Sweet Classic Old School Cake Recipe - Just Like You Remember It
Retro School Cake Recipe - Simple, Sweet and So British | AliExpress UK
Classic School Cake Recipe - A Nostalgic Bake With Sweet Icing And Sprinkles
Remember the smell of the school canteen, trays of warm sponge cooling on a wire rack, and that iconic school cake cut into squares with bright icing and sprinkles on top?
If you’re already picturing Friday lunchtime with custard poured generously over a slice, you’re not alone. This is the dessert that defined a generation of school dinners across the UK. And yet, many of us have never tried to make it at home. Why? Because we assume it’s complicated. Spoiler: it isn’t.
This post gives you the full school cake recipe, step by step, with tips for AliExpress UK kitchen products that will make it even easier. Whether you’re after the original classic school cake, a chocolate cake recipe, or just want to relive those nostalgic memories of school, we’ll walk you through everything. And yes, there will be plenty of sprinkle talk.
What Exactly Is A School Cake?
A school cake is basically a simple vanilla sponge baked in a rectangular tin, covered with white sweet icing, and topped with colourful sprinkles. It’s also known as a retro school cake or old school cake.
The beauty? It’s not a fancy birthday cake, it’s a cheap cake that’s easy, reliable, and still makes us smile. Think of it as a British version of a sheet cake, designed to be cut into squares and dished out to hungry kids. No frills, just comfort.
- A simple vanilla sponge cake cut into squares.
- Always topped with icing and sprinkles.
- Served warm or cold at school dinner halls.
Why Does This Classic School Sprinkle Cake Still Feel So Nostalgic?
There’s something about this dessert that triggers instant throwback vibes. Maybe it’s the fact that every primary school across the UK seemed to use the exact same recipe. Maybe it’s because the cake is light, fluffy, and always came with pink water icing and sprinkles.
For many, this was the best school cake - better than anything you got at home. Personally, I remember standing in line, watching dinner ladies cut perfect squares with a skewer inserted to check it was cooked. That moment is burned into my memory more than any maths lesson.
- The cake = nostalgic bake across the UK.
- Light, simple, fluffy sponge made with love.
- Part of those unforgettable school dinner cake rituals.
What Equipment Do You Need To Make School Cake At Home?
Before you start, make sure your baking tin is the right size. A rectangular cake tin lined with baking paper is key for that old-school look. You’ll also want mixing bowls, a whisk, and a wire rack to cool completely.
Here’s Where AliExpress UK Comes In:
- Silicone spatulas (budget-friendly, easy to wash).
- Digital kitchen scales (so you can weigh your eggs and match the other ingredients).
- Non stick trays.
- Reusable baking paper.
- You don’t need much – just a good tin and a whisk.
- Budget-friendly tools = smoother baking.
- AliExpress gadgets make it even easier.
How Do You Make School Cake Step By Step?
The classic cake recipe is easy to follow. Here’s the breakdown:
Ingredients:
- 225g margarine or butter
- 225g caster sugar
- 225g self-raising flour
- 4 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoon milk
Method:
- Preheat and tin and line with baking paper.
- Cream butter and sugar together until pale.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well.
- Fold in the flour and vanilla extract.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared tin.
- Bake in the oven at 180°C for 30 mins until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Cool in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack.
In Summary:
- Simple ingredients, classic technique.
- The batter is light but holds its shape.
- Cake is cooled before icing.
Should You Go Vanilla Sponge Or Chocolate School Cake Recipe?
Traditionally, this was a vanilla sponge cake. But the chocolate version became popular too. The vanilla is more traditional, but a chocolate cake recipe topped with chocolate icing feels indulgent. If you’re torn – make both. Honestly, it’s that easy recipe.
- Vanilla = traditional school cake.
- Chocolate = modern twist.
- Either way, the recipe is perfect.
How To Decorate With Icing And Sprinkles Like A Pro
The magic is in the topping. To make the icing, simply mix the icing sugar with enough water (icing sugar with enough water) until thick but pourable. Spread the icing evenly across the top of the cake, then add generous sprinkle showers.
The goal? Topped with icing and lots of sprinkles. For fun, you can add food colouring to create pink or green versions, or use chocolate icing instead. Then just let the cake cool, wait for the icing to set, and slice.
- Simple water icing & sprinkles do the trick.
- Add colour or stick to white - both work.
- Waiting for the icing to set is the hardest part.
Why Was School Pudding Cake Always Served With Custard?
Because served with custard, everything tastes better. The school dinner cake was almost always paired with hot vanilla custard, which balanced the sweetness of the sweet icing and kept the sponge soft. Even today, many who love this recipe will swear by making custard alongside it.
- Custard = part of the tradition.
- It keeps the cake light and moist.
- The combo is pure comfort food.
What’s The Best School Cake Size - Sheet Cake Or Birthday Cake Style?
Traditionally, it was a sheet cake cut into squares. But at home, you can make it birthday-style in a round tin too. Still, most bakers agree that the rectangular old school cake recipe feels more authentic.
Pro tip: If your cake sinks, don’t panic. Just cover it with extra icing & sprinkles and no one will care.
- Sheet cake = authentic school vibe.
- Round tin works too, but less nostalgic.
- Cover mistakes with sprinkles. Always.
How To Store, Freeze And Reheat Your Old School Cake
Once baked, leave the cake to cool completely before covering. It’ll keep 3-4 days in a tin, or you can freeze for up to 3 months. When defrosting, let the cake cool at room temperature and avoid microwaving unless you’re desperate. To reheat, serve a slice warm with custard for ultimate comfort.
- Store in an airtight tin.
- Freeze for up to 3 months easily.
- Best eaten slightly warm with custard.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect For Every Family (Love this Recipe)
The beauty of this school cake is that it’s a budget-friendly, easy to follow, light and fluffy treat that works for every family pudding. Whether you want to relive your memories of school, whip up a cheap cake for a midweek dessert, or just enjoy a tray bake that makes everyone happy, this is it.
One reader put it best: “I love this cake and will definitely be making it again. The recipe is perfect.” We couldn’t agree more.
- It’s a simple school cake that never fails.
- Perfect for parties, nostalgia nights, or just because.
- Once you bake it, you’ll love this recipe forever.
Old School Cake Recipe - What To Remember
- School cake = simple sponge + sweet icing + sprinkle.
- Bake in a rectangular tin, cut into squares for that school look.
- Always make the icing and top generously with icing & sprinkles.
- Best served warm with custard – the ultimate school dinner cake.
- Freeze for up to 3 months, reheat with custard for comfort.
- Whether vanilla or chocolate school cake recipe, the cake is light and fluffy every time.
Make This Cake Mix: This Isn’t Just a Dessert Light Cake
It’s a piece of childhood you can bake today. Don’t just crave it. Make school cake now, and relive the sweetest part of your school dinners.