Put a twist on a classic bake with these delicious Victoria Sponge Cupcakes! The soft vanilla sponge is filled with jam before being topped with whipped cream, a dusting of icing sugar and a fresh strawberry. Perfect for picnics, summer parties or an afternoon treat with a cup of tea.
180gMargarine or unsalted butterI like to use Stork baking spread
180gWhite caster sugar
2largeEggsroom temperature
180gSelf-raising flour
1tspVanilla extract
1tbspMilk
For the jam filling
1jarStrawberry jam
For the whipped cream and decoration
300mlDouble cream
1tspVanilla extract
50gIcing sugar
6Strawberriessliced in half to make 12 in total
Instructions
Start by making the cupcakes
Preheat the oven to 160°C fan / 180°C conventional. Line a cupcake tray with 12 cases.
Beat the margarine (or butter) and caster sugar together until light and creamy.
Mix in the eggs one at a time. TIP: Add a spoonful of the flour with each egg to stop the mixture from curdling.
Add the remaining flour, vanilla extract and milk, and fold everything together into a smooth cake mixture.
Spoon the mixture into the cupcake cases, filling each one roughly two-thirds full.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until risen and springy to the touch. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and leave to cool completely.
Fill the cupcakes
Use an apple corer or teaspoon to remove the middle of each cupcake.
Fill the holes to the top with strawberry jam.
Whip the cream and decorate
Use an electric whisk to whisk the double cream and vanilla extract together until soft, pillowy and just starting to hold its shape. TIP: Whipped cream can turn grainy very quickly, so it's best to stop whisking at the point the cream has just started to thicken. Then swap the whisk for a metal spoon and gently fold until you reach the right consistency.
Spoon or pipe the cream on top of the cupcakes. Then dust with icing sugar and finish with half a fresh strawberry.
Notes
Store your Victoria Sponge Cupcakes in a baking tin, in the fridge, and enjoy within 24 hours.