Authentic British Victoria Sponge Cake (Traditional Vanilla Sponge Sandwiched with Raspberry Jam and Vanilla Cream)

British, Pastries

Authentic British Victoria Sponge Cake (Traditional Vanilla Sponge Sandwiched with Raspberry Jam and Vanilla Cream)

The quintessential British afternoon tea cake of two feather-light golden vanilla sponge rounds filled with tart seedless raspberry jam, whipped double cream, and a dusting of caster sugar.

Prep Time

25 Mins

Cook Time

25 Mins

Servings

10 Servings

Skill Level

Easy

History & Origins

Victorian Royal Tea Table Institution

Named after Queen Victoria, who favored a slice with her daily afternoon tea at Osborne House following the invention of chemical baking powder by Alfred Bird in 1843.

Ingredients

Golden Sponge Rounds & Vanilla Essence

  • •1 cup (225g) Unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • •1 cup (225g) Superfine caster sugar
  • •4 large Free-range eggs, beaten at room temperature
  • •1.75 cups (225g) Self-rising flour, sifted with 1 pinch fine sea salt
  • •1.5 tsp Pure Madagascar vanilla bean paste and 2 tbsp whole milk

Finishing, Garnishes & Chef’s Additions

  • •1/2 cup (150g) Artisanal seedless Scottish raspberry jam
  • •3/4 cup (180ml) Double cream, softly whipped with 1 tbsp powdered sugar
  • •1 tbsp Caster sugar for dusting top sponge

Step-by-Step Instructions

PREPARATION & METHOD

1
Step 1: Cream Butter & Sugar until Pale

Cream softened butter and caster sugar together with an electric mixer for 5 minutes until pale, fluffy, and voluminous.

2
Step 2: Add Eggs & Fold Flour Gently

Gradually beat in eggs one at a time with 1 tbsp flour to prevent curdling. Gently fold in remaining sifted flour, vanilla, and milk until smooth.

3
Step 3: Divide & Bake Sponge Rounds

Divide batter evenly between two greased and lined 8-inch sandwich tins. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until springy and golden. Cool on wire racks.

4
Step 4: Sandwich with Jam & Cream

Spread raspberry jam over the base sponge. Spoon softly whipped double cream over jam. Crown with the second sponge and dust top evenly with caster sugar.

Beverage Pairing

Earl Grey Tea / English Sparkling Wine

A hot pot of bergamot-infused Earl Grey tea or crisp Sussex sparkling wine balances buttery sponge crumb and sweet raspberry preserve.

Culinary Science Insight

Fat-Sugar Mechanical Aeration & Starch Gelatinization

Beating sugar into plasticized butter crystals creates millions of trapped air pockets; chemical leavening gases expand into these pockets during baking for maximum rise.