A Royal Treat
Baroness Bolsover recalls enjoying this delicious Afternoon Tea treat when the simple two-layered sponge cake was named after her beloved Queen Victoria in the early 1860’s.
"We called it the Victoria Sponge Cake, Victoria Sandwich Cake or simply Victoria Cake...as long as one mentioned my Queen!"
This truly traditional cake is as popular today as it's ever been and certainly one of Queen Victoria's favourites, and she did have many favourites!
I’m thrilled therefore that Mrs Boler, Baroness Bolsover’s renowned baker has shared with us her simply divine Victoria Sponge Cake recipe along with her TOP TIPS for baking success!
Mrs Bolers Victoria Cake
Cake Mixture
6oz butter
6oz sugar
6oz self-raising flour
4 eggs
1.5 teaspoons of baking powder
1 teaspoonful of vanilla essence
Buttercream Filling
2oz butter
7oz icing sugar
Double cream as needed
Good strawberry jam, or for a more traditional taste, seedless raspberry
Method
Soften butter and cream together with sugar
Add eggs one at a time
Then add the vanilla
Sieve in the baking powder and flour together
Mrs Bolers TIP NO. 1
"Gently fold the mixture with a metal spoon. DO NOT use a wooden spoon or mixer."
Divide into 2 greased and lined cake tins
Bake for 25-30 mins in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees (160 Fan assisted)/Gas mark 4
Keep your eye on the cakes towards the end, they need to come out of the oven when cooked but still pale. Gently press the top of the cake and if it springs back up, it’s ready.
"Don't worry if your cake goes a little brown, I've got another tip for you."
Allow cakes to cool in the pan
In the meantime, soften the butter until its almost ready to turn runny
Add icing sugar and whisk until stiff adding more icing sugar if needed then bring it to the desired consistency with splashes of double cream
Loosen the cakes by running a knife around the edges of the cake and if still stuck, use the knife to gently lever all the way around.
Place one half of the cake on a doily on a plate and spoon on the butter icing, spreading with a knife so as not to drag up the cake surface, then add a good layer of jam on top of the cream.
Press the top half gently onto the bottom half and sprinkle icing sugar lightly through a sieve.
TIP NO. 2
"If your cake is too brown, add a thicker dusting of icing sugar, it will taste so delicious no one will notice its browner than the ideal!"
Alternatively, concertina fold a circle of paper and cut out shapes. Unfold the paper, put over the cake and scatter the icing sugar over it to make a pattern."
TIP NO. 3
"Best eaten with a silver cake fork!"
THANK YOU Mrs Boler... now everyone can enjoy Baroness Bolsover's favourite Afternoon Tea treat.
Afternoon Tea Etiquette Talk
Join the Victorian Baroness and learn the essential Do's & Don'ts of Afternoon Tea Etiquette. A truly delicious treat at any time of day!
Perfect for Hotels, Afternoon Tea Venues, Group Talks, Events & Zoom Presentations
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"Baroness Bolsover makes any Afternoon Tea a truly historical occasion!"
Baroness Bolsover’s Teas
The Baroness is thrilled to introduce her own range of utterly authentic Tea Blends which include her very own Afternoon Tea Blend, Earl Grey and her finest English Breakfast Tea.
Available from Old Bolsover Yard, Bolsover, Derbyshire