Egg White Sponge Cake: Light, Airy, Cloud-Like Delight (58) 2026

This egg white sponge cake is the perfect way to use up leftover egg whites from other recipes that call only for yolks. It's incredibly easy to make and has a texture so fluffy you'll look for any excuse to bake it.

The cake is lightly sweetened and flavored with lemon zest, giving it a fresh, citrusy note. It's versatile enough to serve as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast.

With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can create a cloud-like sponge that everyone will love. Let's get started!

Ingredients for Egg White Sponge Cake

For 10 servings

• 6 egg whites (medium)
• 125 g sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 pinch salt
• 50 ml mild sunflower or olive oil
• 120 g wheat flour
• 16 g baking powder (1 packet)
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

How to Make Egg White Sponge Cake Step by Step

1. Preheat Oven and Whip Egg Whites

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) with top and bottom heat. Grease and line a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan, preferably springform, and set aside. Beat 6 medium egg whites with 125 g sugar, the zest of 1 lemon, and 1 pinch salt until stiff peaks form.

2. Add Oil

Pour in 50 ml mild sunflower or olive oil and incorporate by beating for a few seconds.

3. Fold in Dry Ingredients

Sift 120 g wheat flour and 16 g baking powder using a strainer. Fold them into the mixture with gentle, enveloping motions to preserve the air in the egg whites.

4. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the surface lightly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Cool and Unmold

Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then unmold and cool completely on a wire rack. If you use a round pan, the center may sink slightly; this is normal because the crumb lacks the strength of a whole-egg cake, but it doesn't affect flavor or fluffiness.

6. Decorate with Powdered Sugar

Before serving, dust 1 tablespoon powdered sugar over the top. This is optional but adds a quick, attractive finish.

Tips for the Best Egg White Sponge Cake

1. Egg White Temperature and Mixing

For best results, ensure egg whites are at room temperature before whipping; they will reach stiff peaks more easily. When incorporating other ingredients, avoid overmixing to keep the air in the batter, which is key to a tender, cloud-like crumb.

2. Oven Management

Do not open the oven during baking, as a sudden temperature drop can cause the cake to sink. Also, avoid overbaking; check for doneness with a toothpick.

3. Flavor Variations

While lemon zest adds a fresh touch, you can experiment with orange or lime zest, vanilla extract, or spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger. For a chocolate version, replace one tablespoon of flour with cocoa powder; it's delicious served with whipped cream.

30 Best Recipes I Love Making at Home

If you’re like me, you probably enjoy keeping a mix of easy comfort food, classic international dishes, and crowd-pleasing desserts on hand.

Whenever I want something rich and indulgent, I usually go for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And when I’m craving something fruity and comforting, I always come back to this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe.

For easy breakfasts and lighter meals, I often make these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. When I need a gluten-free pantry staple, I also like preparing this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe.

When I’m in the mood for tapas and Mediterranean flavors, I usually rotate between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. I also love serving this crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe when I want something a little more special.

For hearty lunches and cozy dinners, I always recommend this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. If I want something more filling, I’ll often make this baked Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Whenever I’m craving street food or party-style dishes, I usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. I also like serving these easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe as a simple appetizer or snack.

And if I’m putting together drinks and a full menu for guests, I’ll often pair dinner with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To round everything out, I love adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing the table with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

More Delicious Cooking Recipes for Family

Over the years of testing and refining recipes in my own kitchen, I’ve learned that the best dishes combine simplicity, reliable techniques, and bold flavor.

The recipes in this collection are the ones I personally return to again and again—whether I’m cooking a quick meal for myself or preparing something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I often make when I want something elegant but easy. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, learning how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When I want something fresh and simple, I usually turn to the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often recommend the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I also love sharing traditional dishes from around the world, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

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For anyone avoiding wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe proves that classic baked pasta dishes can still be rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying without gluten.

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