Preheat the oven to 350 Fahrenheit and spray a 9 x 13 baking dish with baking spray or grease with butter.
Separate the eggs placing the whites in one bowl and the yolks in another. Be sure not to get any yolk in the whites or they won't whip up into a meringue.
Add 1 cup of sugar to the egg yolks and using a whisk or mixer beat until they are light yellow in color and fall in a ribbon off the whisk or beaters.
Beat the egg whites on medium until they start to foam up.
Once foamy bump up the speed and gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar to the egg whites.
Once all the sugar is incorporated continue beating the egg whites until they are glossy and hold stiff peaks, about 3 minutes.
Beat the milk and vanilla into the egg yolk mixture.
Whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder and add it to the egg yolk mixture mixing until just combined.
Fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk and flour batter in 2-3 batches. Fold it gently trying not to lose too much of the air.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smooth out the top and bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly while making the soak/syrup.