Level off the cakes with a knife or cake leveller, then spread the jam over the first layer. Use a piping bag and nozzle to pipe the whipped cream on top, but you could spread or dollop on with a spoon too. Then add the second sponge and dust it with icing sugar. Lauren is our Homes and Garden writer, covering the latest homeware trends, sales and launches for Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Cosmopolitan, House Beautiful, Red and Harper’s Bazaar. Then gently whisk or fold in the self raising flour by hand. Divide the mixture between the tins, you can use scales for accuracy to get an even amount of mixture in each one. When lining the tins, I line the bottom with greaseproof baking paper, and grease the sides lightly with butter or margarine.

Lauren has a BA in English Literature and Journalism and has worked in various editorial roles across Southeast Asia and North America. She previously wrote for a local London newspaper, covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle to politics and wellness. Pre-heat your oven to 160C Fan/180C/350F/Gas Mark 4, and grease and line two 8" cake tins (that are at least 2" deep). I line the base with greaseproof paper and lightly grease the sides with butter While an electric mixer is not absolutely necessary, you will get better results and a lighter more fluffy cake if you use one, so I do recommend it. It doesn't have to be an expensive stand mixer either, a budget hand held electric mixer will do the job too! What are the cup measurements for a Victoria Sponge Cake? For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post. This post is full of helpful tips and commonly asked questions when making victoria sponge cake, so I do recommend reading through it all first. Why is a Victoria Sponge Cake called a Victoria Sponge Cake?

What can go wrong?

Sponges can be washed in cold water, using a little soap, but must be thoroughly air-dried before reusing. Should be stored away from sunlight. I’d also advise thoroughly wringing it out after each rinse. When it was too wet, it tended to push dust around rather than wipe it up. Final thoughts: Scrub Daddy Damp Duster

For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post. Do you need an electric mixer to make this recipe? Again, this is more of an opinion and taste lead decision as it really depends what you prefer. I made the pictured cake using unsalted butter, but I have made many Victoria Sponge Cakes in the past with margarine, or baking spread, and had brilliant results. I always use Stork as I find it very easy to use because it's so soft straight from the fridge. I also find that Stork is more consistent and reliable in creating light and moist cakes every time. For the full recipe with measurements, head to the recipe card at the end of this post. The ingredients The cake should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will last for 3 days. If you do not fill it with whipped cream, it can be stored in a cool place. You can freeze the sponges once they are fully cool, wrap them well with cling film or put them in an airtight container with some baking paper between them. I do not recommend freezing the cake once it is filled with whipped cream, however if you fill it with jam only, or buttercream, you can freeze it. Again, wrap it well (either whole or in slices) in cling film or place it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. What can go wrong? To decorate the cake, prepare the double cream by whipping it along with the icing sugar and vanilla extract, with an electric whisk until soft peaks form. You can do this by hand but it will take much longer and require some muscles!

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden-brown on top and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. To make the sponge you only need four basic ingredients - butter, caster sugar, eggs and self raising flour. I've also added vanilla extract as a fifth ingredient because I absolutely love the flavour it brings to this cake. If you decide to use it, please only use vanilla extract, not essence, as the former is natural and tastes so much better. For more sensitive surfaces such as works of art on paper, precious books etc consider the Akapad dry cleaning sponges (see 'Recommended) tab.