Nigella Victoria Sponge

Name: Nigella's Victoria Sponge
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 225g very soft unsalted butter; 225g caster sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 200g plain flour; 25g cornflour; 2½ teaspoons baking powder; A pinch of salt; 4 large eggs; 2-3 tablespoons milk; 75g seedless raspberry jam; 150g fresh raspberries; 150ml double cream

Dive into the classic and beloved Victoria Sponge, a staple in British baking, beautifully crafted by Nigella Lawson. This light and airy cake, with its rich history rooted in Victorian England, offers a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients for the Victoria Sponge Cake

Cake: 225g very soft unsalted butter, 225g caster sugar (plus 1-2 teaspoons extra), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 200g plain flour, 25g cornflour, 2½ teaspoons baking powder, a pinch of salt, 4 large eggs, and 2-3 tablespoons milk.
Filling: 75g seedless raspberry jam, 150g fresh raspberries, and 150ml double cream.

Preparation Instructions

Preheat your oven and prepare two 20cm sandwich tins by greasing and lining them.
Combine the butter, sugar, vanilla, flours, baking powder, salt, eggs, and milk using a food processor or by hand to achieve a smooth batter.
Divide the batter between the tins and bake until golden and springy to the touch.
Once cooled, spread one cake layer with jam, top with crushed raspberries, and a layer of whipped cream, then cap with the second cake layer.

Storage and Reheating This cake shines brightest when served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for short-term enjoyment. Freeze the cake layers, wrapped properly, for up to 3 months for longer preservation.

Nutritional Information While specific nutritional details vary, this cake traditionally contains calories from sugar, fat, and flour, making it a treat to enjoy in moderation.

FAQ about the Victoria Sponge Cake

Can I use frozen raspberries? Fresh raspberries are recommended for their texture and flavor, but in a pinch, thawed, well-drained frozen raspberries can be used.
How do I ensure my sponge is light and fluffy? Room temperature ingredients and proper mixing are key to achieving the perfect texture.

Nigella Lawson's Victoria Sponge is a testament to the joy of baking, combining simple ingredients to create a dessert that's much more than the sum of its parts. Perfect for afternoon tea, this cake is a celebration of texture, flavor, and the timeless art of baking.

For more detailed instructions and additional tips, visit Nigella Lawson's official recipe page.

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