Fluffy Fatless Sponge Recipe: Light & Airy Cake Magic

Whipping up a delightful fatless sponge cake can transform ordinary afternoons into memorable moments of pure bliss.

Soft and airy textures promise a delectable treat that melts in your mouth.

Bakers love this classic recipe for its simplicity and elegance.

Light ingredients dance together, creating a cloud-like dessert that feels incredibly indulgent.

Culinary magic happens when you understand the delicate balance of technique and passion.

Whisking egg whites to perfection requires patience and a gentle touch.

You’ll want to savor every delicate crumb of this heavenly creation.

Ingredients For Delia Smith Fatless Sponge

• Plain Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the sponge cake.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps in creating a golden brown color.
• Vanilla: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the sponge cake.

• Butter: Used for greasing the cake tins to prevent sticking.
• Icing Sugar: A finishing touch for dusting on top of the cake for a decorative look.

Step By Step For Delia Smith Fatless Sponge

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grab two 18cm cake pans and give them a quick spray of cooking oil, then line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Sift together your flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl, creating a light and airy base for your delicate sponge cake.

Step 3: Create the Cake Batter

• Room temperature butter
• Granulated sugar
• Fresh eggs
• Pure vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the batter looks glossy and well-blended, with no lumps in sight.

Step 4: Fill the Cake Pans

Carefully divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. Use a spatula to smooth out the tops, ensuring an even surface for perfect baking.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pans into the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. Look for a beautiful golden color and a springy texture when you gently press the center of the cake.

Step 6: Cool and Rest

Transfer the cakes to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and making sure they’re ready for filling.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Once cooled, sandwich the two cake layers with your favorite filling. Dust the top with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for a classic, elegant touch. Slice and enjoy your light, airy fatless sponge cake!

Baking Tips For Delia Smith Fatless Sponge

• Whip Eggs Thoroughly: Beat eggs and sugar until pale, fluffy, and tripled in volume for a light, airy sponge texture.
• Sift Dry Ingredients: Always sift flour and baking powder to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution for a smooth cake.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and butter at room temperature to help them blend more easily and create a uniform batter.
• Gentle Folding Technique: Fold flour mixture gently to maintain air bubbles, preventing a dense cake and preserving the delicate sponge structure.
• Avoid Overmixing: Stop mixing as soon as ingredients are combined to prevent tough, rubbery texture and preserve the cake's soft consistency.

Ways To Switch Up Delia Smith Fatless Sponge

• Gluten-Free Sponge: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter with coconut oil or vegetable margarine to accommodate lactose intolerance.
• Low-Sugar Adaptation: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of regular sugar for a diabetic-friendly cake.
• Vegan Transformation: Substitute eggs with mashed banana, applesauce, or commercial egg replacer for plant-based diets.

Great Pairings For Delia Smith Fatless Sponge

• Elevate Sweet Harmony: Pair this light, airy fatless sponge with complementary flavors and textures.
• Brew Elegant Companions: Serve alongside Earl Grey tea or a crisp champagne to enhance the cake's delicate profile.
• Boost Flavor Dimensions: Add fresh berries and whipped cream to create a vibrant, refreshing contrast against the soft sponge texture.
• Craft Luxurious Combinations: Drizzle with a tangy lemon curd or rich chocolate ganache to elevate the dessert's sophistication.

Best Way To Store Delia Smith Fatless Sponge

• Store leftover sponge cake in an airtight container, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual cake slices or whole cake in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Remove cake from freezer and let it defrost at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the delicate sponge texture.
• Quickly revive slightly dry cake by lightly brushing with simple syrup or warming in a low-temperature oven (150°C) for 5 minutes before serving.

FAQs About Delia Smith Fatless Sponge

• What makes this sponge cake different from other cakes?

This fatless sponge uses no butter in the batter, creating a lighter, airier texture compared to traditional sponge cakes.

• Can I use self-rising flour instead of plain flour?

Yes, if using self-rising flour, you can reduce or omit the baking powder since it’s already included in the mix.

• How do I know if I've whisked the batter correctly?

The batter should look smooth, pale, and slightly fluffy, with no visible lumps of flour or unmixed ingredients.

• Why is sifting flour important in this recipe?

Sifting aerates the flour, breaks up clumps, and helps create a lighter, more delicate cake texture by incorporating more air into the mixture.

Why Delia Smith Fatless Sponge Is Light And Lovely

• Simplify Baking: Master a classic sponge cake with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, perfect for novice bakers looking to build confidence.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare this delightful dessert in under an hour, making it an ideal treat for spontaneous sweet cravings or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Customize with different fillings like jam, cream, or fresh fruits, transforming this basic recipe into an impressive dessert for any occasion from birthdays to afternoon tea.
• Lightweight Delight: Enjoy a lighter cake option that's not heavy or dense, providing a soft, airy texture that melts in your mouth without feeling overly rich.

Fatless Sponge Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic French fatless sponge brings light, airy elegance to dessert tables with its delicate crumb and versatile nature. Bakers can easily master this simple yet sophisticated cake, creating a perfect base for endless sweet adventures.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 115 grams (4 ounces) golden caster sugar
• 115 grams (4 ounces) spreadable butter

Flour and Leavening Agents:

• 115 grams (4 ounces) self-raising flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Flavoring and Finishing:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Jam (for filling)
• Lemon curd (for filling)
• Whipped cream (for filling)
• Icing sugar (for dusting)

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Instructions

1. Prepare baking equipment by greasing two 18cm round cake pans and lining with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Carefully sift the flour and baking powder together in a large mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain for a smooth texture.
3. Crack eggs into the flour mixture, adding sugar and vanilla extract, then whisk vigorously using an electric mixer until the batter becomes light, airy, and pale in color.
4. Gently pour the mixture evenly between the prepared cake pans, using a spatula to spread and level the surfaces for uniform baking.
5. Place pans in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for approximately 25 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and a springy texture when lightly touched.
6. Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack, which prevents moisture buildup and maintains the sponge’s delicate structure.
7. Once cooled, carefully spread your chosen filling between the layers and dust the top with a delicate layer of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Swap out wheat flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or rice flour for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Add zest from lemon or orange to enhance the cake’s flavor profile and create a bright, citrusy undertone.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or replacing half the sugar with applesauce for a healthier version.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature for smoother batter and more even rising during baking, which helps achieve a light, airy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Western

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 234 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg