Desserts > Cake > British Cakes

Mocha-Cherry Victoria Sponge Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cherries

Special Equipment Needed:
- 2 (8-inch) round cake pans
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
5. Beat in the vanilla extract.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coffee and milk until combined.
7. Slowly add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the coffee mixture, and beating until just combined.
8. Fold in the chocolate chips and cherries.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8-10

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 300
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 41 g
Protein: 5 g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with coconut oil.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with coconut sugar.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips can be substituted with dark chocolate chips.
- Dried cherries can be substituted with dried cranberries.

Variations:
- For a lighter cake, substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
- For a richer cake, substitute the coffee with espresso.
- For a sweeter cake, add 1/4 cup of honey to the batter.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
- Beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy for a light and airy cake.
- Don’t overmix the batter or the cake will be dense.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh cherries.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate and top with fresh whipped cream.
- Top with a dollop of cherry jam and a sprinkle of cocoa powder.

Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh cherries
- Melted chocolate
- Fresh whipped cream
- Cherry jam
- Cocoa powder

Pairings:
- Coffee
- Ice cream
- Hot chocolate

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Baked potatoes

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dense, make sure not to overmix the batter.
- If the cake is too dry, add a few tablespoons of milk to the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
- Make sure to use a clean bowl and utensils when preparing the batter.
- Make sure to cook the cake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Food History:
Victoria Sponge Cake is a classic British cake that was created in the 19th century and is named after Queen Victoria. It is a light and airy cake that is traditionally filled with jam and cream.

Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a rich and sweet flavor from the combination of coffee, chocolate, and cherries.

Serving Suggestions:
This cake is best served with a cup of coffee or tea. It can also be served with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Related Categories

Cooking Method: N/A

Course Type: N/A

Dietary: N/A

Ingredient: N/A

Meal type: N/A

Occassion: N/A

Region: N/A

Taste: Rich, Mocha, Sweet, Fruity, Chocolatey