Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich is a delightful twist on the classic Victoria sponge, a staple in British baking. Traditionally made with a simple vanilla flavor, Mary Berry’s version infuses the cake with the rich, aromatic flavor of coffee. The result is a moist, tender sponge cake that balances the sweetness of vanilla and the deep, bittersweet notes of freshly brewed coffee. The cake is typically layered with a smooth, creamy coffee-flavored buttercream, making it the perfect treat for coffee lovers or anyone looking for an indulgent afternoon snack.
Mary Berry, an icon in the world of British baking, is renowned for her approachable yet delicious recipes. This Coffee Victoria Sandwich follows that same ethos: straightforward to prepare, yet packed with flavor and finesse. The combination of the airy cake and the luscious buttercream filling creates a light, satisfying treat that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee-ideal for afternoon tea gatherings, special occasions, or just a little pick-me-up. The cake’s fluffy texture, the perfect sweetness, and the aromatic coffee flavor create an unforgettable dessert experience.
Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For The Cake
- 225g (8 oz) butter – At room temperature for easy mixing. Butter is key to giving the cake its richness and moisture.
- 225g (8 oz) caster sugar – This fine sugar will dissolve easily into the butter, creating a light and fluffy batter.
- 4 large eggs – Eggs add structure to the cake while contributing to its moistness.
- 225g (8 oz) self-raising flour – Self-raising flour helps the cake rise without the need for extra baking powder, giving it a light, airy texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder – For a slight extra lift and fluffiness, although this is often optional when using self-raising flour.
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee – A strong coffee flavor is essential, and instant coffee dissolves easily to infuse the batter.
- 2 tablespoons boiling water – Used to dissolve the instant coffee, ensuring the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cake.
For The Buttercream Filling
- 100g (3 ½ oz) unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature, ensuring a smooth and creamy buttercream.
- 200g (7 oz) icing sugar – For sweetness and the ideal smooth texture of the buttercream.
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee – To continue the coffee flavor throughout the filling.
- 1 tablespoon boiling water – To dissolve the coffee into a smooth paste, ensuring a uniform taste.
For Assembling
- Icing sugar – For dusting the top of the cake once it’s assembled, giving it a delicate finish and a subtle sweetness.
Equipment Needed
To prepare Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich, you’ll need a few basic pieces of baking equipment:
- Two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins – These will help create the classic round shape of the Victoria Sandwich. Grease and line them with parchment paper to ensure the cakes come out easily.
- Mixing bowls – A large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients, and a smaller one to dissolve the coffee in water.
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer – While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer will make the process quicker and easier, ensuring the batter is light and fluffy.
- Spoon or spatula – To stir and fold the ingredients together.
- Sieve – To sift the flour and baking powder, ensuring there are no lumps and the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Cooling rack – To allow the cakes to cool evenly after baking before assembling them.
- Palette knife or spatula – To spread the buttercream evenly between the two layers.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich
Step 1: Prepare The Coffee
Begin by dissolving the instant coffee in the boiling water. This step is crucial as it ensures the coffee flavor is evenly distributed in the batter. Stir the mixture well until the coffee granules are completely dissolved and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare The Cake Tins
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or 350°F. Grease the two 20cm (8-inch) round cake tins with butter or oil, then line them with baking parchment. This will help the cakes to release easily once baked.
Step 3: Mix The Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and caster sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This will usually take about 3-5 minutes.
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. If the mixture starts to look a bit curdled, don’t worry-just add a tablespoon of flour to help it come back together.
Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into the bowl. Gently fold in the flour using a spatula or spoon until the mixture is well combined.
Next, add the dissolved coffee to the batter, folding it in until the coffee is fully incorporated, and the batter is smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Bake The Cakes
Divide the cake batter evenly between the two prepared cake tins. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure even baking. Place the tins in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.
Allow the cakes to cool in the tins for about 5 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make The Buttercream
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the coffee buttercream. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, beating well after each addition.
Dissolve the instant coffee in the boiling water and add it to the buttercream mixture. Beat the mixture until it’s light, fluffy, and spreadable. If the buttercream is too thick, add a small splash of milk to loosen it.
Step 6: Assemble The Cake
Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous layer of the coffee buttercream onto the top of one of the cake layers. Place the second cake layer on top, pressing gently to sandwich them together.
Dust the top of the cake with icing sugar for a lovely finishing touch. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
- Fresh Coffee: For the best flavor, use freshly brewed coffee or high-quality instant coffee. This ensures the coffee flavor is robust and not too bitter.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the batter come together more easily and creates a smoother texture.
- Sifting the Dry Ingredients: Sifting your flour and baking powder before adding them to the mixture helps avoid lumps and ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Cooling the Cakes: It’s important to let the cakes cool completely before assembling. If you try to frost a warm cake, the buttercream could melt and make a mess.
- Buttercream Consistency: If your buttercream is too thick, add a tiny bit of milk to achieve a spreadable consistency. If it’s too runny, add a little more icing sugar.
- Even Layers: When spreading the buttercream, make sure you’re as even as possible. This will help the cake look professional and ensure every bite has the same amount of filling.
Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich is a refined yet simple dessert that brings together the light, fluffy texture of the classic Victoria sponge with the rich, comforting flavor of coffee. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe offers an accessible way to create a show-stopping cake that’s sure to impress. With its moist sponge and smooth, coffee-infused buttercream, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or a light tea, it embodies the perfect balance of sweetness and depth, making it a must-try for coffee lovers and cake enthusiasts alike.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich
Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich is already a delightful classic, with its light, fluffy sponge layers and rich coffee-flavored filling. However, if you’re looking to put a twist on this beloved recipe or experiment with new flavors, there are plenty of easy and creative variations to try. Here are some ideas that can take the traditional recipe and give it your personal spin.
1. Flavored Sponges
While the classic recipe uses just the coffee essence in the filling, why not infuse the sponge layers with different flavors? Adding a dash of cinnamon, cardamom, or cocoa powder to the cake batter can elevate the flavor profile. For example, a cinnamon-spiced sponge pairs wonderfully with the rich coffee flavor, creating a warm, comforting vibe for the cake. Similarly, a cocoa addition would give a subtle chocolatey undertone, creating a mocha-inspired cake that plays on the coffee theme.
2. Alternative Fillings
Traditionally, Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich uses a smooth coffee-flavored buttercream. But you can make it lighter or even more indulgent by switching up the filling. If you prefer something a bit more decadent, you can add mascarpone cheese or cream cheese to the buttercream for a tangy, rich texture. Alternatively, you could create a coffee-flavored whipped cream filling, adding a frothy, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the dense sponge. For those looking for something extra indulgent, a layer of chocolate ganache in the middle can add a rich, glossy element to the sandwich.
3. Add Fruit Or Nuts
For a bit of crunch and contrast to the soft cake layers, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts into the batter works wonders. Walnuts especially pair beautifully with coffee, providing both texture and a complementary earthy flavor. You can also incorporate fruits like ripe figs or dried apricots into the filling for a fruity, slightly sweet counterpoint to the coffee flavor. Fresh berries like raspberries or blackberries, when layered with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone, will add a refreshing twist.
4. Spice It Up With Liqueurs
For an adult version of this classic, why not infuse the cake with a splash of coffee liqueur like Kahlúa or a bit of Irish whiskey? A light drizzle of liqueur into the sponges before assembly can add depth and warmth, which elevates the flavors of the coffee and brings a sophisticated touch. Pair this with a rich buttercream that has a touch of vanilla or rum extract for even more flavor complexity.
5. Vegan Or Dairy-Free Options
For those with dietary restrictions or preferences, a dairy-free or vegan variant of Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich can still deliver delicious results. You can substitute butter for plant-based margarine or coconut oil in the sponge and frosting. For the filling, instead of using cream or buttercream, you can blend silken tofu with a bit of coffee flavor and sweetener for a smooth, creamy consistency. Almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk can be swapped in for dairy milk to keep the coffee flavor intact while catering to different dietary needs.
6. Add A Coffee Crunch Layer
For a bit of texture and a surprising flavor element, consider adding a coffee-flavored crunch layer between the sponges. This could be as simple as mixing some crushed coffee-flavored biscuits or a light layer of toffee or caramelized sugar that has been crushed into bits. The crunchiness adds an unexpected twist, and the sweetness balances the bitter notes of the coffee.
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve baked Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich and served it to your guests, it’s likely you’ll have some leftovers-especially since it’s a generous, layered cake! Properly storing the leftovers ensures that they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
1. Refrigerating The Cake
Because of the buttercream filling and any whipped cream or fresh cream elements, it’s best to store leftover Coffee Victoria Sandwich in the refrigerator. If you have a whole uncut cake, place it on a large plate or cake stand and cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in a cake box. For individual slices, wrap them in plastic wrap or foil, or store them in an airtight container to prevent the cake from drying out. Be sure to store it in the middle shelf of the fridge, where the temperature is most stable.
2. Storing For Longer Shelf Life
If you don’t think you’ll be able to finish the leftovers within 2-3 days (the typical shelf life for a cake with cream filling), you can freeze it to preserve its freshness. Wrap the slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To thaw the cake, simply leave it out on the counter for a few hours. Avoid microwaving the cake as it can make the sponge soggy. The cake will maintain its taste and texture for up to 2-3 months in the freezer, though the filling may slightly change in consistency upon defrosting.
3. Reviving The Cake
If your leftover cake has been sitting in the fridge for a day or two, it may have lost some of its original fluffiness. To bring it back to life, you can lightly toast the slices in the oven at a low temperature (around 150°C or 300°F) for 5-10 minutes. This will help crisp up the sponge, creating a delightful texture contrast when paired with the soft buttercream. Just be sure not to overdo it; you still want the cake to stay moist inside.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich?
Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich is a wonderfully versatile dessert, but sometimes you may want to pair it with other foods to make a more substantial meal or treat. Here are some suggestions on what to eat with it to balance or enhance the coffee flavors.
1. A Hot Beverage
Coffee, of course, is the most natural pairing with a Coffee Victoria Sandwich. Whether you prefer a smooth espresso, a cappuccino, or a latte, the rich coffee notes in the cake and the drink will complement each other beautifully. If you’re serving it in the afternoon, a classic English Breakfast tea or Earl Grey could also be great options. The slight tannins from the tea can cut through the richness of the cake, making for a refreshing pairing.
2. Fruit Salad
A fresh fruit salad can provide a burst of refreshing juiciness that contrasts with the rich, creamy texture of the cake. Opt for fruits that have a slight acidity, like citrus (oranges, grapefruit) or berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries), to balance out the sweetness of the cake. A citrus drizzle over the fruit can further complement the coffee flavor by introducing a tangy citrus note.
3. Ice Cream Or Sorbet
For a more indulgent option, serve your Coffee Victoria Sandwich with a scoop of ice cream or sorbet. Vanilla, caramel, or coffee-flavored ice cream would be perfect, but a tangy raspberry sorbet would provide a refreshing contrast. The cold, smooth texture of the ice cream or sorbet will add a creamy element to the dessert that plays nicely with the sponge.
4. Cheese Platter
If you’re serving this cake at a gathering, a cheese platter is another excellent option. Soft cheeses like brie, camembert, or goat cheese have a rich, creamy quality that pairs well with the coffee notes in the cake. The slight saltiness of the cheese can provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the sponge and filling.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich is a timeless, crowd-pleasing dessert that offers both simplicity and elegance. Whether you’re making the original version or experimenting with different variations, the cake remains a versatile treat that can be tailored to suit any occasion. From flavored sponges to creative fillings, the possibilities for customization are endless. Proper storage ensures that leftovers can be enjoyed for days, and pairing the cake with complementary foods and beverages enhances the overall experience. Whether served at a tea party, a family gathering, or as an afternoon indulgence, this cake is sure to leave a lasting impression.
FAQs
What Are The Main Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich?
Mary Berry’s coffee Victoria sandwich requires simple yet flavorful ingredients. The main ingredients include butter, caster sugar, eggs, self-raising flour, and a strong cup of brewed coffee. You will also need a bit of baking powder and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. For the filling, coffee-flavored buttercream is used, along with a generous layer of apricot jam to add sweetness and balance the coffee’s boldness.
How Do I Make The Coffee Flavor Stand Out In The Victoria Sandwich?
To ensure the coffee flavor stands out in Mary Berry’s Victoria sandwich, it’s important to use strong, freshly brewed coffee. The coffee should be cooled before adding it to the batter so it doesn’t interfere with the texture of the cake. Additionally, using coffee-flavored buttercream filling further enhances the coffee taste, creating a perfect balance between the sponge and filling.
Can I Substitute Any Ingredients In Mary Berry’s Coffee Victoria Sandwich Recipe?
Yes, you can make some substitutions in Mary Berry’s coffee Victoria sandwich recipe. For example, if you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with plain flour and add baking powder (typically 2 teaspoons of baking powder per 200g of plain flour). If you prefer a non-dairy version, you can use plant-based butter and non-dairy milk instead of cow’s milk. For a richer filling, you can experiment with different types of jams, but apricot jam is recommended for its sweet yet tangy profile that complements the coffee.
