Mum's viral 'school cake' recipe will take you back in time in 40 easy minutes

Let's face it, lunchtime was always a highlight of the school day - and nothing topped the legendary sprinkle sponge cake.

This quintessential delight has graced school dining halls for generations. The icing-laden soft sponge is ideal for an afternoon snack, enjoyed with a cup of tea, or as a pudding with a dollop of custard.

Though synonymous with school dinners, it's a breeze to whip up your own version at home for a nostalgic treat. Crafting this sweet sensation involves a vanilla sponge cake, smothered with water icing and rainbow sprinkles - and it can be ready in under an hour.

A mum's straightforward recipe has taken the internet by storm, with many eager to try their hand at it - and it's a budget-friendly bake too. Bethany Swancott, a lover of all things family and food, dishes out parenting advice and easy-to-make meals on her Instagram. The coffee house owner has amassed over 200,000 followers.

In the summer break, she concocted her own delectable version of the sprinkle cake, which she described as "easy, fluffy perfection". "Can't beat a classic," she remarked.

For this cake, Bethany says you need 10oz each of Stork baking spread, self-raising flour, and granulated sugar. The recipe calls for four large eggs, two teaspoons of baking powder, 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 2.5 tablespoons of milk.

Start by preheating your oven to 170C. Bethany explained: "Whisk together all the ingredients in a bowl for three minutes until smooth and airy. Add the mixture to a lined and greased baking tray, ensuring it's nice and even."

Once mixed, pop the tray into the oven and bake for 40 minutes. "Take out and leave for a minute or two then turn out onto a cooling rack," Bethany said. "When the cake is completely cool you can top it with your icing and sprinkles!"

For the icing, she recommends 300g of icing sugar mixed with either three tablespoons of water or milk, advising: "Add slowly as you may need more or less." After icing the cake evenly, scatter over some multi-coloured sprinkles, cut into slices, serve and savour!

The recipe has gone down a storm online, with one user reminiscing: "I used to make this every day when I was school cook, kids love it." Another posted: "Need this in my life," while a third shared: "I made the school cake this morning and my family loved it."