These Fluffy Sponge Cupcakes are delightfully soft, cloud-like treats made with pantry staples. They’re the perfect base for decorating or simply enjoying plain with a cup of tea. With a tender crumb and golden top, these classic sponge cupcakes are light, elegant, and easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Made with whipped eggs — no baking soda or cream of tartar needed
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Light as air with a delicate, moist texture
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Great as-is or topped with cream, fruit, or frosting
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Simple ingredients, big payoff in texture and flavor
Servings: 12 cupcakes
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏲️ Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
️ Oven Temp: 170°C / 340°F
Ingredients
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1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
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¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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¼ cup (60 ml) whole milk, warm
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¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F).
Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2️⃣ Beat the Eggs & Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 5–7 minutes, until thick, pale, and tripled in volume.
The batter should fall in ribbons when lifted.
3️⃣ Sift & Fold the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together:
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Flour
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Baking powder
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Salt
Gently fold the dry mixture into the whipped egg batter in 3–4 batches, being careful not to deflate the volume.
4️⃣ Incorporate the Milk & Butter
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and melted butter.
Add a few spoonfuls of batter into this milk-butter mixture and whisk to combine — this tempers the temperature and texture.
Gently fold this lightened mixture back into the main batter.
5️⃣ Bake
Divide the batter evenly into the prepared liners, filling each about ¾ full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Cool & Serve
Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve plain or decorate as desired.
Nutrition (Per Cupcake – Approx.)
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Calories: 160
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Carbs: 20g
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Fat: 7g
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Sugar: 12g
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Protein: 4g
Tips & Variations
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Room temperature eggs whip better — don’t skip this step
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Don’t overmix after adding flour — it deflates the batter
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Add a hint of lemon or almond extract for flavor twists
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Top with whipped cream, fresh berries, or dust with powdered sugar

Fluffy Sponge Cupcakes (Light & Airy)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes
Description
These Fluffy Sponge Cupcakes are delightfully light and tender — a classic treat that works perfectly on their own or dressed up with cream, fruit, or frosting. With whipped eggs and minimal fat, this Japanese-style sponge delivers a soft, cloud-like texture in every bite.
Ingredients
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1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
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3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk, warm
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1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F).
Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar on high speed for 5–7 minutes, until thick, pale, and tripled in volume.
The batter should fall in ribbons when lifted from the beaters.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, then fold into the egg mixture in 3 batches, using a spatula.
Be gentle to avoid deflating the airy batter.
In a small bowl, combine warm milk and melted butter.
Add a few spoonfuls of the batter to this milk mixture to temper it, then gently fold it back into the main batter.
Divide the batter evenly into your cupcake liners, filling each ¾ full.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let cupcakes cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy plain or decorate with whipped cream, fruit, or frosting of your choice!
Notes
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Use room temperature eggs for max volume.
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Don’t overmix once the flour is added.
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Cupcakes are best enjoyed the same day, but they stay soft for up to 2 days stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American