There is nothing better than simplicity. This is the simple, perfect sponge adapted from Delia Smith’s recipe.  There is no creaming method, or pre-stages.  You just use an electric hand whisk to bring the ingredients together by putting them into the mixing bowl at the same time and this is one of the reasons why it is so perfect because it is also so quick.

You will need :

230g self-raising flour
2 level teaspoon baking powder
230g soft butter [keep at room temperature for an hour before use]
230g golden caster sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Two 18cm by 4cm sponge tins, lightly buttered or one 23 cm dish or similar.  Line the base with some baking paper.

Preheat oven to 170C.

Sift the flour and baking powder twice into a mixing bowl, then simply add all the other ingredients.

Use an electric mixer to combine the ingredients for about 1 minute until you have a smooth creamy consistency.

Pour the batter into the prepared dish and level off using a spatula.  Bake near the centre of the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes.  To test that the cake is ready, press lightly with your little finger and the centre should spring back.

Remove the cake from the oven and allow to rest for 4 minutes.  Then loosen the edges by sliding a palette knife all round the cake tin and gently ease out the cake onto a wire cooling tray. Carefully peel back the lining by gently pulling it back.

When  the cake cools down, cut in half horizontally or if you are using two cake tins, sandwich the cakes together with jam or preserves.  The photo on this page is my freshly baked cake, spread with a think layer of nutella and quick home made strawberry jam.  You can almost taste the moistness just by looking at it !  Or use seasonal fruits to make  make bambinella jam

I also used this recipe to make lemon and pine nut cupcakes and vanilla and cocoa nib cupcakes.  Photos by CJ during a live tv show.

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Trade Enquiries:

President Butter by Rimus Group

Fresh fruit by Big Fresh Mosta, Oscar’s Fruit and Vegetables Paola and Barbuto [organic]