Victoria Sponge Cake - Afternoon Tea Tradition

Behold, the illustrious sponge cake, a British classic that has been delighting taste buds since the 15th century and became a staple of the 19th-century tea table, thanks to Queen Victoria's penchant for afternoon tea. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this cake is truly the crown jewel of desserts.

In just ten minutes of preparation and a mere 20 minutes in the oven, you'll have a delectable treat perfect for any season, best enjoyed with a steaming cup of tea or coffee. Customize your creation with your favorite jam and buttercream filling, or elevate it with fresh whipped cream and berries.

Prepare to fall head over heels for this delightful confection!

For the sponge

200g Self Rising Flour

200g Powdered Sugar

200g Unsalted Butter, softened

2 Tbs Milk

4 Eggs - room temp.

1 Tsp Baking Powder

For the buttercream

100g Unsalted Butter, softened

140g Powered Sugar

1/4 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Also, Strawberry or Raspberry Jam

Preheat Oven to 375F/190C/Gas 5. Pans: Two 20cm / 8in cake tins.

Method

1. To make the sponge, place all your ingredients into the bowl of a mixer at one time.

   
   

2. Mix for 3-4 minutes until all combined. Clean down the inside of the bowl once during mixing.

   
   

3. Divide mixture equally into two cake tins/pans.

Bake for 20 minutes or until light golden brown. They should be a little springy and when a skewer is inserted, it should come out clean.

Allow to cool on an rack for 5 minutes before turning out of tins and allowing to cool completely.

Buttercream

1. Place softened butter, sugar and extract in a mixing bowl and beat in medium high speed for about 4 minutes until the mixture is light and creamy.

   
   

2. On one side of the cooled sponge, spread evenly with butter cream, then spread jam on top of that.

   
   

3. Place top on sponge cake and dust lightly with powdered sugar.

This delicious creation could not be easier, and the results mouthwatering!

You can keep this in an airtight container for a few days unrefrigerated, however, it keeps longer in the fridge. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before you want to enjoy it.