Mary Berry Victoria Sponge is, in fact, the quintessential British cake because it can be brought up at all times-light, fluffy, and mouth-wateringly vanilla in flavor. Mary Berry, known for her cake-baking prowess, has been generous with the experience through many train rides, and the recipe for the Victoria Sponge is the perfect representation of her skills in the kitchen. The guide, therefore, promises to take you on all the steps of baking a perfect Victoria Sponge and how to make fondant brown according to that key Mary Berry way.

Ingredients and Equipment

  • Cakes Batter
  • 225g unsalted butter softened
  • 225g caster sugar
  • 4 very large eggs
  • 225g self-raising flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Filling and Topping
  • 2 tablespoons raspberry jam
  • 300ml double cream
  • Icing sugar, for dusting
  • Equipment 
  • 2 x 20cm round cake tins
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Parchment paper
  • Wire rack
  • Sieve

Preparing the Cake Tins

  • Grease and Line: Generously grease the two 20cm cake tins with butter. Cut two circles of parchment paper so they fit the bottom of each tin and line them in the bottom. This will prevent the cakes from sticking and ensure easy removal.
  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180C (160C fan/Gas Mark 4).

Mixing the Cake Batter 

  • Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large oblong bowl, cream the butter and caster sugar together, using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until they become light, fluffy, and very pale in color. This is an important step within the process for the incorporation of as much air into the batter. Such techniques ensure a light and airy sponge.Here, beat one egg at the same time and include thoroughly combined after each addition into the mixture. It is a point that is well-understood by mary berry victoria sponge; indeed, she emphasizes, if one beats well after each egg, the mixture gets enough incorporated into the batter.
  • Fold-in DryIngredients Gently: Sieve the self-raising flour into a bowl. With a big metal spoon or spatula, fold the flour into the egg mixture gently. Do not overmix since this would activate gluten in the flour, which toughens up the how to make fondant brown. Fold until just combined into no visible streaks of flour.

Add Vanilla Extract: Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

  • Separate the Batter: Divide equally the batter into the 2 prepared cake tins.
  • Bake the Cakes: Bake. Place the tins on the middle shelf of the pre-heated oven and bake for around 20-25 minutes, or until a very sharp wooden skewer inserted into the center of each of the cakes comes out clean.
  • Cooling: Once baked, take the cakes from the oven and let cool in tins for 10 minutes. This allows the cakes to harden somewhat before being moved.
  • Turn Out and Cool Completely: Gently invert the tins onto wire racks to release the cakes. Allow the cakes to cool completely on the racks before making the assembly.
  • Level:-If you find that the tops of the cakes are uneven, just take a serrated knife and gently even up the unevenness to create a flat surface for assembly.
  • Spread the Jam: Place one cake on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a thin layer of raspberry jam uniformly over the top.
  • Add the Cream: Whip the cream into soft peaks. Spread the jam layer with whipped cream evenly.
  • Top with the Second Layer: Place the other cake layer on top of the cream.
  • Dust with Powdered Sugar: Dust the top of the cake lightly with powdered sugar for that classic finishing touch.

Conclusion

With Mary Berry's expert tips, you can bake a light, fluffy, and delicious Victoria Sponge that is sure to impress. Serve it with a cup of tea for the perfect British treat. This classic freezing cake is a wonderful way to showcase your baking skills and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea.