Traditional Sponge Cake

There is many a time when you can not go past the traditional sponge with fresh cream, fresh strawberries and dusted with sugar - perfection. It is very rare that we get fresh strawberries where we live so when we do this is one of the ways I like to share them.

lets get started:

preheat oven to 350F (180C), grease 2 x 20cm round cake pans,line the base with baking paper

ingredients for sponge cake:

• 4 eggs
• 3/4 cup caster sugar
• 1 cup self raising flour (triple sift flour)
• 1 tablespoon corn flour (triple sift corn flour)
• 2 teaspoons softened butter
• 1/3 cup hot water

ingredients for strawberry cream filling:

• 3/4 cup whipped cream
• 2 tablespoons caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla or rose water (your choice)
• 250 grams fresh strawberries

now lets get started:

1. Beat eggs in a bowl, using an electric mixer, for about 10 minutes, until thick and creamy.
2. Gradually add sugar, beating until dissolved.
3. Fold the triple sifted flour and corn flour together and fold into the egg mixture
4. Combine the butter and water, pour it down the side of the bowl and fold through gently but thoroughly.
5. Pour batter evenly into both prepared baking tins and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Immediately turn out the sponges too cool, top side up, onto a wire rack covered with baking paper.
7. Prepare the filling - whip the cream and sweeten with the sugar and vanilla.
8. When you are ready place a layer of filling on one sponge cake, then place hulled strawberries on top now add a little more filling, place second sponge on top, gently sandwich together, and dust top with icing sugar.

To get this sponge correct  you must remember that folding in the flour can be a bit tricky when you use a spoon or spatula, you can use your fingers to pull the dry ingredients up and through the egg mixture.

If you do not have self raising flour here is a nifty way to make your own, this will make 1 cup;

1 cup plain flour / all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

I truly hope this brings back as many memories as the joy you will have in your first bite ... XXoo S