School cake
Maria Rix 
A deliciously light sponge tray bake can be decorated in so many ways. If you have this cake in your repertoire, then you don't need anything else.
If you're looking to make a delicious sponge cake but don't have any bakeware on hand, don't worry! With a few simple materials, you can easily create a traybake sponge cake using a foil tray. Not only is this a convenient option, but it's also a budget-friendly alternative to purchasing expensive baking equipment.
To begin, gather your ingredients.
For a classic sponge cake, you'll need 4 eggs, 225g caster sugar, 225g self-raising flour, and 225g softened unsalted butter. You can also add in any additional flavorings or decorations as desired, such as vanilla extract, lemon zest, or fresh berries.
Making your cake.
Next, preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C fan/gas mark 4 and line a deep foil tray with parchment paper. This will help prevent the cake from sticking and make for easy clean-up.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. If you're adding any flavorings, such as vanilla extract or lemon zest, now is the time to mix them in.
Sift in the self-raising flour and gently fold it into the mixture until everything is well combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the cake to become tough.
Pour the batter into the prepared foil tray, spreading it out evenly. If you're adding any toppings, such as fresh berries, sprinkle them over the top of the batter.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Be sure to keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the cooking time, as it can quickly go from perfectly golden to overcooked.
Once the cake is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the tray for 5-10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can slice and serve the cake as desired.
Making a traybake sponge cake using a foil tray is a simple and convenient way to create a delicious dessert without having to invest in expensive baking equipment. With just a few basic ingredients and a little bit of baking know-how, you can whip up a crowd-pleasing cake in no time. So why not give it a try and see for yourself just how easy and delicious homemade sponge cake can be!
Categories: Baking with children, Recipes