What is a Victoria Cake?
Victoria Cake, or as it’s more traditionally known, the Victoria Sponge, is a staple in any baker’s repertoire. Named after Queen Victoria herself, this British classic consists of two layers of soft sponge cake filled with luscious jam and whipped cream. It’s light, buttery, and oh-so-decadent. The simplicity of the Victoria Cake is what makes it so special – no fancy decorations needed, just pure spongey goodness with that perfect hint of vanilla and the sweet tang of jam! 🍓
Tips for the Perfect Victoria Cake 👩🍳
When it comes to nailing the ideal Victoria Cake, the magic lies in a few key techniques:
- Whip, whip, whip those eggs! 🥚 The secret to a beautifully light sponge is in the eggs. Be sure to whisk them (along with the sugar) for a full seven minutes. This creates a fluffy, thick batter that will give your cake that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Electric beaters are your best friend here!
- Don’t overmix! Once you’ve folded in the dry ingredients, be gentle. You’ve worked hard to whip up those eggs – you don’t want to knock out the air. Use a spatula and fold the mixture carefully to keep that fluffy texture intact. 😊
- Use cornflour for extra lightness. Cornflour, paired with custard powder, creates a lighter, airier texture. This is one of the secrets to making a Victoria Cake that’s extra tender and soft. If you don’t have custard powder on hand, you can substitute it with plain flour, but I highly recommend giving it a try! It adds a lovely richness to the flavour.
- Cooling is key! ❄️ It can be tempting to rush into the filling part, but make sure your cakes are completely cooled before you add the cream and jam. This ensures that the whipped cream won’t melt and that your layers stay perfectly intact. Patience is rewarded in baking!
Filling and Topping Ideas 🍓🍦
Traditionally, Victoria Cake is filled with raspberry or strawberry jam and a generous layer of whipped cream. But don’t be afraid to get creative with your fillings!
Berry Bliss: Freshly sliced strawberries or raspberries alongside the jam add a burst of fruity freshness that complements the sweet cream.
Citrus Twist: Try using lemon curd for a zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the sponge.
Double Cream Delight: If you want to go all out, use double cream for a rich, velvety filling that’ll take your cake to the next level.
Top your Victoria Cake with a light dusting of icing sugar for that classic look, or if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of melted white chocolate! 🤤
Serving Suggestions 🎉
Victoria Cake is a perfect addition to an afternoon tea spread, especially when paired with a hot cuppa. ☕ But don’t stop there! This cake also makes an elegant dessert after a meal – serve it with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side for a truly indulgent treat.
For a more casual occasion, I love serving it with a variety of fresh berries and a drizzle of cream on the side, allowing everyone to customise their slice to their liking. It’s light enough to enjoy any time of day, from breakfast (yes, cake for breakfast is a thing!) to an after-dinner treat.
Best Ingredients for the Ultimate Victoria Cake
Using quality ingredients really makes a difference in a simple recipe like this. Here’s what I recommend:
Fresh, free-range eggs 🥚: These whip up so much better, giving your sponge that beautiful, airy texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Go for the real stuff! It adds a depth of flavour that artificial vanilla can’t compete with.
Homemade jam 🍓: If you have the time, making your own jam adds an unbeatable fresh, fruity taste. But a good-quality store-bought one works wonders too!
Thickened cream: Whipping your own cream is key. The freshness and lightness of real whipped cream take this cake to a whole new level.
Pairing Your Victoria Cake
A classic pairing for Victoria Cake is a lovely cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea. The light, floral notes of Earl Grey, in particular, balance the sweetness of the cake perfectly. If tea’s not your thing, a glass of bubbly prosecco or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc makes for a delightful contrast to the rich, creamy filling. 🍾
Love Victoria Cake? Try These Similar Recipes! 🍰💖
If you’re a fan of the light, fluffy layers of Victoria Cake, you’re going to fall head over heels for these other delightful bakes! Each one offers a different spin on classic flavours, perfect for mixing up your baking routine while still delivering that soft, spongey goodness.
Let’s Bake Together!
I’d love to see your take on this Victoria Cake! Snap a picture of your creation and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff Let’s share the love of baking – and cake! 🎂
Victoria Cake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Whip Up This Dreamy Spongey Vanilla Victoria Cake! 🍰✨
Looking for a light, fluffy spongey vanilla cake that’s a breeze to bake? I’ve got you covered with this simple recipe. It’s perfect for any occasion and oh-so-yummy with a creamy, fruity filling! 🎂🫐🍓
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whip the eggs and caster sugar together using electric beaters for a full 7 minutes. It’ll turn white, thick, and fluffy – trust me, this is the secret to a perfect sponge! 🎉
- Gently fold in the remaining ingredients. You want to be careful here – we don’t want to knock out all that lovely air.
- Pour the mixture evenly into 2 cake tins. Smooth the tops for an even bake.
- Bake at 180°C for 18-20 minutes, or until lightly golden and springy to the touch.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can bake the sponge layers a day ahead and store them wrapped in cling film. Assemble the cake with cream and jam just before serving for the freshest taste.
You can freeze the sponge layers (without filling) for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge, then add the filling before serving.
You can substitute the custard powder with an equal amount of plain flour, though the custard powder does give the cake a lovely flavour and texture.