Easy and Classic Victoria Sponge Cake Recipe

Named for Queen Victoria, this cake is quintessentially British. You will see Victoria Sponge Cake everywhere, from birthday parties to bake sales, and it’s beloved all over the UK.

An easy and classic Victoria Sponge Recipe consists of equal parts fat, sugar, and flour, along with eggs, and baking powder, if you don’t use self-raising flour. It is filled with strawberry jam and fresh whipped cream with a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top.

Its simple light sponge is moist and not overly sweet, making it the perfect partner for some vibrant strawberry jam and sweetened whipped cream. Or you can use raspberry jam and a light frosting if you prefer.

The Best Victoria Sponge Recipe

You will need two greased and lined 20 cm / 8-inch baking pans for this recipe. Spray with a little cooking spray so that the parchment sticks.

Ingredients:

• 200 grams Margarine
• 200 grams White Sugar
• 200 grams Self-Raising Flour
• 4 whole Eggs

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.
2. Place the margarine and sugar into your mixing bowl with the paddle attachment. 
3. Starting slowly, begin to mix, turning up to medium speed once the sugar has blended into the margarine.
4. Beat the mixture until light and fluffy. This could take 5-10 minutes
5. With the mixer on low, add the eggs one at a time, mixing until just incorporated. Stop the mixer.
6. Add in half of the flour (and the baking powder if using) and mix on low.
7. Add in the rest of the flour and mix until just combined. Stop as soon as you stop seeing streaks flour through the mixture. 
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans.
9. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown. Check after 20 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center of one cake. It should come out clean. 

How to Decorate a Victoria Sponge Cake

To decorate a Victoria Sponge cake, you will need whipped cream or vanilla frosting and berry jam, preferably strawberry. Start by piping a border around the bottom cake and fill the inside with jam. Cover the jam with more cream and add the second cake on top. Dust with powdered sugar to finish.

Victoria Sponge Recipe with Plain Flour

Ingredients:

• 200 grams Margarine
• 200 grams White Sugar
• 200 grams Cake Flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
• 4 whole Eggs 

How to Make the Perfect Whipped Cream

Ingredients:

• 250 ml Heavy Cream
• 2 tablespoons White Sugar

Method:

1. To get the best peaks, start with cold cream, and a cold bowl. 
2. Add the cream and sugar to the bowl.
3. Whisk with the mixer on low, gradually turning the speed up to medium. 
4. Whip until the peaks hold their shape. 

How to Make the Perfect Strawberry Jam

Ingredients:

• 100 grams Strawberries
• 50 grams White Sugar
• Juice of half a Lemon

Method:

1. Add the ingredients to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and turn the heat to low.
2. Once the sugar has dissolved, turn the heat to medium-high and allow it to simmer until thickened. 
3. Stir frequently to avoid burning. 

How To Decorate a Victoria Sponge Cake

This cake could be called a naked cake in that it does not get covered with frosting. Instead, it just has the filling in the middle.

Method:

1. Using a piping bag, pipe a border around one of the cooled cakes. 
2. Fill the middle with the cooled jam.
3. Pipe a layer of cream over the jam.
4. Top with the other cooled cake.
5. Dust the top with powdered sugar. 

How to Make Quick Homemade Jam for Victoria Sponge

You can use any fruits for this recipe, including fresh and frozen. Mixing fruits is a nice way to add flavor.

Ingredients:

• 250 grams White Sugar
• 250 grams Fruit

Optional Extras:

• Citrus peel
• Vanilla
• Cloves

Method:

1. Add the fruit and sugar to a skillet, and put the heat on low.
2. Once the fruit has begun to release its juice, turn the heat up to medium.
3. Stir frequently until thick.
4. Pour into a heat-proof bowl and allow to cool completely.

How to Make a Quick Frosting for Victoria Sponge

This basic frosting recipe is super simple and perfect for cupcakes, cakes, and Viennese Whirls. Though Victoria Sponge is not usually made with frosting, you can use this instead if you want something more stable.

Ingredients:

• 140grams  Soft Butter
• 280 grams Powdered Sugar
• 1-2 tablespoons Milk
• ¼ teaspoon Vanilla 

Optional Extras:

• Orange Zest
• 75 grams Melted Chocolate
• Matcha Powder

Method:

1. Beat the softened butter with half of the powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Gradually add in the remaining powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
3. Add in vanilla and milk until desired consistency is reached. 
4. Mix in optional extras if using.
5. Chill before use.