• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Lights, Camera, BAKE!
','

  • Recipes
    • Bars and Slices
    • Blondies and Brownies
    • Bread
    • Cake and Cupcake Recipes
    • Cheesecake Recipes
    • Cookies
    • Fillings and Icings
    • Frozen Desserts
    • Holidays
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Halloween
      • Mother's Day
      • St Patricks Day
      • Valentines Day
    • Muffins
    • No bake
    • Pies and Tarts
    • Special Diets
      • Dairy Free
      • Gluten Free
      • Paleo
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Policy/Disclaimer
  • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • Christmas
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
    • Media
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • Christmas
    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
      • Media
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Cake and Cupcake Recipes

    Egg Yolk Sponge Cake

    Published: Sep 7, 2018 · Modified: Jan 11, 2025 by Emma Burton · This post may contain affiliate links · 28 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Egg Yolk Sponge Cake is a super light and fluffy sponge relying on egg yolks as the base which delivers a rich and fluffy sponge. Filled with whipped cream and jam, dusted with icing sugar and you have a classic sponge cake for dessert, morning tea or just for fun.

    Egg Yolk Sponge Cake is a super light and fluffy sponge relying on egg yolks as the base which delivers a rich and fluffy sponge. Filled with whipped cream and jam, dusted with icing sugar and you have a classic sponge cake for dessert, morning tea or just for fun. #eggyolkspongecake #spongecake #spongecakerecipe #easycakerecipe

    I discovered a recipe for egg yolk sponge cake on Nigella Lawson's community site. I had mad a pavlova for Christmas and had egg yolks left over. I scoured the internet for recipes that only required egg yolks and stumbled across this recipe. I have never been a huge a fan of sponge - I just don't see the point in them - but a sponge with just egg yolks? This was far too intriguing not to make.

    Egg Yolk Sponge Cake is a super light and fluffy sponge relying on egg yolks as the base which delivers a rich and fluffy sponge. Filled with whipped cream and jam, dusted with icing sugar and you have a classic sponge cake for dessert, morning tea or just for fun. #eggyolkspongecake #spongecake #spongecakerecipe #easycakerecipe

    Sponge cakes usually require whole eggs to be beaten so that air whipped into them create the light and fluffy texture you all love in a sponge. With  this recipe we still beat the egg yolks but we beat them with hot water instead of egg whites.

    Egg Yolk Sponge Cake is a super light and fluffy sponge relying on egg yolks as the base which delivers a rich and fluffy sponge. Filled with whipped cream and jam, dusted with icing sugar and you have a classic sponge cake for dessert, morning tea or just for fun. #eggyolkspongecake #spongecake #spongecakerecipe #easycakerecipe

    Now when I say we beat the egg yolks, I mean we REALLY beat them. They will triple in volume! This creates the same light and fluffy texture of a regular sponge cake. Let me tell you, the egg yolks create such a rich flavour that you don't get with regular sponge cake. So mush so, that I was even converted to a liker of sponge! Egg yolk sponge cake that is. (I still don't like regular sponge cake.)

    Egg Yolk Sponge Cake is a super light and fluffy sponge relying on egg yolks as the base which delivers a rich and fluffy sponge. Filled with whipped cream and jam, dusted with icing sugar and you have a classic sponge cake for dessert, morning tea or just for fun. #eggyolkspongecake #spongecake #spongecakerecipe #easycakerecipe

    Now, my Grandma is the Queen of sponges. She makes the best sponge cakes and she taught me that after pouring your batter into your cake tin, you should slam the tin on the counter. This seems counter intuitive as you would think this would pop some of the lovely air pockets and lift we created with the extreme beating of the eggs but trust me... It works! It really, truly works and I have no idea why.

    Egg Yolk Sponge Cake is a super light and fluffy sponge relying on egg yolks as the base which delivers a rich and fluffy sponge. Filled with whipped cream and jam, dusted with icing sugar and you have a classic sponge cake for dessert, morning tea or just for fun. #eggyolkspongecake #spongecake #spongecakerecipe #easycakerecipe

    The favourite filling for this egg yolk sponge cake - according to my family - is whipped cream and boysenberry jam, so this is the filling I have gone for. You could of course use any kind of jam for replace that with fresh berries. A dusting of icing sugar is a must but be sure to only do that just before serving or the icing sugar will melt into the cake.

    I hope you enjoyed today's recipe and I truly hope you give this sponge cake a go and remember to rate and report back your results in the comments below. I love reading your comments! Also #lightscamerabake on Instagram for a chance to be featured! Check out my latest video Marshmallow Brownies.

    My latest recipe: The best carrot cake!

    Egg Yolk Sponge Cake is a super light and fluffy sponge relying on egg yolks as the base which delivers a rich and fluffy sponge. Filled with whipped cream and jam, dusted with icing sugar and you have a classic sponge cake for dessert, morning tea or just for fun. #eggyolkspongecake #spongecake #spongecakerecipe #easycakerecipe
    Print Recipe
    4.74 from 46 votes

    Egg Yolk Sponge Cake

    A super light and fluffy sponge relying on egg yolks as the base which delivers a rich and fluffy sponge. Filled with whipped cream and jam, dusted with icing sugar and you have a classic sponge cake for dessert, morning tea or just for fun.
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time35 minutes mins
    Total Time55 minutes mins
    Course: Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 12 Pieces
    Calories: 235kcal
    Author: Emma Burton

    Ingredients

    • 6 Egg Yolks (108g)
    • ¼ Cup Boiling Water
    • 1 Cup Caster Sugar (225g)
    • ¼ Cup Milk
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
    • 1 Cup Self Raising Flour (120g)

    Filling & Decoration;

    • ⅓ Cup Boysenberry Jam (110g)
    • 1 Cup Whipping Cream
    • 2 Tbsp. Icing Sugar (15g)
    Metric - US Conventional

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease and line two 20cm round cake tins and set aside.
    • Boil the water and beat that and the egg yolks on high until really fluffy (tripled in size).
    • Turn to a low speed and add in the caster sugar, milk and vanilla extract.
    • Fold through the self raising flour. Don't overmix!
    • Pour the batter into the two baking pans and slam them both on the counter.
    • Place in the oven for 25-35 minutes. This really depends on the oven so check it at 25 minutes. If a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean they are cooked.
    • Allow the cakes to cool completely before spreading the jam and cream on one cake and layering with the other. Dust the cake with icing sugar just before serving.

    Notes

    Adapted from here.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Piece | Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 42mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 430IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @LightsCameraBake or tag #lightscamerabake!

    Egg Yolk Sponge Cake is a super light and fluffy sponge relying on egg yolks as the base which delivers a rich and fluffy sponge. Filled with whipped cream and jam, dusted with icing sugar and you have a classic sponge cake for dessert, morning tea or just for fun. #eggyolkspongecake #spongecake #spongecakerecipe #easycakerecipe

    More Decadent Cake and Cupcake Recipes

    • Lemon and Ricotta Cake on a plate.
      Lemon Ricotta Cake
    • Gingerbread cupcake on a white plate covered in buttercream and sprinkles.
      Gingerbread Cupcakes
    • Slice of the best carrot cake.
      The Best Carrot Cake
    • Slice of lemon blueberry cake on a blue background.
      Lemon Blueberry Cake

    Reader Interactions

    Never Miss A Recipe

    * indicates required
    /* real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

    Intuit Mailchimp

    Comments

    1. Sarah

      September 29, 2022 at 1:14 am

      I wonder if the sponge would freeze? Have you perhaps tried that with this cake?

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        September 30, 2022 at 2:59 pm

        Hi Sarah, I have not personally tried with this cake. I believe it would freeze without the filling but I cannot vouch for the results or if it will remain light and fluffy when defrosted. If you do try to freeze this cake, please report back with the results as I (and other readers) would love to know how it goes.

        Reply
    2. Sha

      June 14, 2022 at 2:57 am

      Hi Emma, am a bit confused the difference in the 1 cup measures for sugar (225g) and flour (120g) almost 50%. Have I got this right or is that a typo?

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        June 16, 2022 at 10:06 am

        The measurements are correct. The the reason the grams are different is because flour is lighter than sugar. So 1 cup of sugar weighs more than 1 cup of flour.

        Reply
        • Sha

          June 16, 2022 at 10:21 am

          Thank you!

          Reply
    3. Jarmil Oromo

      August 22, 2021 at 7:03 pm

      I made a mistake and placed all the batter in one tin.....I hope it comes out well🙏🙏🙏

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        August 23, 2021 at 4:53 pm

        It will need a longer bake time but should still turn out ok. Let me know how you get on.

        Reply
    4. Hicham

      July 09, 2021 at 5:57 am

      Hi,
      Could this be done in 1 tin instead of 2 tins?
      If yes, what will be the cook time?
      Thanks.

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        July 09, 2021 at 2:46 pm

        Hi, I haven't personally tried this so I cannot vouch for the results. In saying that, you can generally do this and add an additional 20 minutes or so onto the baking time. My only reservation with this is the sponge in this recipe is very delicate so over baking the outside and under baking the inside could be an issue. If you do try to bake this in one tin, please report back, as I (and other readers) would love to know the results.

        Reply
    5. Fran Kish

      June 30, 2021 at 3:24 pm

      Emma gorgeous in the oven atm rising well. Had the yolks room temp but took awhile to fluff. Once slowly added sugar got the consistency of a sponge. Looking forward to tasting. Did add teaspoon of Baking powder to flour and used only one tin. Glad to use left over yokes from over dozen eggs for pavlova's.. Thank you I'll now make a custard with the other left over yokes 👏💙🌺👍

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        July 05, 2021 at 2:30 pm

        I know you will absolutely love it!

        Reply
    6. mindesha

      May 16, 2021 at 10:18 am

      does the jam have to be Boysenberry?

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        May 16, 2021 at 10:22 am

        No, it can be any flavour jam you like.

        Reply
    7. Mary Davis

      April 03, 2021 at 1:39 am

      Thanks so much Emma for replies.

      Reply
    8. Mary Davis

      April 02, 2021 at 11:43 am

      Hi Emma do I use Kenwood Whisk or K Beater many thanks

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        April 02, 2021 at 1:00 pm

        I personally use beaters but either is fine.

        Reply
    9. Mary Davis

      April 02, 2021 at 11:14 am

      Hi Emma can you give fluid ounces measurement for 1/4 cup biking water and milk. Many thanks. Mary

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        April 02, 2021 at 1:01 pm

        Hi, 1/4 cup is 2 fl oz

        Reply
    10. Mesi

      September 25, 2020 at 5:15 am

      Dear Emma
      Thank you for this amazing recipe! I couldn't have imagined before a sponge cake without egg - white, and it's even much better then the ones I made with whole eggs. Fluffiest ever!!! :* :*

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        September 25, 2020 at 12:12 pm

        I'm so happy you love the recipe!

        Reply
    11. Erica

      July 05, 2020 at 1:28 am

      Great way to use up leftover egg yolks and tasted delicious! Was very easy to follow as well. Will be my go to recipe - thanks!

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        July 05, 2020 at 10:55 am

        Thank you for your lovely comment! I'm o happy you love the recipe 🙂

        Reply
    12. Nicole Mullins

      December 27, 2019 at 11:01 am

      Yum, I made this gluten free which often turns out super crumbly but the result is fab, I have eaten a huge chunk fresh out of the oven, tastes great even without filling. Stoked to have a recipe to use up yolks from making meringues.

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        December 27, 2019 at 11:39 am

        Awesome! I'm so happy you love the recipe as much as I do 🙂

        Reply
    13. sugarfree kitchen

      May 07, 2019 at 9:20 pm

      hi just wondering , is there a substitute for the sugar ?

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        May 08, 2019 at 8:51 am

        Unfortunately the sugar contributes to the texture of the cake. You could try with coconut sugar, though that may be a bit heavy or with Stevia but I can't guarantee the results as I have not tried these myself

        Reply
    14. Mary Bloch

      April 20, 2019 at 7:09 am

      I made this and it was delicious! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Emma Burton

        April 20, 2019 at 1:14 pm

        That's so great! I'm so glad you liked it 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a ReplyCancel reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Girl smiling with handing pockets with purple and blue lights. Emma profile picture

    Hi! I'm Emma, the the driving force Lights, Camera, Bake!. I develop the recipes, style the food and produce the accompanying photos and videos for you at home.

    More about me →

    Christmas Recipes

    • White chocolate covered mint Oreo truffle.
      Mint Oreo Truffles
    • Chocolate Chip cookies on a white background.
      Cranberry and Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Chocolate Yule Log is a classic Christmas recipe that takes a sponge roll cake and turns it festive! #chocolatespongeroll #yulelog #chocolateyulelog #yulelogcake #fatlessspongerecipe
      Chocolate Yule Log
    • Christmas Tree Brownies are rich and fudgy chocolate brownies decorated like Christmas trees for a fun Christmas treat. #christmas #christmasbaking #christmastreebrownies #christmasbrownies #fudgybrownies
      Christmas Tree Brownies
    • Christmas Peppermint Brownies are rich, dark chocolate, fudgy brownies, topped with a peppermint icing, a drizzle of peppermint chocolate ganache and pieces of candy canes. #christmasbrownies #christmasrecipe #christmasbaking #peppermintbrownies #christmaspeppermintbrownies #candycanebrownies
      Christmas Peppermint Brownies
    • Christmas Cookie Bars are soft and gooey spiced cookie bars with white chocolate buttons and Christmas themed M&Ms. #christmasrecipe #mandmcookies #cookiebars #mandmcookiebars #christmascookiebars
      Christmas Cookie Bars

    Never Miss A Recipe

    * indicates required
    /* real people should not fill this in and expect good things - do not remove this or risk form bot signups */

    Intuit Mailchimp

    Popular Recipes

    • Easy Date Scones chopped in half with melted butter and runny honey drizzled over the plate.
      Easy Date Scones
    • Kinder Bueno Cookie Bars are chewy and soft cookie bars packed full of Kinder chocolate, Kinder Bueno and extra chocolate and white chocolate chips! #kinderbueno #cookiebars #kinderbuenocookies #kinderbuenocookiebars #kinderbuenobrownies
      Kinder Bueno Cookie Bars
    • Two pieces of Caramilk Brownies on top of each other on a white bench.
      Caramilk Brownies
    • Condensed Milk Blondies are a twist on my VERY popular Condensed Milk Brownies recipe! This is the vanilla/caramel version of those brownies. We have an ultra fudgy and gooey blondie made from condensed milk. #condensedmilkblondies #condensedmilkbrownies #condensedmilkcookies #cookiedoughfudge #cookiefudge
      Condensed Milk Blondies
    • Condensed Milk Brownies. Super chewy, fudgy and dense chocolate brownies using condensed milk as the base. #condensedmilkdessert #condensedmilkbrownies #chewybrownies #fudgybrownies #condensedmilkfudge #qucikandeasyfudge
      Condensed Milk Brownies
    • Egg Yolk Sponge Cake is a super light and fluffy sponge relying on egg yolks as the base which delivers a rich and fluffy sponge. Filled with whipped cream and jam, dusted with icing sugar and you have a classic sponge cake for dessert, morning tea or just for fun. #eggyolkspongecake #spongecake #spongecakerecipe #easycakerecipe
      Egg Yolk Sponge Cake

    Featured on

    Delivery Rank interview logo
    Logo for Australian House & Garden
    Foodgawker logo

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Blog
    • Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © Lights, Camera, BAKE! 2024 Brunch Pro on the Feast Plugin

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required