Name: Easy Chocolate Sponge Cake (Light & Moist) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Western
Ingredients: 185 g All purpose flour (or any low protein content flour e.g. cake flour); 50 g Cocoa powder (unsweetened, Dutch processed); 1 teaspoon Baking soda; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; ½ teaspoon Salt; 100 g Granulated sugar; 100 g Brown sugar; ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract; 70 g Vegetable oil; 2 Eggs (at room temperature); 160 g Milk (at room temperature); 120 g Coffee (freshly brewed strong coffee at room temperature)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 23 reviews

If you have a hankering for a cake that feels like a warm hug yet melts effortlessly on your tongue, this Easy Chocolate Sponge Cake (Light & Moist) Recipe is a must-try. It’s not just any chocolate cake; it’s delightfully airy yet rich, combining gentle cocoa flavor with a hint of coffee that brings out the best in every bite. Perfect for celebrations or a simple treat to brighten a day, this cake bakes up beautifully with minimal fuss, making it your go-to recipe whenever you want to impress without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a three-layer chocolate cake with each layer thick and dark brown, looking soft and moist. Between the cake layers are two thick layers of smooth white cream, spread evenly and slightly spilling out from the edges. The cake sits on white parchment paper on a white cake stand that has a simple and clean design. The background is a white marbled texture that makes the cake the main focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create the magic of this chocolate sponge cake. Each component plays a crucial role, from the cocoa’s deep richness to the coffee’s subtle enhancement, tying the flavors into a harmonious whole.

All purpose flour (185 g): Provides structure, keeping the cake tender yet sturdy enough to hold its shape.
Cocoa powder (50 g): Unsweetened and Dutch processed for a smooth, intense chocolate flavor and dark color.
Granulated sugar (100 g): Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s tender crumb.
Brown sugar (100 g): Brings moisture and a subtle caramel note to enhance richness.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Deepens flavor complexity with its warm, sweet aroma.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise, creating that lovely light texture.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Works alongside baking soda to ensure proper lift and aeration.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances flavors and intensifies the chocolate’s taste.
Vegetable oil (70 g): Keeps the sponge incredibly moist without weighing it down.
Eggs (2, room temperature): Provide structure while helping the cake rise for that airy crumb.
Milk (160 g, room temperature): Adds moisture and softness, contributing to the cake’s tender texture.
Freshly brewed strong coffee (120 g, room temperature): Enhances the chocolate richness with a subtle depth of flavor.

How to Make Easy Chocolate Sponge Cake (Light & Moist) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F) without the fan to ensure even baking. Line three 15 cm (6-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper; this helps you get that clean release of perfectly shaped layers and prevents any sticking or tears.

Step 2: Whip Together the Wet Ingredients

Using an electric hand mixer, blend the eggs, vegetable oil, both sugars, coffee, milk, and vanilla extract for 1-2 minutes until everything is well combined and slightly frothy. This step is vital for even distribution and helps trap air for a light crumb.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt into a bowl. Sifting not only removes lumps but also aerates the ingredients for better texture. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense, so be gentle and patient.

Step 4: Divide the Batter Evenly

For perfectly even layers, use a digital scale to portion the batter equally into your prepared pans. Equal layers cook evenly and look professional when stacked, making your cake as visually impressive as it tastes.

Step 5: Bake Until Just Right

Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This timing ensures your cake remains moist but is fully cooked through. Avoid opening the oven door frequently to prevent temperature drops.

Step 6: Cool the Cakes

Either flip the cakes onto a cooling rack for immediate cooling or allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes if you prefer. Cooling fully to room temperature before frosting prevents your icing from melting and sliding off.

Step 7: Frost and Assemble

Once the chocolate sponge is cooled, you can fill and frost the layers to your heart’s content. Whether you prefer a classic chocolate buttercream, whipped cream, or fresh berries, this sponge is a perfect canvas for your creativity.

How to Serve Easy Chocolate Sponge Cake (Light & Moist) Recipe

The image shows one round chocolate cake layer with a rough, slightly crumbly texture on the top surface. The cake layer is dark brown and thin, sitting directly on crumpled white parchment paper, which lies on a white marbled surface. The edges are smooth and clearly defined, and the cake looks soft and moist. Another similar cake layer is partially visible on the left side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate the cake’s appearance without overshadowing the delicate crumb. Fresh raspberries or chocolate shavings add a fresh and decorative touch that pairs beautifully with the chocolate flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake shines when paired with lighter accompaniments like vanilla ice cream, fresh fruit salad, or a dollop of whipped cream. These sides balance the richness of the chocolate while complementing the moist texture with cool, creamy, or fresh contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the sponge with alternating colors of frosting or inject a surprise filling of your favorite jam or caramel between the layers. Another fun idea is turning it into a trifle or mini parfaits by crumbling the sponge and layering it with mousse and fruit in glasses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container to keep the cake moist and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. Refrigeration isn’t necessary unless your frosting contains dairy, but it can slightly dry out the sponge.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully—wrap each cooled layer in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. You can store it for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before frosting or serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently heat a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This quick step will revive the soft, light texture and make it taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I substitute coffee with water in this recipe?

While water can be used, the coffee enhances the chocolate’s flavor by adding depth and richness. If you prefer to avoid caffeine, try using a strong decaffeinated coffee or brewed chocolate tea for a similar effect.

Why do I need to use both baking soda and baking powder?

The combination balances the acidity and provides the perfect rise. Baking soda reacts with the acidic components like brown sugar and coffee, while baking powder gives extra lift, resulting in that light, fluffy sponge you love.

Can I use other types of flour instead of all-purpose?

Absolutely! Cake flour or any low-protein flour works great here because it produces a softer and more tender crumb. Just make sure to measure accurately for consistent results.

How do I prevent the cake from sinking in the middle?

Make sure your oven temperature is accurate, and avoid opening the oven door while baking as it causes temperature fluctuations. Also, be careful not to overmix your batter, as this can weaken the cake’s structure.

Is this cake suitable for layering and frosting immediately?

It’s best to let the cake cool fully to room temperature before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and helps the layers hold together perfectly. If you’re in a hurry, chilling the layers briefly can also help.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Easy Chocolate Sponge Cake (Light & Moist) Recipe, it will quickly become your favorite chocolate treat to whip up for any occasion. Its simple ingredients and fail-proof steps create a cake that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat. Dive in and enjoy the process—you’ll have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe in no time!