How to Bake a Classic Victoria Sponge Cake: A Simple Guide
There’s nothing more quintessentially British than a slice of Victoria Sponge Cake, accompanied by a hot cup of tea. It’s not just a cake; it’s a slice of history, named after Queen Victoria herself. This cake embodies simplicity and elegance, with its light, fluffy sponge sandwiched around a delicious layer of jam and softly whipped cream. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this guide will help you make a classic Victoria Sponge Cake that could very well be your next tea-time favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
– 200g (7 oz) of self-raising flour (if you only have all-purpose flour, just add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to it)
– 200g (7 oz) of softened unsalted butter
– 200g (7 oz) of caster sugar (fine sugar)
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
For the Filling:
– 100g (3.5 oz) of strawberry or raspberry jam
– 200ml (7 fl oz) of heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar (for the whipped cream)
– Icing sugar (for dusting)
The Equipment You’ll Need:
- Two 20cm (8 inch) round cake tins
- Baking paper
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Baking Guide:
1. Prepare Your Tins: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F, Gas Mark 4). While the oven warms up, line the bottoms of your two cake tins with baking paper and lightly butter the sides. This ensures your cake doesn’t stick and comes out perfectly.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This process is crucial for a light sponge because you’re essentially whipping air into the batter.
3. Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into a separate bowl (to avoid any shell accidents), then add them one at a time to your butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. If the mix starts to look curdled, add a spoonful of your flour; this will help to stabilize it.
4. Fold in the Flour: Sift the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt into your mixture. Gently fold it in using a spatula or a large spoon. This step requires a light touch; you want to keep as much air in the batter as possible. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Divide and Conquer: Equally divide the batter between the two prepared tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula. When you put them in the oven, ensure they’re on the same shelf, and they have space around them for the heat to circulate evenly.
6. Bake Your Cake: Bake for 20-25 minutes. You’re aiming for golden tops, and the cakes should spring back when gently pressed. Another way to check is by inserting a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean, they’re done.
7. Cool Down: Once baked, let the cakes sit in their tins for 5 minutes. Then, carefully turn them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely. This patience is essential – if you try to assemble the cake while it’s still warm, the cream will melt, and it could end up a bit messy.
8. Whip the Cream: While your cakes cool, whip the heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar until it holds stiff peaks. Be careful not to overbeat, or you’ll end up with butter.
9. Assemble With Love: Spread the jam over one of the cool sponge cakes. Next, spread or pipe the whipped cream on top of the jam. Gently place the second sponge cake on top. Finally, dust with icing sugar to give it that classic finish.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Your Victoria Sponge Cake is now ready to be enjoyed. Slice it up and serve with tea or a drink of your choice.
Baking Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start.
- Be gentle when folding in the flour; keeping the air in the mix is what makes the sponge light and fluffy.
- Experiment with different jams or even fresh berries for the filling to create your variations.
In conclusion, baking a Victoria Sponge Cake might seem like a royal affair, but with these simple steps, it’s quite achievable and immensely rewarding. It’s more than just baking; it’s about creating moments, memories, and perhaps, a new afternoon tea tradition at your home. So, preheat your oven and get ready to bake a cake fit for a queen!
