Name: Strawberry Sponge Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 9 ounces caster sugar; 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour, sifted; 3½ ounces butter, melted; 21 ounces strawberries, hulled; 1 ¼ cups confectioners’ sugar; 7 ounces cream, whipped until firm

There’s something magical about a strawberry sponge cake, isn’t there? It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, making it perfect for all kinds of occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or just want a treat with your afternoon tea, this cake has you covered.

Inspired by Gabriel Gaté’s So French So Sweet: Delectable Cakes, Tarts, Cremes, and Desserts, this recipe blends a light and airy sponge with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. It’s simple, classic, and absolutely delightful. And don’t worry if baking feels intimidating—this recipe is designed to be approachable and easy to follow, even if you’re new to the kitchen.

When I first made this cake, it quickly became a favorite in my house. My family loves how the fluffy sponge absorbs just enough cream and strawberry juice to make every bite a little slice of heaven. The best part? It’s not overly sweet, which means you can keep going back for seconds (or thirds!) without feeling overwhelmed. Ready to make a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry sponge cake has everything you could want in a dessert:

Light and fluffy texture: The sponge is soft and airy, the kind of cake that practically melts in your mouth.
Fresh strawberries: Nothing beats the natural sweetness and juiciness of ripe strawberries.
Simple yet elegant: It’s fancy enough for celebrations but easy enough for casual get-togethers.
Versatile: You can customize the toppings or even swap out the strawberries for other fruits.
No complicated techniques: If you can fold flour and whip cream, you’ve got this.

Whether you’re making this for a special event or just a weekend treat, it’s bound to impress. Plus, the combination of flavors—sweet strawberries, rich cream, and buttery sponge—strikes the perfect balance every time.

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Assembly Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10 slices

Ingredients

Let’s go over everything you’ll need for this recipe. Each ingredient plays an important role, so try to stick to the measurements and opt for the freshest ingredients possible.

9 ounces caster (superfine) sugar: This dissolves quickly, ensuring a smooth and light batter.
1⅔ cups all-purpose flour, sifted: Sifting the flour is key to a light sponge texture.
3½ ounces butter, just melted: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
21 ounces strawberries, hulled: The star of the show, these bring natural sweetness and juiciness.
1 ¼ cups confectioners’ sugar: Used for the icing to give it a creamy consistency.
7 ounces cream, whipped until firm: Provides a luscious layer of creaminess between the sponge layers.

Pro tip: For the best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries and whip the cream just until it holds firm peaks—overwhipped cream can become grainy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is all about taking things step by step. Follow these detailed instructions, and you’ll have a showstopping strawberry sponge cake in no time!

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Grease a 10-inch round cake pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour. This step ensures the cake doesn’t stick to the pan and comes out cleanly.

2. Mix Sugar and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the caster sugar and eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for about 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it turns pale and thick, forming a ribbon-like consistency when you lift the beaters. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, which makes the sponge light and fluffy.

3. Fold in the Flour

Sift the all-purpose flour again to ensure there are no lumps. Gently fold the flour into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—fold just until the flour is incorporated. This step is all about preserving the air you whipped into the eggs earlier.

4. Add the Melted Butter

Drizzle the melted butter into the batter, folding it in gently but thoroughly. The butter adds richness to the cake without making it heavy.

5. Bake the Sponge

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes. The cake is done when it’s lightly browned and springs back when you gently press the center. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before assembling.

6. Prepare the Strawberry Icing

While the cake cools, make the icing. Mash two strawberries in a bowl, then gradually mix in the confectioners’ sugar until you achieve a frosting-like consistency. This icing will add a pop of sweetness and strawberry flavor to the top of your cake.

7. Assemble the Cake

Once the sponge cake has cooled, use a serrated knife to slice it horizontally into two even layers.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the bottom layer of the cake. Be generous—this is where the magic happens!
Arrange two-thirds of the hulled and halved strawberries on top of the cream, pressing them down gently to ensure they stay in place.
Place the top layer of the cake back on. Spread the strawberry icing over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Garnish with the remaining strawberry halves for a beautiful finish.

8. Chill and Serve

Let the assembled cake chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set. Slice and serve with a smile—it’s guaranteed to wow your guests!

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your strawberry sponge cake turns out perfect? Keep these tips in mind:

Use room-temperature ingredients: Room-temperature eggs and butter will mix more evenly, creating a better batter.
Sift the flour: Don’t skip this step! Sifting ensures your sponge is light and lump-free.
Be gentle: When folding the flour and butter into the batter, use a light hand to avoid deflating the mixture.
Cool the cake completely: As tempting as it is to assemble the cake right away, let it cool fully to prevent the cream from melting.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:

Different fruits: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or sliced peaches.
Chocolate twist: Add a layer of chocolate ganache under the whipped cream.
Citrus kick: Mix a little lemon or orange zest into the batter for a refreshing twist.
Nuts for crunch: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pistachios over the whipped cream layer.

Details

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 10 slices
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 307
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 29g

Key Takeaway

This strawberry sponge cake is everything you want in a dessert: light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. It’s a showstopper that’s easy to make, perfect for any celebration, or even as an everyday treat. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your success—you’ll want everyone to see your masterpiece!