With a vanilla-based sponge infused with fresh lemon zest and a luscious cream cheese frosting, every bite is tangy, rich, ...

Now, I make it from scratch: a rich yellow butter cake with lots of egg yolks, a generous glug of vanilla and a secret dash of almond extract. My homemade version scratches that nostalgic itch.

Initially, he followed a recipe from his mother, Kathy Pinsky: a combination of pistachio pudding mix and boxed vanilla cake. It was too sweet. Then, he made it entirely from scratch.

From scratch sponge cake makes a great base for some strawberry ... If you have a real sweet tooth, add sugar to both (and a half-teaspoon vanilla in the cream). heavy cream for whipping.