Sponge cakes are one of the most popular sweet treats worldwide. Millions of people simply adore the combination of a porous cake layer and airy cream. And to achieve a delicious treat, you need to follow all the rules of sponge cake making.

Many challenges await chefs just beginning their journey in the art of pastry. One of the most common is the cake's sinking. A tall sponge cake is much easier to work with, its texture will be more delicate, and the cake will also be larger. In this article, we've compiled some tips to help you create the perfect cake for your treat.

Why does the sponge cake fall after baking?

This problem occurs even to experienced home cooks. To avoid it, you first need to understand the reasons for its occurrence. The risk of sponge cake settling arises if:

  • You haven't beaten the eggs enough or you haven't beaten them correctly. This step is the most important and directly affects the height of the baked cake. Remember, the egg whites need to be beaten until stiff peaks form, about 5-10 minutes (depending on the power of your mixer).
  • You didn't put the pan with the dough in the oven immediately. This mistake causes the bubbles to escape, which means the sponge cake won't be as airy. It's best to prepare the pan in advance and turn on the oven so it's already preheated before you add the dough.
  • You opened the oven while the crust was baking. This is a common problem among amateur cooks. Try not to open the oven for at least the first 30 minutes, but it's best not to do so for the entire baking time specified in the recipe.
  • You were mixing the dough too carelessly or using a spoon. This process requires the utmost delicacy. Forget about intensity and speed; biscuit dough should be mixed with a silicone spatula using upward movements.

When should I take the sponge cake out of the oven?

Once your sponge cake has gone through all the preparation and baking stages, don't assume it's safe from sinking. Proper handling of the baked cake is the absolute key to a beautiful, towering cake.

Should I take the cake out of the oven immediately or not?

Even if your sponge cake turns out fluffy and smooth, don't rush to take it out of the oven and show off your culinary talents to everyone you love. A sudden temperature change will ruin the texture of the cake, causing it to shrink instantly, forcing you to bake another sponge cake, wasting more time and ingredients, or settle for a smaller, low-baked cake.

When to remove the sponge cake from the oven - photo

How long then can I open the oven with the biscuit?

The best solution in this situation is to open the oven door slightly after turning off the oven and wait 15 minutes. Then, remove the cake pan and let it cool at room temperature. This will ensure a smooth transition between temperature settings and maintain the sponge cake's porosity and airy texture.

Some chefs recommend leaving the cake in the oven with the door slightly ajar until it cools completely. However, this will dry out the cake and ruin its flavor.

If you are baking a sponge cake for a roll, then leave it for 10 minutes instead of 15, because it needs to be still warm to wrap well and avoid cracks and breaks.

How to cool a sponge cake properly?

If you want to impress your guests with a spectacular cake, you also need to cool the sponge cake properly to prevent it from collapsing. There are many nuances to this step, but they are essential to follow, as ruining a perfect cake at the very end would be a real shame.

After the cake has rested in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 15 minutes, the first question arises: "Should I remove it from the pan hot or cold?" The only surefire solution is to place the cake and pan upside down on a wire rack. If you don't have a rack, you can use glasses or cups. This will allow air circulation, preventing condensation and making the cake soggy.

Before shaping, the sponge cake needs to rest. So, gently run a knife through the sides of the pan to loosen the cake and remove it. Then, wrap it in several layers of cling film and refrigerate it on the bottom shelf. This will ensure even distribution of moisture throughout the cake, giving it a soft and light texture.

How to properly cool a sponge cake - photo

If you want to cool the cake quickly, don't take it out onto the balcony, especially in freezing temperatures. Simply transfer the cake regularly to a chilled bowl or cutting board. You can also use a fan while cooling the cake on a wire rack to create a cooler air flow.

These tricks will help you enjoy a luxurious result. The sponge cake will be incredibly airy and soft, its shape will be neat, and its height will allow you to make a fairly large cake. You'll forget about the problem of settling, and your culinary masterpieces will look like desserts from the covers of the best cookbooks.