Pound Sponge Cake

Makes 6 or more Servings

A cross between two great basic cakes, this is the perfect “plain cake” to eat by itself or with all kinds of embellishments, such as fruit, chocolate sauce, ice cream or whatever you like.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups sugar
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
6 eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
  2. Cream the sugar and butter together until fluffy. Add the egg yolks, beating after each addition.
  3. Combine the flour, salt and baking powder and gradually add to the creamed mixture.
  4. Beat in vanilla. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks; fold this into the other mixture.
  5. Pour the batter into a buttered 2-quart ring mold. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Serve with fresh fruit or enjoy it plain.