Irish Sponge Cake

Directions

1. 1
   1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray two 9-inch round baking pans with nonstick spray infused with flour, or grease with butter and dust with a light coating of flour.
2. 2
   2. Add the eggs and sugar to a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar for 6 to 8 minutes until the mixture has increased in volume and thickened to a consistency of whipped heavy cream.
3. 3
   3. In a separate bowl, sift the flour and baking powder together. Spoon half the flour into the egg mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula. Repeat with the remaining folding gently to fully incorporate the flour. Add the vanilla essence with the flour if desired.
4. 4
   4. Pour half of the cake mixture into each of the prepared baking pans. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes. The sponges will be golden brown, with a slight spring to the touch when cooked.
5. 5
   5. Remove the sponges from the oven and cool on a wire tray.
6. 6
   6. Whip the heavy cream using an electric beater until thick. Add 1 tablespoon of confectioners' sugar to sweeten if desired. Spread jam on the inner surface of each sponge. Place one layer on a plate, spreading the cream over the jam. Sandwich the cream with the upper sponge layer.
7. 7
   7. Decorate by sifting a fine layer of confectioners sugar on top. Slice to serve.