Introduction
The Victoria sponge cake is a beloved British classic that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea or enjoying a sweet treat with your family. Known for its light, fluffy texture and simple yet elegant filling of jam and cream, this cake is a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a simple Victoria sponge recipe, so you can create this iconic cake at home, step by step. Get ready to bake the perfect cake with our easy-to-follow instructions!
What is a Victoria Sponge Cake?
The Victoria sponge cake is a traditional British dessert named after Queen Victoria, who was fond of enjoying a slice of this delicious cake with her afternoon tea. It’s made with two layers of light sponge cake, filled with a sweet jam and often topped with fresh whipped cream. This simple yet indulgent treat has become a timeless favorite in bakeries and homes across the UK.
Traditional Ingredients for a Victoria Sponge Cake
To make an authentic Victoria sponge, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 225g (1 cup) caster sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 225g (1 3/4 cups) self-raising flour
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Strawberry or raspberry jam (about 100g)
- 300ml (1 1/4 cups) double cream, whipped
- Icing sugar (for dusting)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Victoria Sponge Cake
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Cake Tins
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures that the cakes come out easily once baked.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 225g butter and 225g caster sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the 4 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air into the batter.
- Sift the 225g self-raising flour into the mixture, and fold it in gently using a spatula. This step is crucial to keep the batter light and airy.
- Stir in the 2 tbsp milk to loosen the batter, then add the 1 tsp vanilla extract (if using) for a subtle flavor boost.
3. Bake the Cake Layers
- Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cakes are golden and spring back when gently pressed in the center.
- Let the cakes cool in the tins for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Assembling the Victoria Sponge Cake
4. Add the Filling
Once the cake layers are fully cooled, it’s time to assemble the cake. Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate, and spread 100g of strawberry or raspberry jam evenly on top.
Then, gently spread the whipped cream (about 300ml) on top of the jam, using a spatula to create a smooth, even layer. You can also add a few fresh berries on top of the cream for an extra touch.
5. Top with the Second Cake Layer
Place the second cake layer on top of the jam and cream, gently pressing down to ensure it sticks. Dust the top with a light sprinkling of icing sugar to finish the cake beautifully.
Tips for the Best Victoria Sponge Cake
How to Make Your Sponge Cake Light and Fluffy
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting. Cold ingredients can lead to a denser texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing can result in a heavy, dense cake.
- Gently fold the ingredients together to keep as much air in the batter as possible.
How to Store Your Victoria Sponge Cake
If you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it, but make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving.
Serving and Enjoying Your Victoria Sponge Cake
The Victoria sponge cake is best enjoyed with a cup of tea, just like Queen Victoria would have had it! Serve slices at a gathering, for afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat after dinner. This cake is not only delicious but also visually stunning with its layers of fluffy sponge, jam, and cream.
Conclusion
This Victoria sponge recipe is easy to follow, making it the perfect treat to bake for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a quiet afternoon, or just craving a sweet slice of British tradition, this cake is sure to impress.
Give this easy Victoria sponge recipe a try and let us know how your cake turns out in the comments. Happy baking!