Monday 6 February 2012

Classic Victoria Sponge...

I just love baking and try to do it at least once a week on my day off with Freddie however today he was more interested in Thomas the tank engine so didn't have my usual assistance!

Now I've not done a Victoria Sponge many times but I'm definitely getting better at it...just need to master getting the sponge thicker....but still....it tastes GORGEOUS!



Here is the recipe i use from my 'I LOVE SUGAR' baking book, in case you would like to have a go yourself!


Serves 8-10

INGREDIENTS:
*175G/60Z BUTTER,SOFTENED,PLUS EXTRA FOR GREASING
*175G/6OZ CASTER SUGAR
*3 EGGS,BEATEN
*175G/6OZ SELF-RAISING FLOUR
*PINCH OF SALT

FOR THE FILLING:
* STRAWBERRY OR RASPBERRY JAM
BUTTER CREAM:
*140G/5OZ BUTTER,SOFTENED
*280G/10OZ ICING SUGAR
*1-2 TBSP OF MILK

Pre heat the oven to 180degrees/350farenheit/Gas Mark. Grease 2 x 20cm/8inch sandwich tins.

Cream the butter and sugar together in a mixing bowl  using a hand-held whisk until the mixture is pale in colour and light and fluffy. Add the egg a little at a time,beating well after each addition.




Sift the flour and salt and carefully add to the mixture, folding it in with a spatula.



Divide the mixture between the prepared tins and smooth over with the spatula.....


Place on the sameshelf in the centre of the pre heated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until well risen,golden brown,and beginning to shrink from the sides of the tins.

Whilst they're cooking i prepared my butter cream filling and stored in the fridge until i needed it....to do the butter cream i beat the butter in a large bowl until soft. Add half of the icing sugar and beat until smooth. Add the remaining icing sugar and milk and beat the mixture until smooth and creamy. You can add more milk to loosen the mixture slightly if you feel its too thick.

butter cream filling....i don't think i know anybody that can do this without their finger slipping in for a taste!! YUM!

Remove from the oven and allow to stand for 1 minute. Loosen the cakes from around the edges of the tins using a knife........

Turn the cakes onto a tea-towel and then place on a wire rack......


When completely cool, spread one side with your choice of jam and the other with your butter cream place the butter cream one on top of the jam (like you'd make a sandwich!) and press down slightly,now with a mini sieve a light dusting of icing sugar all over the top works a treat!

Now put the kettle on and make yourself a cuppa,cut a slice and enjoy!


Sorry about presentation I'm after a glass cake stand...but will make do with a plate!



It tastes amazing! I wish i could give you all a piece! Do you like Baking? have you got a speciality? would love to hear about it.

                             With Love Tara x x x

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