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–+ servings
Hot Milk Sponge Cake
This recipe card offers two classic cake recipes: Hot Milk Sponge Cake and Devil’s Food Cake. The Hot Milk Sponge Cake is a light, fluffy dessert made using the old-fashioned method of adding heated milk to a whipped egg and sugar base, giving it a delicate texture and springy crumb. Meanwhile, the Devil’s Food Cake is a rich, chocolatey counterpart that uses cocoa, milk, and a touch of vanilla for a deep flavor and moist texture. These cakes reflect mid-20th-century American baking trends, when pantry staples and simple techniques created timeless comfort food desserts.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 255 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 eggs (separated (whites beaten stiff))
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 2½ cups flour
  • 4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 cup hot milk (not boiling, but very hot)
  • 1 tsp lemon extract

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Egg Mixture

  • Beat egg whites until stiff. In a separate bowl, cream egg yolks and sugar together until light. Fold in egg whites.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In another bowl, mix flour, salt, and baking powder. Add to the egg mixture.

Step 3: Add Hot Milk and Flavoring

  • Heat milk until very hot but not boiling. Stir it into the batter with lemon extract. Mix until smooth.

Step 4: Bake

  • Pour into a greased loaf or sheet pan. Bake in a moderate oven (about 350°F) for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Tips

  • Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a more aromatic sponge.
  • Fold in grated lemon zest for a classic citrus version.
  • Serve layered with whipped cream and berries for a light dessert.
  • Replace ¼ cup flour with cornstarch for a more delicate crumb.
  • Dust the cake with powdered sugar instead of frosting.
  • Make it a chiffon-style sponge by separating the eggs and whipping the whites to soft peaks.
  • Bake as cupcakes, reduce bake time to ~15 minutes.
  • Add a thin warm milk soak for extra moisture (a classic hot-milk cake trick).
  • Use parchment lining to prevent tearing when removing from the pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 47gProtein: 4gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.6gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 31gVitamin A: 185IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword classic American cake, heirloom baking, hot milk cake, old-fashioned desserts, sponge cake, vintage recipe
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