Milk Sponge Cake Recipe

Milk Sponge Cake, also known as the Victorian Sponge Cake, is a classic recipe that has stood the test of time. It is a light and fluffy cake that is perfect for any occasion. The history of this cake dates back to the 18th century, where it was a popular delicacy among the British upper class.

Fun Fact: The name "sponge cake" comes from the method of making the batter, which involves beating air into the eggs to create a light and spongy texture.

Now, let's dive into the recipe for Milk Sponge Cake:

Ingredients:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Dr. Price's Baking Powder
- 1/8 cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or other flavoring

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature (around 350°F or 180°C).

2. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat and let it simmer until the sugar dissolves completely. Once the syrup starts to spin a thread-like consistency, it is ready. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This can be done using a mixer or by hand.

4. Slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into the beaten egg whites while continuously beating. Continue beating until the mixture is cold. This step helps in stabilizing the texture of the cake.

5. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder three times. This helps in ensuring a light and airy texture.

6. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks until thick and pale in color.

7. Add the flour mixture and beaten egg yolks alternately to the egg white mixture, stirring gently after each addition. This helps in incorporating all the ingredients evenly.

8. Add the cold water and vanilla extract (or any other flavoring of your choice), mixing lightly until well combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can result in a dense cake.

9. Pour the batter into an ungreased tube pan or a shallow tin. The choice of the pan can affect the baking time, so adjust accordingly.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour if using a tube pan, or 35 minutes if using a shallow tin. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

11. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

Now, that you have created a delicious Milk Sponge Cake, it's time to enjoy it with your family and friends. This cake can be served as is or can be paired with a variety of toppings such as fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Similar recipes to explore include the Chiffon Cake, Angel Food Cake, and the Foam Cake. These cakes also rely on beaten egg whites to achieve a light and airy texture. Each recipe has its unique variations and flavors, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!