Im trying to keep my little neices busy by making a sponge cake, however the cake keeps burning on the outside both top and bottom bit in the tin but still runny in the middle.  We have made 4 so far and still ahvent got it right lol what we doing worng lol I had it on 200 the first on then turned it down to 150 for the rest thinking that would help.  At this rate it would have been far cheaper to buy a one lol

Well at least you and they are busy - even if it's not working our right!!

Generally I'd say your oven is too hot or your cake too large.  A 2 egg 4oz sponge should be in two 7" tins for even cooking at gas mark 3 or 170 (not fan oven) for 25 to 30 mins.  A 3 egg 6oz version will need 5 or 10 mins longer.  If you put a similar amount in a loaf tin you'll need to cook for 1hr to 1hr 20mins. 

Use a skewer or sharp knife in the middle of the cake to test - it should come out clean.  Also should feel springy when tapped with your finger.

By the way you can hide all sorts of things with icing - just cut off the burnt bits and stick it all together with a bit of jam or butter icing and cover with bright pink stickiness for girly fun!!  Good luck

> trying to keep my little neices busy

You do realise you are not just making a cake but family history.

Every time a sponge cake is served they will talk about Auntie and her four sponges !!!

Now go to the shops and buy one LOL

I hope not im there uncle :-o pmsl

noo! no buying sponge! do as advised above and maybe put on the middle shelve if you have on the top now

> im there uncle

No safety there.. nieces are evil. My five will extract the urine at every opportunity.

1. make sure you line the tin with greaseproof paper.

2. set the oven at 180 degrees (200 is too hot and this will cause the outside to burn)

3. Put the cake on the middle of the oven

4. It is done when the edges come slightly away from the tin, and the top is springy. Pierce with a skewer to ensure that there is no runny in the middle.

Good advice there so I'll not add any.

Just thought I'd mention....  Cinder Toffee is great fun for older kids - and it's very scientific (recipe off the net) :-D  We made some yesterday, then we made Redcurrant Jam :-D  MMMMmmmmm

Mmmmmmmmm!! Yummy Yum