Old-Fashioned Breakfast Sponge Cakes

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Sure! Here’s a full-length, heartfelt recipe for your Breakfast Sponge Cake, enriched with history, context, detailed instructions, methods, and a warm conclusion. This is the kind of recipe you’d find in a cherished family cookbook or a cozy bakery blog.

Old-Fashioned Breakfast Sponge Cakes

The Perfect Morning Treat with a Cup of Tea or Coffee

🍰 Introduction

There’s something magical about a sponge cake in the morning. Soft, tender, and perfectly sweet—these Breakfast Sponge Cakes are made for moments of quiet joy. Whether you’re sipping hot coffee on the porch or pouring tea for guests, these little golden domes offer the comfort of tradition with the simplicity of modern ingredients.

These sponge cakes are inspired by European breakfast pastries—gentle, buttery, and not too sweet. Serve them plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a whisper of vanilla buttercream. However you choose, you’ll discover they’re a beloved way to begin the day.

🕰️ A Short History

Sponge cakes date back as early as the Renaissance period in Europe, with Italy and Spain claiming the first versions of this airy delight. Traditionally made with whipped eggs and sugar, sponge cakes became a tea-time staple across the British Isles and beyond. Over the years, bakers started adding butter, milk, and cream for a richer breakfast version—turning the once-celebrated dessert into a morning classic. Today, this breakfast sponge cake celebrates those flavors, shaped for busy mornings and special slow ones alike.

đź›’ Ingredients

(Makes 12–15 mini sponge cakes)

  • 1 2/3 cups (213g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon (15mL) vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup (120mL) sour cream, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120mL) whole milk, warm

Optional for Serving:

  • Vanilla buttercream or whipped cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Fresh berries or jam

👩‍🍳 Instructions & Method

1. Preheat & Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease or line a 12-cup muffin pan (or use mini bundt or cupcake molds) with parchment cups or nonstick spray.

2. Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Set aside.

3. Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine:

  • Melted butter
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla
  • Sour cream
  • Warm milk

Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

4. Combine & Mix

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or whisk until just combined—do not overmix. The batter will be thick, smooth, and luscious.

5. Fill the Pans

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans or molds, filling each about 3/4 full.

6. Bake

Bake in the center of the oven for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the tops are lightly golden.

7. Cool

Allow cakes to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or frosting.

đź’› Serving Ideas (For the Lovers of Cake)

  • Simple & Sweet: Dust cooled sponge cakes with powdered sugar for a lovely, delicate finish.
  • Creamy Mornings: Spread with vanilla buttercream or a dollop of clotted cream.
  • Berry Breakfast: Top with fresh berries or a spoon of jam for a burst of morning sunshine.
  • Sweethearts’ Treat: Wrap them in parchment and ribbon for a breakfast-in-bed moment with someone you love.

đź“š Formation Tips & Variations

  • Sour Cream Substitutes: Greek yogurt works well in place of sour cream.
  • Flavor Twists: Add lemon zest, almond extract, or even a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter.
  • Mini Loaves: Pour batter into mini loaf pans and bake a few minutes longer—perfect for gifting.
  • Make Ahead: These cakes freeze beautifully. Wrap individually and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.

🥰 Conclusion: A Cake for the Lovers

These sponge cakes are made for lovers—of early mornings, warm drinks, sweet simplicity, and soft cake crumbs. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these breakfast cakes invite you to pause and savor life’s most comforting rituals.

With each bite, you’re not just tasting a cake—you’re tasting heritage, intention, and the warmth of a shared morning.

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