Victoria Sponge Cake

Also known as Victoria Sandwich, this was supposedly a favourite of Queen Victoria. This is likely why it seems to be strongly associated with tea. As in the British afternoon snack time. So High Tea for the Queen, and Afternoon Tea for the rest of us.

Victoria Sponge, a.k.a. Victoria Sandwich

Most versions of this seem to favour just strawberries, but I mixed in some raspberries as well. Actually very easy to make, and looks nice. It is a bit drier than I thought it would be, but I think I was confusing it in my mind with Angle Food Cake. In any case, the berry filling and cream make up for it!

Next Time: maybe try different berries, and a different type of jam.

Me: 7/10
SO: 9/10
SSO: 8/10

Victoria Sponge Cake
Ingredients

• 1.5 C Flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1 C sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 C milk
• 1/2 C strawberry jam, or any jam really
• 2 C sliced strawberries, or mixed berries
• 3/4 C whipping cream, plus 1 Tb sugar

Method

1. Heat the oven to 350F. Butter and flour 2 round or square 8" pans. You can also cut out parchment paper to cover the bottom. 
2. Sift or whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar well until fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time until well mixed, then slowly drizzle in the milk. 
5. Add the flour in small batches. Don't over-mix.
6. Divide evenly into the 2 pans, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and test with a toothpick.
7. Meanwhile, wash and slice the berries. Heat the jam in a small pot, and add the berries until heated. 
8. In a separate bowl, whip up the cream with the 1 Tb sugar until soft peaks.
9. When the cakes come out, let cool slightly then pop them out onto cooling racks. Once they're cooled a bit more, use a cake slicer or long knife to take the hump out of one of the cakes. Put the bottom cake on a dish, layer the berries, then spread the cream. Finally add the top cake and dust with icing sugar.