Perfect Victoria Sponge Cake – Fluffy, Fruity, and Timeless
Few desserts are as simple yet satisfying as the Victoria Sponge Cake. Named after Queen Victoria herself, this light, buttery sponge layered with jam and cream is a true teatime classic. It’s not fussy or overly sweet—just perfectly tender cake, rich cream, and bright raspberry jam in every bite.
Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea or just want to indulge in a nostalgic bake, this recipe is foolproof, flavorful, and sure to impress.
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
The Victoria Sponge is one of those desserts that never goes out of style. It’s elegant but easy, impressive yet approachable. The fluffy sponge layers are made with pantry staples, and the filling is endlessly customizable—go traditional with raspberry jam and whipped cream, or switch it up with strawberry preserves and buttercream.
Plus, the whole thing comes together in under an hour, making it the perfect treat for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute guests.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (225g) granulated or caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups (225g) self-rising flour
- Pinch of salt (only if using all-purpose flour instead)
- 1–2 tbsp milk (optional, to loosen the batter)
- ½ cup (150–170g) raspberry jam
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or buttercream
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
🔁 Ingredient Tips & Swaps
- Self-rising flour: If you don’t have it, use all-purpose flour plus 2 tsp baking powder and a pinch of salt.
- Jam: Raspberry is traditional, but strawberry, cherry, or even lemon curd are lovely.
- Cream vs. Buttercream: Whipped cream is lighter and fresher; buttercream is sweeter and more stable.
- Flour your pans: Helps the cake release cleanly—don’t skip this step!
- Add lemon zest: For a fragrant citrus twist.
👨🍳 How to Make a Victoria Sponge – Step-by-Step
1. Prep the Oven & Pans
- Preheat to 350°F (180°C) or 325°F (160°C fan oven).
- Grease and line two 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans with parchment paper and a light dusting of flour.
2. Cream Butter & Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth.
- Add sugar and beat for 3–5 minutes until pale, fluffy, and light.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla
- Lightly whisk eggs in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add eggs to the creamed butter, mixing in the vanilla extract.
- If the mixture starts to curdle, add a spoonful of flour to bring it back together.
4. Fold in the Flour
- Sift the self-rising flour over the wet ingredients.
- Gently fold the flour into the batter until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- If batter is too thick, add 1–2 tbsp milk.
5. Bake the Cake
- Divide the batter evenly between the two pans.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5–10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Whip the Cream (Optional)
- Whip cold heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Or, for buttercream, beat softened butter and powdered sugar until fluffy.
7. Assemble Your Cake
- Place one sponge on a serving plate.
- Spread with raspberry jam, then a generous layer of cream or buttercream.
- Top with the second sponge and dust with powdered sugar.
💡 Tips for a Perfect Bake
- Room temp ingredients make for a better rise and smoother batter.
- Weigh your batter if you want even layers.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour—this keeps the sponge tender.
- Serve shortly after assembling if using whipped cream.
🍽️ Serving Ideas & Pairings
Serve your Victoria Sponge as the centerpiece of afternoon tea with:
- Hot Earl Grey or chamomile tea
- A light salad or finger sandwiches
- For a sweet spread, try it alongside:
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store covered in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
- Room temp: If using buttercream, it’s fine at room temp for 1 day.
- Freeze: You can freeze the sponge layers before filling. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
🥄 Final Thoughts
The Perfect Victoria Sponge Cake is more than a dessert—it’s a slice of tradition. Light, fluffy, and filled with jammy sweetness and creamy goodness, it’s the kind of bake that turns everyday moments into celebrations.
Try it this weekend, and don’t forget to tag @ChefManiac in your creations. For more sweet, simple bakes, explore the full dessert archive and keep the oven warm!
Leave a Reply