It’s a classic British chocolate sponge made by placing all ingredients in one bowl and beating until smooth. No creaming stages. No complicated steps. Just even mixing, reliable rise, and a light, tender crumb—finished with an easy cocoa buttercream.
Self-raising flour (175g)
Baking powder (1 tsp)
Soft margarine or butter (175g)
Caster sugar (175g)
Cocoa powder (40g)
Eggs, large (3)
Milk (2 tbsp; plus 1–2 tbsp warm water if needed)
Butter, softened (75g)
Icing sugar, sifted (175g)
Cocoa powder (20g)
Milk (1–2 tbsp, to loosen)
Preheat to 180°C/160°C fan/350°F. Grease and line two 20cm tins with parchment.
Combine flour, baking powder, cocoa, sugar, butter (or margarine), eggs, and milk. Beat until smooth and creamy.
If thick, add 1–2 tbsp warm water or a splash more milk. The batter should drop easily from a spoon.
Divide evenly between tins (weigh for accuracy). Bake 20–25 minutes, or until a skewer comes out clean.
Let sit 5 minutes in tins, then turn out onto a rack to cool completely.
Beat butter until fluffy. Mix in cocoa and icing sugar. Add milk gradually to a soft, spreadable consistency.
Spread half the icing over one sponge, top with the second, then cover the top with remaining icing and smooth.