spotthenumber.com – The Victoria Sponge Cake is a beloved British classic, known for its light and airy texture, delicate flavor, and elegant simplicity. This timeless cake is often enjoyed with a cup of tea, making it a perfect afternoon treat.
The Origins of Victoria Sponge Cake
The exact origins of Victoria Sponge Cake are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have gained popularity during the reign of Queen Victoria. The queen was known for her love of simple, elegant desserts, and the Victoria Sponge Cake fits this description perfectly.
The Ingredients and Preparation
To create this delightful cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
For the Cake:
- Self-raising flour: Provides structure to the cake.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- Caster sugar: Sweetens the cake.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle flavor.
- Milk: Moistens the cake.
For the Filling:
- Strawberry jam: A classic choice for filling.
- Double cream: Whipped cream adds richness and creaminess.
Here’s a basic recipe for Victoria Sponge Cake:
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 200g self-raising flour
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
For the Filling:
- 200g strawberry jam
- 300ml double cream, whipped
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Prepare the Cake Tin: Grease and line two 20cm round cake tins.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the Eggs: Gradually beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a spoonful of flour with each egg to prevent curdling.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the remaining flour and vanilla extract.
- Add the Milk: Gradually add the milk, mixing until just combined.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared tins. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool completely in the tins before removing.
- Assemble the Cake: Once cooled, spread one cake with jam and the other with whipped cream. Place the cream-filled cake on top of the jam-filled cake.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
Tips for the Perfect Victoria Sponge Cake:
- Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature ingredients will combine more easily.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Cool the cakes completely: Cooling the cakes before assembling will prevent the cream from melting.
- Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will ensure clean, even layers.
- Store in an airtight container: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
The Victoria Sponge Cake is a simple yet elegant dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Its delicate flavor and light texture make it a perfect choice for any occasion, from afternoon tea to a birthday party.