This Victoria Sponge Cake is a British Classic, perfect for an early Spring dessert recipe. Sweet, yet light vanilla buttercream, mixed with a tart strawberry jam and paired with a delicate sponge. What’s not to love?
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What is a Victoria Sponge Cake?
A Victoria Sponge Cake is a classic British dessert that is made with a light and fluffy sponge cake, filled with a layer of jam and buttercream frosting. It is usually served with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few slices of fresh strawberries. The traditional recipe for a Victoria Sponge Cake can be traced back to the reign of Queen Victoria in the mid-1800s.
The cake is made with simple, everyday ingredients and is extremely versatile. You can add any type of jam or fruit filling to the cake, or even layer it with chocolate spread or peanut butter.
Tips for making the Perfect Victoria Sponge Cake
Making a Victoria Sandwich Cake is not as hard as it may seem. Here are a few tips to help you create the perfect cake every time:
- Make sure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This will help the cake to bake evenly.
- When mixing the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, be sure not to over-mix. This will cause the cake to become tough and dense.
- When baking the cake, check it often to ensure that it is not over-baked. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean and allow the cake to cool before adding your fillings
Can I make a Chocolate Sandwich Cake and other Variations of a Victoria Sponge Cake
The beauty of the Victoria Sandwich is that you can easily make it your own by using different flavour combinations and ingredients. Here are a few creative variations that are sure to tantalise your taste buds:
- Chocolate Victoria Sponge Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients, 1/4 cup milk and 1/2 cup of melted chocolate chips to the wet ingredients.
- Lemon Victoria Sponge Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of freshly grated lemon zest to the dry ingredients and 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the wet ingredients.
- Coconut Victoria Sponge Cake: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the dry ingredients and 1/4 cup of coconut milk to the wet ingredients.
- Coffee Victoria Sponge Cake: Add 2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients and 1/4 cup of strong, brewed coffee to the wet ingredients.
Decorating Ideas
A Victoria Sandwich is beautiful on its own, but you can make it even more special with a few simple decorations. Here are some easy ideas to get you started:
- Add a few drops of food colouring to the buttercream to give your cake a fun, colourful look.
- Top the cake with fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries.
- Sprinkle the top of the cake with chopped nuts or chocolate shavings.
- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
- Create a lattice pattern on the top of the cake with strips of rolled-out fondant.
- Pipe a border of whipped cream around the edge of the cake.
Storing and Freezing Tips
The cake is best enjoyed within a few days of baking, but it can also be stored and frozen for later. Here are a few tips to help you store your cake:
- The best way to store a Victoria Sponge Cake is in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to 5 days.
- If you want to freeze the cake, make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It will keep for up to 3 months.
- To defrost the cake, simply remove it from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature for several hours.
Looking for More Recipes?
We have many more cake recipes her on anisacakesandbakes. From chocolate cookie dough cake to a mini, pink funfetti cake. Trust me, you’ll find every recipe you need here!
Victoria Sandwich Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 Cup Softened Butter
- 1 1/4 Cup White Sugar
- 4 Large Eggs
- 1 3/4 Cup Self-raising Flour
- 2 Tsps Baking Powder
For the Buttercream
- 1/4 Cup Softened Butter
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tbsps Milk
For the Jam
- 3-4 Tbsps Strawberry/Raspberry Jam
Instructions
For the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 180ºC
- Mix together the softened butter and sugar until combined
- Whisk in your eggs, one at a time, until your mixture is pale and fluffy
- Fold in your self-raising flour and baking powder until fully combined
- Grease and line two 6” cake pans
- Divide your batter into the two pans
- Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 mins
For the Buttercream
- Mix together your softened butter and powdered sugar until combined
- Stream in your milk until you have achieved your desired icing consistency (see video below for reference)
- Set aside until your cakes have cooled
Assembling
- Place your first cake down onto your cake stand/plate
- Pour a few tbsps of your jam onto the cake, spreading almost to the sides of the cake
- Add your a few dollops of buttercream and continue to spread up to the sides of the cake
- Place your second cake layer on top
- Dust some powdered sugar with a sieve and enjoy!
Video
Making a Victoria Sponge Cake is a rewarding experience that will bring a taste of heaven to your kitchen. With the right ingredients, the right steps and a little bit of love, you can create a delectable cake that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking!
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