Victoria Sponge Cake

Background and History of Victoria Sponge Cake

The Victoria Sponge Cake, also known as the Victoria Sandwich, is a quintessential British dessert named after Queen Victoria, who was known to enjoy a slice of the sponge cake with her afternoon tea. Its invention is attributed to the Victorian era, a time of great innovation in the culinary arts, fueled by technological advancements such as the oven thermometer and baking powder, allowing for more consistent and lighter cakes. This cake's simplicity and elegance have cemented its place in British tea culture and its influence has spread across the world.

Traditionally, a Victoria Sponge consists of two layers of light, airy sponge cake filled with jam and topped with a dusting of icing sugar. Over time, variations have included added layers of cream or buttercream and even fresh strawberries. However, the core ethos of a Victoria Sponge remains its simplicity and focus on high-quality ingredients, making it a fixture at formal tea parties as well as a beloved family treat.

Ingredients

• Butter - 225g (softened)
• Caster Sugar - 225g
• Eggs - 4 large
• Self-Raising Flour - 225g
• Baking Powder - 1 teaspoon
• Milk - 2 tablespoons
• Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
• Strawberry Jam - 6 tablespoons
• Double Cream - 250ml (optional)
• Icing Sugar - for dusting

Preparation

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or gas mark 4. This will ensure that the temperature is steady by the time you place the batter inside.
2. Using a mixer, cream the butter and caster sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process should take about 7-10 minutes and is crucial for incorporating air into the batter.
3. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and slowly add them to the creamed mixture, one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to prevent the mixture from splitting.
4. Fold in the self-raising flour and baking powder gently using a spatula or large metal spoon. Cut and fold through the mix without over-mixing to retain as much air as possible.
5. Add the milk and vanilla extract, mixing carefully until the batter reaches a soft dropping consistency.

Baking the Sponge

1. Grease and line two 20cm/8in round cake tins with parchment paper.
2. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared tins. Use a spatula to smooth the surface and ensure an even spread.
3. Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the cakes are golden brown and spring back when touched lightly in the center. You can also check by inserting a skewer; if it comes out clean, the cakes are done.
4. Allow the cakes to cool in their tins for about 5 minutes, then gently turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Assembling the Victoria Sponge Cake

1. If you're using double cream as a filling, whip it until it's thick enough to hold its shape.
2. Once the sponges are completely cooled, spread one layer of cake with strawberry jam.
3. If desired, add a layer of whipped double cream or buttercream over the jam.
4. Place the second cake on top, pressing down gently.
5. Dust the top of the cake with icing sugar for a classic finish.

Cooking Time

The overall cooking time for preparing and baking the Victoria Sponge Cake is approximately 1 hour, plus additional time for cooling and assembling.

How to Enjoy Victoria Sponge Cake

The Victoria Sponge Cake is best enjoyed fresh, on the day it's made, to savor its delicate texture and flavors. Serve it alongside a hot cup of English tea for the full traditional experience. This cake is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, picnics, or as part of an elegant afternoon tea spread. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator; however, it's likely there won't be any!

For a delightful twist, consider experimenting with different types of jam or seasonal fruits. Adding a few sliced strawberries or a handful of fresh raspberries can complement the flavors beautifully.

However you choose to serve it, the Victoria Sponge Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, capturing the essence of a classic British treat with every bite.