Vanilla & Orange Sponge Cake

A light Thermomix vanilla and orange sponge cake with a tender crumb, fragrant citrus zest and a simple finish for afternoon tea or a special dessert.

This is Chef Aly’s independent Thermomix homage to Rose Levy Beranbaum and the careful craft of a classic vanilla sponge. Orange zest gives the crumb a bright fragrance while the Thermomix keeps the preparation wonderfully straightforward.

Ingredients

• 🧂150 g unsalted butter, softened
• 🍬150 g caster sugar
• 🍊1 orange, finely zested
• 🥚3 eggs
• 🌾180 g plain flour
• 🥄2 tsp baking powder
• 🧂1 pinch fine salt
• 🥛60 g milk
• 🌼1 tsp vanilla extract

Thermomix method

1. Preheat the oven 10 min / 180°C oven / no speed and line a 20 cm round cake tin with baking paper.
2. Place butter, sugar and orange zest in the mixing bowl. Cream 2 min / 0°C / speed 4 until pale and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix 30 sec / 0°C / speed 4 until combined.
4. Add flour, baking powder, salt and milk. Mix 20 sec / 0°C / speed 4, then scrape down and mix another 10 sec / 0°C / speed 4.
5. Transfer the batter to the tin and bake 35 min / 180°C oven / no speed, until golden and a skewer comes out clean.
6. Cool in the tin 10 min / 0°C / no speed, then transfer to a rack and cool completely before slicing.