Asian Sponge Cake Recipe – Soft, Fluffy & Easy Homemade Cake

Baking an Asian sponge cake recipe at home was one of those moments that made me fall in love with homemade desserts. The soft hum of the whisk, the lightness of the batter, and the sweet aroma coming from the oven created a sense of calm and excitement. When I sliced into the cake, it was so soft, airy, and fluffy that it felt like enjoying a sweet cloud with every bite. Its subtle sweetness was just enough to make it irresistible without being heavy.

What makes this cake special to me is how easy it is to customize for any occasion. Sometimes I serve it plain with tea for a cozy afternoon treat, and other times I layer it with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or chocolate to turn it into a showstopper for birthdays and gatherings. No matter how it’s served, baking it always feels satisfying because it’s simple to make yet delivers a bakery-quality result every time.

Tracing the Roots of Asian Sponge Cake

Asian sponge cakes originally come from Japan and China, where they were often served during tea ceremonies and special celebrations. These cakes are famous for being soft and airy, unlike traditional Western cakes that are denser. The secret to their delicate texture is properly whisking the egg whites, which creates a light, fluffy batter. These cakes have become popular worldwide due to their unique texture and subtle sweetness.

What is Asian Sponge Cake?

Asian sponge cake is a light and airy cake primarily made from eggs, sugar, flour, and a small amount of butter or oil. Its texture is soft, springy, and very different from regular Western cakes. The cake rises gently in the oven, creating a smooth, even surface perfect for layering or decorating. It’s ideal for birthdays, tea-time snacks, or any special celebration where a soft, melt-in-your-mouth dessert is desired.

Reasons You’ll Fall in Love with This Cake

You’ll love this recipe because of its fluffy texture, subtle sweetness, and light feel. Even beginners can make it successfully by following the steps carefully. This cake is also very versatile you can enjoy it as a simple sponge or turn it into a modern Asian fruit cake by adding layers of fresh fruits, whipped cream, or other toppings. Homemade Asian sponge cake is not only delicious but also feels rewarding to bake and share with friends and family.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls – to mix eggs and dry ingredients
• Electric whisk or hand whisk – to beat egg whites into stiff peaks
• Spatula – to fold the batter gently
• 8-inch cake pan – for baking
• Parchment paper – to remove the cake easily
• Oven – to bake the cake evenly

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs
• 100g caster sugar
• 60g cake flour
• 20g cornflour
• 40ml milk
• 30g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: fresh fruits or whipped cream for topping

Easy Method to Make Asian Sponge Cake Recipe at Home

1. Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Prepare your 8-inch cake pan by greasing it with butter or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures that the cake will not stick and will bake evenly.
   
2. Separate Eggs Carefully separate the egg yolks from the whites. Make sure no yolk mixes with the whites, as even a small amount of fat can prevent the whites from whipping properly.
   
3. Whisk Egg Whites Add a pinch of salt to the egg whites. Beat them using an electric whisk or hand whisk until stiff peaks form. The peaks should hold their shape firmly, which is key for the fluffy texture of the cake.
   
4. Mix Egg Yolks In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks with sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes creamy, pale, and light. This step ensures a smooth base for the cake batter.
   
5. Combine Dry Ingredients Sift together the cake flour and cornflour. Gradually fold them into the egg yolk mixture using a spatula. Fold gently to avoid deflating the batter and maintain its airy texture.
   
6. Add Milk & Butter Slowly add milk and melted butter to the yolk mixture. Fold carefully until well combined. This adds moisture and richness to the cake without weighing it down.
   
7. Fold in Egg Whites Add the whipped egg whites to the yolk mixture in 2–3 batches. Gently fold with a spatula, turning the bowl slowly and scraping from the bottom. This step keeps the batter light and airy.
   
8. Bake Cake Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 250 per slice
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 35g
• Sugar: 18g

How to Serve Asian Sponge Cake Recipe

Slice the cake and serve with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate. It’s perfect for tea time, birthdays, or any celebration.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Soft, airy, and light
• Homemade and preservative-free
• Easy to customize with fruits or cream
• Quick and fun to make at home

FAQs

1. Why are Asian cakes so fluffy?

Egg whites are whipped separately and folded gently, creating a light, airy texture.

2. Can I make this cake without butter?

Yes, you can substitute butter with oil or plant-based alternatives.

3. How long does this cake stay fresh?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

4. Can I make a fruit version?

 Yes! You can layer it with fresh fruits for a modern Asian fruit cake.

5. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?

Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser.

Conclusion

This Asian sponge cake recipe is incredibly soft, light, and airy, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday, tea-time treat, or a casual dessert, this cake will impress everyone. Baking it at home is simple and rewarding, and the process itself is enjoyable. The subtle sweetness and fluffy texture make every bite a delight. You can serve it plain or add fruits and cream for a modern twist.

I personally loved making this cake because it turned out perfectly every time. Its unique texture and versatility make it a must-try recipe for anyone who enjoys baking. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your collection forever. Sharing it with family and friends adds to the joy, and it’s a cake that’s sure to become a favorite in your home.