Olivia Carter
Victoria Sponge is a classic British cake that is loved by many for its light and fluffy texture and delicate flavours. Traditionally, this cake is baked in an oven, but have you ever considered using an air fryer to achieve the same delicious results? In this article, we will guide you through the process of baking a mouth-watering Victoria Sponge in an air fryer.
Why use an air fryer, you may ask? Well, an air fryer offers a unique way of baking, using hot air circulation to cook your food evenly and achieve a crispy exterior. The controlled temperature and constant air movement of the air fryer are perfect for ensuring that your Victoria Sponge rises beautifully and cooks through to perfection.
Before we dive into the recipe, it’s important to know that not all air fryers are created equal. Opt for an air fryer with a temperature control feature and a baking mode. This will allow you to set the appropriate temperature and time required for baking your Victoria Sponge.
Now, let’s get started with the recipe:
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking a Perfect Victoria Sponge in an Air Fryer
If you want to bake a delicious Victoria Sponge cake but don’t have access to a traditional oven, don’t worry! You can still achieve a moist and fluffy sponge using an air fryer. Follow this step-by-step guide to bake a perfect Victoria Sponge in an air fryer.
- Gather all the ingredients for your Victoria Sponge. You will need 200g of softened butter, 200g of caster sugar, 200g of self-raising flour, 4 eggs, and 2 tablespoons of milk.
- Preheat your air fryer to 160°C (320°F).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift the flour into the bowl and gently fold it in using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Add the milk to the batter and stir until well combined.
- Grease two 8-inch cake pans with a little butter and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Divide the batter equally between the two pans, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the pans in the preheated air fryer and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the air fryer and let them cool in the pans for 5 minutes.
- Once the cakes have cooled slightly, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the filling. Whip 300ml of double cream until thick and spreadable.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of jam onto one of the cakes.
- Next, spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the jam.
- Place the second cake on top and press gently to sandwich the layers together.
- Dust the top of the cake with a little icing sugar for decoration.
Now you can enjoy your homemade Victoria Sponge, baked to perfection in an air fryer. Serve slices of this classic cake with a cup of tea for the perfect afternoon treat. Enjoy!
Gathering Ingredients for the Sponge
Before you can start baking your Victoria Sponge in an air fryer, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the sponge:
- 225g (8 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 225g (8 oz) caster sugar
- 4 medium eggs
- 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the filling:
- 150g (5 oz) strawberry jam
- 150ml (5 fl oz) double cream
Make sure you have all the ingredients measured and ready before you start. This will ensure a smooth and efficient baking process.
Preparing the Sponge Batter
To start baking a Victoria Sponge in an air fryer, you need to prepare the sponge batter. Here’s a simple and easy-to-follow recipe:
Ingredients:
- 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
- 200g (1 cup) caster sugar
- 4 medium eggs
- 200g (1 â…” cups) self-raising flour
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
First, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). While the air fryer is preheating, prepare the sponge batter:
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and caster sugar together until light and fluffy. This usually takes around 5 minutes using an electric mixer.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next one. If the mixture starts to curdle, add a tablespoon of flour and continue mixing.
- Sift the self-raising flour into the bowl and gently fold it in with a spatula. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and continue folding until all the ingredients are well combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense sponge.
Once the batter is ready, you can proceed to the next steps of baking the Victoria Sponge in your air fryer.
Baking the Victoria Sponge in the Air Fryer
The Victoria Sponge is a classic British cake that is traditionally baked in an oven. However, with the versatility of modern kitchen appliances, it is also possible to achieve delicious results using an air fryer. Baking a Victoria Sponge in an air fryer can be a fun and convenient alternative, especially if you don’t have access to an oven or if you want to try a different method of baking.
Preparation
Before you start baking the Victoria Sponge in the air fryer, gather all the ingredients and equipment you will need. This includes:
- 200g softened butter
- 200g caster sugar
- 4 medium eggs
- 200g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp milk
- Strawberry jam
- Whipped cream
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Electric whisk
- 8-inch cake tin
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F). This may vary depending on your specific model, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture and create a light sponge.
- Sift in the self-raising flour and baking powder, and gently fold them into the batter until just combined.
- Add the milk to the batter and stir until smooth.
- Grease and line an 8-inch cake tin, then pour the batter into the tin and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Place the cake tin in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure it is centered.
- Set the air fryer to bake at 180°C (356°F) for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- After the initial baking time, check the cake with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the sponge is ready. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- Once the sponge is cooked, carefully remove it from the air fryer and allow it to cool on a wire rack.
- When the sponge has cooled completely, spread a layer of strawberry jam on one half and whipped cream on the other.
- Sandwich the two halves together and dust the top with powdered sugar, if desired.
Now that you know how to bake a Victoria Sponge in an air fryer, you can enjoy this classic British cake using a different cooking method. Follow the recipe and enjoy a delicious homemade Victoria Sponge that’s light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor!
Decorating and Serving the Delicious Victoria Sponge
Once your Victoria Sponge has cooled completely, it’s time to decorate and serve this delectable dessert. Here are some ideas to make it even more visually appealing and mouth-watering:
1. Dust with Powdered Sugar
One of the simplest ways to decorate your Victoria Sponge is to lightly dust it with powdered sugar. This will give it a beautiful, snowy appearance and add a touch of sweetness to the overall taste.
2. Add Fresh Berries
To enhance the flavour and presentation of your Victoria Sponge, adorn it with a variety of fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The vibrant colors of the berries will make your cake look even more enticing.
3. Whipped Cream Topping
For an indulgent touch, spread a generous layer of freshly whipped cream on top of your Victoria Sponge. This creamy addition will complement the lightness of the cake and make each bite even more luscious.
4. Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
If you’re a chocolate lover, give your Victoria Sponge an irresistibly decadent twist by drizzling it with a rich and gooey chocolate sauce. This will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also create a visually delightful contrast.
Remember, serving is just as important as decorating. Make sure to slice your Victoria Sponge into even portions and serve it on a beautiful cake stand or decorative plate. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy this classic British treat.
Questions and Answers
What is a Victoria sponge?
A Victoria sponge is a classic British cake made of two layers of sponge cake sandwiched together with jam and cream. It is named after Queen Victoria, who was known to enjoy a slice with her afternoon tea.
Can I bake a Victoria sponge in an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake a Victoria sponge in an air fryer. The air fryer is a versatile appliance that can be used for baking, frying, and grilling. To bake a Victoria sponge in an air fryer, you will need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. It may take some experimentation to find the perfect settings for your specific air fryer model.
What are the advantages of baking a Victoria sponge in an air fryer?
Baking a Victoria sponge in an air fryer has several advantages. Firstly, the air fryer cooks food quickly and evenly, resulting in a moist and tender cake. Secondly, the air fryer requires less oil than traditional baking methods, making it a healthier option. Lastly, the air fryer is a compact appliance, perfect for those with limited kitchen space.
