I. Introduction
Mary Berry, regarded as the nation’s favorite baker, has significantly impacted British cooking. With more than 70 cookbooks, including bestsellers such as “Mary Berry Cooks” and “Mary Berry’s Baking Bible,” she is a cherished presence in kitchens throughout the UK. Her approachable style and comforting recipes embody a rich culinary tradition, making her an essential resource for home bakers.
Mary is a renowned chef trained at Cordon Bleu in Paris, who started as a magazine cookery editor and published her first book in 1966. She became famous as a judge on BBC’s “The Great British Bake Off,” where her expertise and warmth endeared her to audiences. In 2009, she was honored with the Guild of Food Writers Lifetime Achievement Award and received a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2012 for her contributions to the culinary arts.
This recipe for Mary Berry’s Lemon Drizzle Victoria Sponge not only highlights her baking prowess but also includes historical context, nutritional information, and a vegan adaptation, ensuring it meets high standards of quality and comfort.
II. Mary Berry’s Unique Approach & Historical Context
Mary Berry’s Lemon Drizzle Victoria Sponge is a delightful twist on the classic recipe, showcasing her focus on using quality ingredients. The Victoria sponge itself has a rich history dating back to the 19th century, as it was named after Queen Victoria, who loved enjoying it during her afternoon tea. Traditionally, the cake is made with equal weights of flour, butter, and sugar, along with eggs, resulting in a light and airy texture. Mary’s version adds a refreshing lemon flavor, demonstrating her ability to elevate traditional baking.
Mary’s recipe remains true to this classic while introducing her signature lemon drizzle, which enhances the sponge’s flavor and provides a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cake. This balance of tradition and innovation is a hallmark of Mary’s style, making her recipes both authentic and accessible.
III. Notices on Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients:
- For the Sponge:
- 200g unsalted butter, softened
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- Zest of 1 lemon
- For the Lemon Drizzle:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 100g icing sugar
Equipment:
- 2 x 20cm round cake tins
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Sieve for icing sugar
IV. Recipe Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). After this, Grease and line the two cake tins with baking paper.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy, which should take about 4-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
Add Eggs
After this, Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Add Flour and Lemon Zest
Gently fold in the self-raising flour and lemon zest using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Pour into Tins
After this, Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake tins, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
Bake
After this, Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the tins for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a cooling rack.
Prepare Lemon Drizzle
In a small bowl, mix the lemon juice and icing sugar to create a smooth drizzle.
Drizzle Over Cakes: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate, drizzle half the icing over the top, and then place the second layer on top before drizzling the remaining icing over it.
V. Flavor Profile & Nutritional Information
The Lemon Drizzle Victoria Sponge offers a delightful balance of sweetness and tartness, with a moist and airy texture. The lemon drizzle adds a refreshing zing that enhances the overall flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 10 servings):
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugars: 20g
(For detailed nutritional information, consult a dietitian or reliable nutrition database.)
VI. Tips for a Perfect Sponge Cake
- Troubleshooting Common Issues: If your cake sinks in the middle, it may be due to underbaking or overmixing. Ensure accurate timing and gentle folding.
- Enhancing Flavor and Texture: For added moisture, consider using buttermilk instead of regular milk in the batter.
- Variations: Experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or lime for a different flavor profile.
VII. Alternative (Vegan Adaptation)
Vegan Lemon Drizzle Victoria Sponge:
- Substitute butter with vegan margarine.
- Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water = 1 egg).
- Use plant-based milk as needed.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow the same instructions, substituting the ingredients as mentioned above.
- Ensure all equipment is clean to avoid cross-contamination.
VIII. Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Consider pairing the Lemon Drizzle Victoria Sponge with a side of whipped cream or fresh berries for a delightful dessert option. Variations can include adding poppy seeds to the batter for a unique twist.
IX. Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to approximately 3 days, or refrigerate it for longer storage of up to a week. For best results, reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds if desired. This way, you can enjoy your cake at its best!
X. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, you can freeze the layers before icing. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
- What can I substitute for self-raising flour? Use all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon baking powder for each 100g of flour.
XI. Conclusion & Call to Action
Mary Berry’s Lemon Drizzle Victoria Sponge is a delightful treat that fuses classic British baking with a refreshing twist. I highly recommend trying this recipe and sharing your experience with friends and family. For more delicious inspiration, check out additional recipes on our website.
XII. Additional Resources (Optional)
Mary Berry’s culinary expertise and passion for baking shine through in this timeless recipe, making it a must-try for all baking enthusiasts. Enjoy the delightful flavors and share your baking adventures!
