Victoria sponge

Victoria Sponge Cake
INGREDIENTS 10-12 slices
  • 200g self-raising flour
  • 200g butter, softened
  • 4 medium eggs
  • 1 tbsp. baking powder
  • 200g caster sugar
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 tbsp. milk
  • FOR THE FILLING:
  • 100g butter, softened
  • 150g icing sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp. milk
  • around 200g of a good-quality strawberry jam.
METHOD Prep time: 10 mins | Cooking time: up to 25 mins
  • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark 4. Grease two 20cm/8 inch tins and line with baking parchment.
  • Cream together the butter, sugar and vanilla essence in a large bowl until they are pale and fluffy.
  • Slowly beat in your eggs and gradually sift in the self-raising flour, baking powder and salt into the bowl.
  • Fold the flour into the mixture, if necessary add in a few tbsp. of milk.
  • Once your batter is at a smooth consistency, divide the mixture between the two tins and gently smooth the surface with a spatula or spoon.
  • Bake for around 20-25 mins until golden-brown. The cake's surface should spring back when pressed or alternatively, insert a skewer into the center, if ready it should come out clean.
  • Set aside to cool for a few minutes before removing from the tins and leaving to cool completely.
  • Whilst your cake is cooling, start on making your filling.
  • Beat the softened butter until it is smooth and creamy, then mix in the icing sugar, vanilla extract and milk. Mix the buttercream until pale and fluffy.
  • If necessary, level one of your sponges before spreading or piping the buttercream on top.
  • Top the buttercream with strawberry jam and place the second sponge on top.
  • To serve, dust with a little bit of icing sugar and cut into slices.