GOD SAVE THE CAKE: November 2014

VICTORIA SPONGE CAKE

Victoria sponge cake derives its name from Queen Victoria.

During her reign, the tradition of tea - time was adopted. It was invented by one of her lady in waiting the Duchess of Bedford.

Soon, Queen Victoria adopted this craze. This sandwich cake was probably Victoria's favourite one to accompany tea.

INGREDIENTS :

For the cake :

• 280 g self-raising flour
• 280 g unsalted butter at room temperature
• 265 g sugar
• 5 large eggs
• 1 ¼ tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ¼ tablespoon milk

For the filling and the topping :

• 8 tablespoons strawberry or raspberry jam
• 15 g icing sugar for the clotted cream and more for the topping
• 25 cl cream
• Few drops of vanilla extract for the clotted cream

METHOD :

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

2. Grease 2 tins ( 23 cm )

3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time and mix well after each egg. Add the vanilla extract.

5. Add sift flour, baking powder, milk and mix.

6. Equally divide the mixture cake mix into 2 .

7. Bake for 30 minutes or until the cakes are risen and pale golden.

8. Turn the cakes onto a rack and let them cool.

9. For the clotted cream, whisk the cold cream, the vanilla extract and the icing sugar until thick.

10.Spread the jam over one cake then spread the clotted cream.