and Prosecco Cake Recipe
This spectacular centrepiece is easier to make than you might think. Decorate the cake as you like – we added white chocolate shards, strawberries and Strawberry Meringue Kisses.
Recipe: Strawberry and Prosecco cake
Best-ever Carrot Cake Recipe
When it comes to an afternoon tea treat, our carrot cake recipe is the perfect thing to fit the bill. Try our recipe for your best-ever slice.
Recipe: Best-ever carrot cake recipe
Chocolate Fudge Cake Recipe
Our easiest-ever fudge cake is made all in one pan.
Recipe: Chocolate fudge cake
Coffee and Walnut Cake Recipe
This Coffee and walnut cake relies on a strong espresso, so brew up your favourite blend.
Recipe: Coffee and walnut cake
Lemon and Poppy Seed Cake Recipe
Made with yogurt, this failsafe Lemon and poppyseed bake is easy to master and a true classic.
Recipe: Lemon and poppy seed cake
Apple Crumb Cake Recipe
Densely fruity with an irresistible crumb, this is wonderful apple crumble-style cake is great served with ice cream.
Recipe: Apple crumb cake
Red Velvet Cake Recipe
Equip yourself with our Red velvet cake recipe and get set to impress your friends with the ultimate tea-time treat.
Recipe: Red velvet cake recipe
Sticky Toffee Cake Recipe
This soft and moreish Sticky toffee cake is sure to become a firm tea-time favourite.
Recipe: Sticky toffee cake recipe
Lemon and Poppy Seed Buttermilk Cake Recipe
A true afternoon-tea classic – buttermilk gives this cake extra body and moisture.
Coconut Cake Recipe
This delicious coconut cake is both gluten and dairy-free.
Recipe: Coconut cake recipe
Seaside Cake Recipe
The sour cream in this recipe helps keep the cake tender and the icing not overly sweet. If you like, use lemon curd instead of raspberry jam in the filling.
Recipe: Seaside cake
Victoria Sponge Recipe
Fluffy, light and befitting a Royal buffet – the Victoria sponge is one of Britain’s best-loved cakes
Recipe: Victoria sponge
Chocolate Courgette Cake Recipe
Not just a gimmick, the courgette adds great moisture and texture to this scrumptious cake.
Recipe: Chocolate courgette cake
Vegan Chocolate Cake Recipe
A rich and moist vegan chocolate cake recipe layered with an avocado frosting. Add more or less maple syrup depending on the ripeness of the avocados and bananas.
Recipe: Vegan chocolate cake
Jaffa Cake Loaf Cake Recipe
There's no debate here - this one's definitely a cake! Make sure to use a good quality no-peel Seville orange marmalade, such as Waitrose or Tiptree, as they have a better flavour and texture than ones made with sweet oranges
Recipe: Jaffa Cake Loaf cake
Moscow Mule Loaf Cake Recipe
We’ve turned the key flavours of spicy ginger beer, lime and vodka into an easy-to-make loaf – you’ll love this zingy citrus twist on ginger cake.
Recipe: Moscow mule loaf
Quick beetroot kimchi and cheddar toasts recipe
Porchetta with hazelnut and gorgonzola stuffing
Spiedini alla Romana recipe
Roasted miso squash and curry noodle soup recipe
