Sponge Cake

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9 inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large bowl, beat the 4 eggs and 150g sugar with an electric mixer until pale, thick, and tripled in volume, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Sift the 120g flour over the egg mixture and gently fold with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.

Step 4

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes.

Step 5

While the cake bakes, make the syrup: in a small saucepan, bring the 100ml water and 1 tsp vanilla extract to a simmer, then remove from heat.

Step 6

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Brush the warm syrup over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 7

Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.