{
  "title": "Victoria Sponge",
  "tags": [
    "Dessert",
    "Snack"
  ],
  "servings": "4",
  "prepTime": "20 mins",
  "cookTime": "25 mins",
  "description": "The quintessential British celebration cake. Two golden sponges sandwiched with jam and cream, dusted with icing sugar. Simple, elegant, timeless. She doesn't need decorating — she IS the decoration.",
  "ingredients": [
    "200g butter, softened",
    "200g caster sugar",
    "4 eggs",
    "200g self-raising flour",
    "1 teaspoon vanilla extract",
    "1 teaspoon baking powder",
    "2 tablespoons milk",
    "4 tablespoons strawberry jam",
    "200ml double cream",
    "1 tablespoon icing sugar for dusting"
  ],
  "instructions": [
    "Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F. Grease two 20cm round cake tins and line the bases with parchment paper.",
    "Beat butter and caster sugar together with an electric mixer for 4-5 minutes until very pale, light, and fluffy.",
    "Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla extract. If the mixture curdles, add a spoonful of flour.",
    "Sift in self-raising flour and baking powder. Fold gently until just combined. Add milk to loosen to a dropping consistency.",
    "Divide batter evenly between the two tins and smooth the tops. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.",
    "Turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely before filling.",
    "Whip double cream to soft peaks. Spread jam on the bottom layer, top with whipped cream, place second sponge on top and dust with icing sugar. Serve the same day."
  ],
  "id": "victoria-sponge",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-12T10:00:00.000Z"
}