Strawberry sponge cake from the tray, ready for the oven in 5 minutes

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a baking tray (about 9×13 inches) with parchment paper. This will ensure that your sponge cake comes out easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside for later.
3. Whisk the Egg Yolks: In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks with half of the granulated sugar (about 1/2 cup) until the mixture becomes thick, pale, and slightly creamy. Add the vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter to the egg yolk mixture, and continue whisking until smooth.
4. Beat the Egg Whites: In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites with the remaining sugar (about 1/2 cup) until stiff peaks form. This will give your cake its signature airy, fluffy texture.
5. Combine the Mixtures: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg yolk mixture in batches. Once fully incorporated, fold in the beaten egg whites carefully to preserve the airiness of the mixture. You should aim for a smooth and light batter with no lumps.
6. Add the Strawberries: Gently fold in the diced strawberries into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the batter light and fluffy. The strawberries will create sweet pockets of fruit throughout the cake.
7. Pour and Spread the Batter: Pour the batter into your prepared baking tray, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be light, fluffy, and slightly springy to the touch.
9. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the tray for 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it into squares or rectangles, and dust with powdered sugar if desired. You can also serve it with extra fresh strawberries or whipped cream for an added touch.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Sponge Cake:

• Quick and Easy: With only 5 minutes of prep time, this cake is incredibly easy to make, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen.
• Light and Fluffy: The combination of beaten egg whites and a delicate batter gives this cake its airy texture, making it melt in your mouth with every bite.
• Fresh and Fruity: The fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and flavor, making this cake perfect for any season. You can even experiment with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries if desired.
• Customizable: Top the cake with whipped cream, yogurt, or a dusting of powdered sugar to make it your own. You can also serve it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Tips and Variations:

• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to use a blend that’s designed for baking.
• Add a Zesty Twist: For an added burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter. The citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Serve with Whipped Cream: For an indulgent finish, top the slices of cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or serve alongside vanilla ice cream for a rich dessert.
• Try Other Fruits: While strawberries are the star of this recipe, feel free to swap them out for other fresh fruits such as peaches, blueberries, or raspberries for different flavor variations.

Final Thoughts:

This Strawberry Sponge Cake from the Tray is a simple yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a sweet treat with your family, this cake will impress with its light texture, fresh fruit, and ease of preparation. Ready in just 5 minutes and with only a few basic ingredients, it’s a wonderful option for anyone in a rush who still wants to enjoy the satisfaction of homemade cake. So, grab some fresh strawberries, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of this delightful sponge cake today!