First Term: Lesson 1 - Classic Sponge Cake

Lesson 1: How to Make a Classic Sponge Cake

If you’re new to baking or simply want to master the perfect sponge, there’s no better place to start than with Delia’s Classic Sponge Cake—the first lesson in the Delia Online Cookery School. In this beginner-friendly video tutorial, Delia walks you through every step of the process, making it easy to follow along and build confidence from the very start.

Before you even crack an egg, Delia shares her expert advice on the essential equipment that makes all the difference when baking. From the correct sponge tins (18cm x 4cm is key!) to her recommended reusable liners, digital kitchen scales, lightweight mixing bowls, and more, she covers everything you need to set yourself up for sponge success.

You’ll learn why tools like a sieve, electric hand whisk, rubber spatula, and cooling racks can make cake-making smoother and more enjoyable. And yes, she even includes a few energy-saving alternatives if you’re mixing by hand! Once your equipment is ready, Delia takes you through the ingredients and shows, step by step in the video, how to mix, bake, and assemble the perfect light and airy sponge cake. Complete beginners will be baking like pros in no time.

So if you’ve ever wondered how to make a sponge cake that’s evenly risen, beautifully textured, and simply delicious—this is the perfect place to begin.