Victoria Sandwich, a classic British treat, embodies simplicity and elegance in every bite. This timeless sponge cake, named after Queen Victoria herself, holds a cherished place in the hearts and kitchens of many.

Originating in the 19th century, this delightful creation is a testament to the artistry of British baking.

Crafting a Victoria Sandwich is a delightful journey, blending basic ingredients with precision to achieve a sublime result.

While its preparation may seem straightforward, mastering the balance of flavors and textures is key to creating a memorable cake. With a moderate level of difficulty, this recipe offers beginners a perfect entry point into the world of baking.

In this recipe, a light and airy sponge serves as the foundation, sandwiching together layers of sumptuous cream and sweet strawberry jam.

Each component harmonizes beautifully, resulting in a cake that is both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or showcased as the centerpiece of a gathering, the Victoria Sandwich is sure to delight all who indulge.

Expert Tip: Ensure all ingredients, especially the butter and eggs, are at room temperature before starting to ensure even mixing and a smooth batter.

Ingredients

Butter: Provides richness and moisture to the sponge, contributing to its tender texture.

Caster Sugar: Sweetens the sponge and helps to aerate the batter, ensuring a light and fluffy cake.

Self-raising Flour: Forms the structure of the sponge, allowing it to rise evenly during baking.

Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while also providing structure and leavening.

Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake to rise and become light and airy.

Vanilla Extract: Infuses the sponge with warm, aromatic flavor, enhancing its overall taste.

Milk: Adds moisture to the batter, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.

Strawberry Jam: Offers a burst of fruity sweetness, complementing the richness of the cream filling.

Double Cream: Whipped to perfection, this indulgent cream filling adds lusciousness and decadence to the cake.

Icing Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream while also providing a smooth finish to the cake.

Expert Tip: Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can result in a dense cake.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices of Victoria Sandwich alongside a pot of freshly brewed tea for a quintessentially British experience.
• Garnish each slice with fresh strawberries or a dusting of icing sugar for an elegant touch.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert option.
• Serve as part of an afternoon tea spread alongside scones, finger sandwiches, and other sweet treats.

Expert Tip: When spreading the whipped cream and jam onto the cake layers, work gently to avoid compressing the sponge and maintain its light texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but adjust the amount of additional salt in the recipe accordingly to avoid over-seasoning.

How can I store leftovers of Victoria Sandwich?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, note that the texture may slightly change due to refrigeration.

Can I substitute the strawberry jam with other fruit preserves?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different fruit preserves to customize the flavor of your Victoria Sandwich.

What if I don’t have self-raising flour?

You can make your own self-raising flour by adding 2 teaspoons of baking powder to every 150g of plain flour.

How far in advance can I prepare the cake layers before assembling?

You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature until ready to assemble.

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Victoria Sandwich

by Nabeela Kauser

Embark on a delightful culinary journey with the classic Victoria Sandwich, a heart-warming British bake that's as rich in flavour as it is in history.

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Baking

Cuisine British, Western

Servings 8

Calories 636 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

For the sponge:

• ▢ 225 g Butter Unsalted, softened
• ▢ 225 g Caster Sugar
• ▢ 225 g Self-raising Flour
• ▢ 4 Eggs
• ▢ 1 tsp Baking Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• ▢ 2 tbsp Milk

For the filling:

• ▢ 150 g Strawberry Jam
• ▢ 300 ml Double Cream
• ▢ 2 tbsp Icing Sugar
• ▢ 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
• Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl, then gently fold it into the batter until well combined.
• Pour in the milk and mix until the batter becomes smooth and creamy.
• Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake tins and use a spatula to smooth the tops.
• Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until the cakes turn golden brown and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
• Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream filling. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the double cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until it becomes thick and creamy.
• Once the cakes have cooled, spread strawberry jam over the surface of one cake layer.
• Next, spread the whipped cream over the layer with strawberry jam.
• Place the second cake layer on top of the cream and gently press down to secure the layers together.
• If desired, you can dust the top of the cake with icing sugar for decoration.
• Finally, slice and serve the Victoria Sandwich as desired.

Notes

Feel free to customize the filling by using different flavours of jam or adding fresh fruits.

Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming.

It’s important to let the cakes cool completely before assembling to prevent the cream from melting.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 636kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 8gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 24gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 185mgSodium: 284mgPotassium: 123mgFibre: 1gSugar: 41gVitamin A: 1383IUVitamin C: 2mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 86mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Baked, Baking, Cake, Cakes, Dessert, Food, Jam, Recipe, Spongecake

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