Summer holidays are the perfect time for a fun kitchen adventure! This easy vanilla sponge tray bake is a great recipe to make with children; simple, light, and perfect for turning into individual mini cakes. Once baked, you can cut out circles (we recommend 8cm wide) and sandwich them with whipped cream, jam or fresh fruit to create adorable little treats. This is a hands-on activity kids will love, and the results are both tasty and charming!
Vanilla Sponge Tray Bake for Mini Cakes
Makes: 1 tray bake (approx. 12–15 mini cakes depending on size)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
Level: Simple and child-friendly
Ingredients
- 250g unsalted butter, softened
- 250g caster sugar
- 5 medium eggs
- 250g self-raising flour
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- (For filling and decoration): Whipped cream, strawberry jam, fresh berries, sprinkles, icing sugar
You’ll Also Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or wooden spoon
- Rectangular baking tray (approx. 30x20cm), greased and lined
- 8cm round cutter or glass
- Wire cooling rack
- Spatula and spoon for filling
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Sift in the self-raising flour and fold gently to combine. Add milk to loosen the batter slightly.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tray and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and springy to the touch. A skewer should come out clean.
- Leave to cool in the tray for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To Assemble Your Mini Cakes:
- Use an 8cm round cutter or glass to cut circles out of the cooled sponge.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream and/or jam on one sponge round and top with another to create a mini cake sandwich.
- Decorate the top with more cream, fruit, sprinkles or a dusting of icing sugar.
- Let children get creative and personalise their cakes!
Tip for Grown-Ups:
This recipe is a great way to get kids involved in baking and decorating. It's also ideal for summer parties or picnics. You can even freeze the sponge in advance and assemble the mini cakes on the day.
We’d love to see your mini cake creations! Share your photos with us using #HeriotsummerBakes
