Bossmum Kitchen

🎂 Classic Victoria Sandwich Cake – Elegant, Light & Perfect for Tea Time, A British Favourite.

Let’s kick things off with none other than the queen of all cakes — the timeless, the elegant, the ever-so-British Victoria Sandwich (also known as Victoria Sponge)! 👑🍰

Learn how to make a classic Victoria Sandwich cake (Victoria Sponge), the queen of all cakes – that’s light, fluffy, and filled with sweet jam and (sometimes) cream. This easy, step-by-step British sponge cake recipe is a true traditional British dessert that never goes out of style. Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this foolproof guide will help you bake the perfect sponge every time.

Who doesn’t love a good Victoria Sandwich? It’s one of those bakes that everyone recognizes instantly — two fluffy sponge layers, lovingly sandwiched together with a generous slathering of jam (and maybe a cheeky bit of cream if you’re feeling fancy), all topped off with a delicate dusting of icing sugar. It’s simple, it’s classic, and honestly, it never goes out of style.

But here’s the best part — it’s also ridiculously easy to make. No complicated ingredients, no fiddly techniques, and no need to spend hours in the kitchen. If you can measure, mix, and resist eating the jam straight from the jar (no judgment if you can’t), then you’re already halfway there.

With just a handful of basic ingredients — think eggs, sugar, butter, flour, and your favourite jam — you can whip up this royal treat in no time. It’s the perfect starting point for any home baker, whether you’re brand new to the mixing bowl or just fancy revisiting a good old classic.

So, grab your apron and a nice cup of tea, because we’re about to bake a cake fit for a queen — or at the very least, your afternoon snack table!

👑 History

The Victoria Sandwich Cake gets its name from none other than Queen Victoria herself, who reigned from 1819 to 1901 during the Victorian era — a time when fancy dresses, afternoon tea, and grand moustaches were all the rage. Afternoon tea became the thing in royal circles, and Queen Victoria loved to enjoy a slice of simple sponge cake with her cuppa.

Back in the day, cakes were pretty dense and took a lot of elbow grease to make. But thanks to the invention of baking powder in the mid-1800s (a total game-changer), bakers could whip up light, fluffy sponges without needing to whisk for hours. Enter the Victoria Sponge: soft, airy, and deliciously sandwiched with jam — and later, buttercream.

Baking powder was invented in the mid-1800s and was used to make cakes light and airy in texture. Cakes use to be denser and more labour intensive.

Today, it’s still a British baking classic and kind of a rite of passage for home bakers. It’s simple, elegant, and proof that sometimes the basics really are the best.

💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light, buttery sponge with a delicate crumb
• Traditional British flavour profile
• Quick and easy – no fancy ingredients needed
• Perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or afternoon tea

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F), gas mark 4. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake tins.

Cream the Butter & Sugar
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar together for 5 minutes until pale and fluffy – use an electric whisk if you wish.

Add Eggs & Vanilla
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Fold in the Flour
Add half the self-raising flour and fold it through with spatula.

Add the rest of the flour and baking powder and mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Mix the Batter
Add the vanilla extract and milk to loosen the batter. Mix the batter until smooth and all the ingredients are combined, divide batter equally between two 8″ round cake tins – level the batter with a palette knife.

Bake the Cakes
Bake for 25 minutes until golden, well risen and a skewer comes out clean.

Cool Completely
Let cakes cool in tins for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Cool fully before filling.

📸 Tip: If not using the cakes right away, wrap each sponge in cling film whilst still warm to lock in steam to keep the sponges moist.

Assemble the Cake
Place one sponge layer on a plate. Spread jam evenly over the top. Top with the second sponge.

Finish & Style
Dust with caster sugar. 

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a cup of tea or coffee
• Add clotted cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent layer
• Add fresh berries for decoration

❓ FAQs

Can I use buttercream instead of whipped cream?
Yes! Buttercream adds richness and stability if the cake needs to sit out longer.

Can I make it ahead?
You can bake the sponge a day before and assemble on the day of serving.

Can I freeze Victoria Sandwich Cake?
You can freeze the sponges (unfilled). Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

💬 Tried This Recipe?

Leave a comment below, rate the recipe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, or tag me on @bossmumkitchen — I’d love to see your stunning Victoria Sponge creations!