A former rugby player turned baking enthusiast has shared his take on a traditional Victoria Sponge cake which he says is “perfect for those sunnier days”. The Victoria sponge, also known as the Victoria sandwich cake, was named after Queen Victoria who was known to enjoy the small cakes with her afternoon tea.
Though the original version of the cake was typically made using only jam, modern recipes tend to include buttercream too.
Buttercream is made using icing sugar, butter and vanilla extract. Some people also use heavy cream in their buttercream recipes.
The ex-rugby player, who shares his recipes on TikTok @the_hungryhooker – a name taken from his rugby position – uses buttercream in his recipe, which he assures is both “light” and “fluffy”.
In the video, he said: “Here’s a light and fluffy Victoria sponge recipe for those sunnier days. This is an all-in-one recipe and so simple to make.”
All of the recipes are mixed in one bowl before the cake batter is transferred to two separate tins in order to create the cake layers.
The cake takes between 35 and 40 minutes to bake in the oven.
“First, grab yourself a mixing bowl, add your caster sugar, [margarine], eggs and finally sieve your flour and baking powder into the bowl,” said the chef.
“Mix this all together until fully combined and smooth. It’s optional but you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
“Once smooth add this to your lined cake tin, and bake in a fan-assisted oven at 170C for 35 to 40 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.
“Allow to rest in the tin for 10 minutes and then cool fully on a wired rack. Using the buttercream recipe cover one side. Cover the other with a thick layer of raspberry jam. Pop this on top and then dust with a healthy amount of icing sugar.”
Once baked, he added: “Now all that’s left to do is get the kettle on and serve it up with a cup of tea.”
