There’s something incredibly comforting about a Victoria sponge cake. Light, fluffy, and brimming with jam, it’s a true baking classic. But with countless recipes online, finding the perfect one can feel overwhelming. Enter Mary Berry, the queen of baking, whose recipe on BBC Good Food has garnered over 300 five-star ratings – a testament to its excellence.
Many proclaim it as the ultimate sponge cake recipe. The notes themselves sing its praises: “Mary Berry’s easy Victoria sponge cake recipe is a baking classic and a tasty tea-time treat.” This recipe, serving 12, takes less than an hour to prepare from start to finish.
Ingredients:
* 4 free-range eggs
* 225g caster sugar (plus a little extra for dusting)
* 22g self-raising flour
* 2 teaspoons baking powder
* 225g butter, softened (plus a little extra to grease the tins)
* Strawberry or raspberry jam, for serving
* Whipped double cream, for serving
Method:
1.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C Fan) and grease and line two 20cm (8-inch) sandwich tins.
This ensures even baking and prevents sticking.2.
In a large bowl, crack the eggs and add the sugar, flour, baking powder, and softened butter.
Using an electric mixer or a good old-fashioned hand whisk, combine all ingredients until smooth and well blended.3.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared tins.
Use a spatula to scrape every last bit of batter from the bowl. Gently smooth the surface of each cake.4.
Bake the cakes on the middle shelf of the oven for 25 minutes, but check them after 20 minutes.
They’re ready when golden brown and springy to the touch.5.
Let the cakes cool in the tins for five minutes before carefully turning them out onto a cooling rack.
This allows them to firm up slightly without cracking.6.
Now for the assembly!
Place one cake upside down on a plate and spread generously with your chosen jam. For extra indulgence, top the jam with a layer of freshly whipped cream.7.
Top with the second cake, right-side up, and sprinkle generously with caster sugar.
This adds a beautiful, crunchy finish.Pro Tip:
If you often find your cakes have a big dome in the middle, try reducing your oven temperature by 10°C. This might be the secret to achieving perfectly flat and even cakes.With Mary Berry’s guidance, you can create a truly delightful Victoria sponge cake. It’s a recipe that evokes nostalgia and brings joy to any tea-time gathering.
