Victoria sponge cake deliciously light thanks to “self-raising” flour, a common ingredient in the UK, which contains baking powder and salt in the mix. The traditional filling is whipped cream and jam with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar. I added some strawberries for flavor, texture, and decoration along with some edible flowers.
1 cup (220g) unsalted butter at room temperature
1 cup plus 2 tbsp (220g) superfine sugar
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 3/4 cups (220g) self-raising flour
12 oz (340 grams) strawberries, thinly sliced plus whole strawberries with stems left on for decorating
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp lime zest
1 pinch ground pink peppercorns optional
1/2 cup (65 grams) store-bought jam
confectioners’ sugar for dusting
edible flowers for decorating optional
whole pink peppercorns for decorating optional
Chantilly Cream
2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
1 tbsp confectioners’ sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (65 grams) store-bought jam
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease two 8 x 3-inch (20 x 8-centimeter) round cake pans, then line them with greased parchment paper.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter on high speed until creamy and smooth, about 1 minute.
Turn the mixer speed to medium-low, add the superfine sugar and vanilla to the butter, and mix until incorporated. Then turn the speed to medium-high and beat until very light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Turn the speed to low and add the eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined. Add one-third of the flour to the butter mixture and mix on low speed just until incorporated. Repeat with another one-third flour until just incorporated. Add the final one-third of the flour.
Divide the batter among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Gently tap the pans on the counter several times to release excess air bubbles.
Bake until the cakes are golden and a tester comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Let the cakes cool in the pans completely on a wire rack.
In a medium bowl, toss together the thinly sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, lime zest, and pink peppercorns (if using). Allow to macerate until the sugar dissolves, about 15 minutes.
Remove one cooled cake layer from its pan and place it on a serving plate.
Spread the jam over the top of the cake, then cover the jam with a 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) layer of the chantilly cream. Distribute half the macerated strawberries over the chantilly cream.
Place the second cake on the chantilly cream, then run a spatula along the side of the cake to ensure the filling stays within the cake layers.
Dust the top generously with confectioners’ sugar and decorate with strawberries, edible flowers (optional), and pink peppercorns (optional).
Chantilly Cream
In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla and beat on medium speed until just thick—it will start to leave marks from the whisk in the cream.
Remove the bowl from the mixer and, using the whisk attachment, continue whipping by hand for several seconds until the cream holds medium-stiff peaks. Fold in the jam. Doing so should thicken up the cream to stiff peaks. It should be fluffy, but stiff enough to hold the weight of the cake.
This cake is best served right away with the remaining macerated strawberries and whipped cream, but any leftovers can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Adapted from “Zoë Bakes Cakes: Everything You Need to Know to Make Your Favorite Layers, Bundts, Loaves, and More” by Zoë François © Ten Speed Press 2021. Provided courtesy of Zoë François. All rights reserved.
