The Grinch Sponge Cake

This festive Grinch Sponge Cake is the perfect holiday treat, combining light and airy sponge cake with creamy whipped cream layers that make each bite melt in your mouth. The sponge cake itself is soft and fluffy, almost like a cloud, with just the right sweetness to complement the rich, smooth whipped cream. Between each layer of cake, you'll find a generous spread of whipped cream, creating a delicious contrast of textures that keeps every bite exciting. The vibrant green color adds a fun, festive touch that’s sure to brighten up any holiday table, making it not only a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes too! Whether you're serving it at a holiday party or just enjoying a sweet moment at home, this Grinch Sponge Cake is a crowd-pleaser everyone will love.

What equipment do you need?

• 2 Mixing bowls
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• 9 inch round cake pan
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• Measuring cups
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• Measuring spoons
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• Whisk
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• Piping bags
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• Some kind of spatula to scrape the sides of your bowl
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• Parchment Paper(my favorite parchment paper to use)
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• Edible marker
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Let's talk about the main ingredients

Eggs
For this recipe, you’ll need to separate the eggs into two bowls, making sure to use both the egg whites and yolks separately. The egg yolks create the rich, smooth batter, while the egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks to give your cake its light, airy texture. It’s important to handle each part carefully to get that perfect fluffy sponge.

Design
When it comes to creating the design, I got creative and used my sanitized iPad to draw directly onto the parchment paper. It’s a fun and tech-savvy way to make sure your design is precise. If you don't have an iPad, you can always print out a design and trace it onto the parchment paper. It’s an easy way to add that extra personal touch without any fancy skills.

Food Coloring
If this is your first time making a decorated sponge cake, I recommend keeping the design simple with just a few colors. I originally thought the Grinch design would be easy since it only required four colors, but looking back, I think simplifying it even further would have been a better approach for my first attempt. The fewer colors you use, the less stress you’ll have when it comes to piping and freezing each layer. But hey, don’t be afraid to experiment—just take it one step at a time!

Now, let's get into it

Step 1: Prepare the Parchment Paper
Start by cutting a piece of parchment paper to fit a 9-inch cake pan. Use an edible marker to trace your desired design onto the parchment paper. Make sure your design is large enough to fit within the pan. You can get creative here—whether it's a fun holiday shape or a simple pattern, just make sure the design is clear so it shows up on the final cake.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease your 9-inch cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. After greasing, line the pan with your parchment paper. This will ensure that your cake doesn't stick to the pan and will make it easy to remove once it's baked.

Step 3: Separate the Eggs
Carefully separate the egg yolks and whites into two separate bowls. The egg whites will be beaten to form stiff peaks, and the yolks will be combined with the other ingredients to make the base of the batter. Take your time to avoid any yolk getting into the whites, as this will prevent the whites from whipping up properly.

Step 4: Make the Yolk Mixture
In the bowl with the egg yolks, whisk together the yolks, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. This creates the rich, flavorful base for your sponge cake, so make sure it’s well-mixed before moving on.

Step 5: Sift in Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour and cornstarch into the yolk mixture. Sifting helps prevent any lumps and ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Mix the batter until it’s thick and smooth, but be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 6: Whisk the Egg Whites
In the separate bowl with the egg whites, whisk them until they start to foam and become frothy. Gradually add in sugar and vinegar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving a light, fluffy texture in your cake. When you lift the whisk, the peaks should hold their shape without drooping.

Step 7: Fold Egg Whites into Yolk Mixture
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk mixture. Be cautious during this step—don’t stir too vigorously, as you want to maintain the airiness of the egg whites. Folding will incorporate the two mixtures together while keeping the batter light and airy.

Step 8: Color the Batter
Divide the batter into small bowls and add food coloring to each one. This is where you can get creative with your design! Use a separate piping bag for each color and be mindful to use enough of each color so you can complete your design without running out. If you’re new to this, it’s a good idea to keep your design simple so it’s easier to manage.

Step 9: Pipe the Design
Carefully pipe your colored batter onto the parchment paper according to your design. Freeze the cake for 5-8 minutes between each color to set the design before adding the next one. This ensures that each color layer holds its shape without blending into the others. After finishing the final color, freeze the entire design again for a few minutes to firm it up.

Step 10: Cover and Bake
Once your design has set, cover it with the remaining uncolored batter. Spread it out evenly to ensure the design is fully covered. Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden.

Step 11: Flip and Cool the Cake
After baking, flip the cake onto a fresh piece of parchment paper. Gently peel off the original parchment to reveal your beautiful design. Allow the cake to cool completely before moving on to the next steps. If you have leftover batter, bake it in the same manner without the design for additional layers.

Step 12: Assemble the Cake
Once your cakes have cooled, layer them with whipped cream (check out my whipped cream video for the best technique). Place the design layer on top for the ultimate presentation. If you want a cleaner, more polished look, you can trim the edges of the cake. This step will give your cake a neat, professional finish, perfect for any occasion!

Enjoy your colorful and creamy Grinch Sponge Cake!