Victoria Sandwich: A Classic British Delight
The Victoria Sandwich is a timeless British dessert that combines fluffy, light sponge cake with a creamy, tangy filling, and a sweet layer of raspberry jam. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is named after Queen Victoria, who was known to enjoy a slice with her afternoon tea. With its simplicity and irresistible taste, the Victoria Sandwich is sure to impress your guests and leave them coming back for more. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Servings: 10 | Category: Desserts
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (00 flour) | 200g |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 200g |
| Granulated sugar | 200g |
| Eggs (large, at room temperature) | 4 |
| Whole milk | 50ml |
| Baking powder | 8g |
| Salt | A pinch |
| Vanilla bean | 1 (seeds) |
| Cream cheese (Philadelphia or similar) | 250g |
| Mascarpone cheese | 250g |
| Vanilla extract | To taste |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | 30g |
| Fresh raspberries | 120g |
| Raspberry jam | 300g |
| Powdered sugar (for finishing) | 1 tbsp |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Sponge Cake
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Begin by preparing the sponge cake. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and the seeds scraped from the vanilla bean. Using an electric mixer or hand whisk, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy, with a pale color and smooth consistency.
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Once the butter and sugar mixture is fluffy, add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition, ensuring the first egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps the mixture remain stable and smooth.
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In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. Stir gently with a spatula to combine, being careful not to deflate the batter.
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Once the batter is fully mixed and smooth, divide it evenly between two greased and lined 20cm (8-inch) round cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
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Bake the cakes in a preheated oven at 180ยฐC (350ยฐF) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Preparing the Cream Filling
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While the cakes are cooling, it’s time to make the creamy filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese and cream cheese. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the cheeses together until smooth and well combined.
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Add a few drops of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor and continue mixing until fully incorporated.
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Gradually add powdered sugar to the cheese mixture, beating until the cream is smooth, thick, and spreadable.
Step 3: Assembling the Victoria Sandwich
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Once the cakes have completely cooled, take one of the cakes and place it on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of raspberry jam over the top of the cake, making sure to cover it evenly.
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On top of the jam, spoon the creamy mascarpone and cream cheese filling. Use a spatula to smooth the filling evenly across the cake.
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Gently place the second cake on top of the filling, creating a sandwich-like effect.
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For the finishing touch, lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful, elegant look.
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Add fresh raspberries to the center or around the edges for a burst of color and freshness.
Step 4: Serving and Storing
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Serve the Victoria Sandwich immediately, enjoying it fresh and delicious with a cup of tea or coffee. This cake is perfect for afternoon tea, birthday celebrations, or a sweet treat for any occasion.
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If you’re not serving it right away, store the Victoria Sandwich in the refrigerator, covered with a lid to keep it fresh. It will stay delicious for a couple of days.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Victoria Sandwich:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting. This will help the ingredients blend more easily, resulting in a smooth and airy batter.
- Flour Sifting: Sifting the flour and baking powder together helps avoid any lumps and ensures an even rise in your cakes.
- Substitutes for Jam: While raspberry jam is the classic choice for this cake, feel free to use any fruit jam you prefer, such as strawberry or blueberry. A good quality homemade jam can really elevate the flavor.
- Butter and Sugar Ratio: The classic Victoria Sandwich calls for equal parts butter, sugar, and flour, which helps create the signature light and fluffy texture. Don’t be tempted to reduce the sugar or butter for a lower-calorie versionโit will affect the texture and flavor.
- Customizing the Filling: If you like a richer filling, you can add a little whipped cream to the mascarpone and cream cheese mixture. This will make the filling lighter and fluffier.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400-450 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Sugars | 35g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
This Victoria Sandwich recipe is not only a delicious treat but also a great way to enjoy a classic British dessert at home. Its soft, fluffy sponge, combined with a creamy, tangy filling and sweet raspberry jam, will make it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you love a good dessert, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Enjoy your Victoria Sandwich, and be sure to share it with your loved ones!
