Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake Recipe

Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake is a soft, buttery, and classic British cake baked in tray form so it can be sliced into neat squares. It has a delicate crumb, gentle sweetness, and the perfect combination of jam and cream that makes it ideal for birthdays, tea parties, school events, or everyday treats. This version is simple, fuss-free, and uses Mary Berry’s reliable method that ensures your sponge rises beautifully every time.

What Is Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake?

Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake is a sheet-cake version of the traditional Victoria sponge. The fluffy vanilla sponge is baked in a rectangular tin and typically layered with raspberry jam and a light dusting of icing sugar, making it easy to slice and share.

Other Popular Vanilla Tray Bake Recipes

• Mary Berry Vanilla Tray Bake
• Mary Berry Coconut Traybake
• Mary Berry Malteser Tray Bake
• Mary Berry Coffee and Walnut Traybake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Perfect for gatherings – Cuts cleanly into squares and feeds a crowd.
• Easy all-in-one method – Quick mixing and reliable results every time.
• Soft and airy texture – A classic sponge that stays moist and fluffy.
• Flexible decorating options – Add icing, cream, or fresh berries to elevate it.
• Ideal for beginners – Straightforward steps and simple ingredients.
• Family-friendly bake – Loved by kids and adults alike.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake

For the Sponge

• 225g self-raising flour
• 225g caster sugar
• 225g softened butter
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk

For the Filling & Topping

• 200g raspberry jam
• Icing sugar (for dusting)
• Optional: whipped cream or buttercream

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• 30x23cm traybake tin
• Mixing bowl
• Electric whisk or hand whisk
• Spatula
• Baking parchment
• Sieve
• Cooling rack

Ingredients You’ll Need Again for the Steps

• Self-raising flour
• Baking powder
• Softened butter
• Caster sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Milk
• Raspberry jam
• Icing sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake

Step 1: Prepare the tray

Line your traybake tin with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides so the sponge lifts out easily after baking.

Step 2: Preheat the oven

Set your oven to 160°C (fan) or 180°C (conventional) to ensure even baking.

Step 3: Mix the sponge ingredients

Add flour, caster sugar, butter, eggs, baking powder, vanilla, and milk into a mixing bowl. Beat until the batter becomes smooth, pale, and creamy.

Step 4: Fill the tray

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared tin and smooth the surface using a spatula.

Step 5: Bake the traybake

Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool completely

Allow the sponge to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until fully cooled.

Step 7: Add the jam layer

Once cooled, spread a generous, even layer of raspberry jam over the sponge.

Step 8: Finish with icing sugar

Dust the top with icing sugar and slice into squares for serving.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Cake cracked on top – Reducing the temperature slightly helped it bake evenly.
• Sponge came out dry – Checking earlier and adding 1–2 tbsp milk improved the texture.
• Jam pulled up crumbs – Spreading jam on a fully cooled sponge fixed this issue.
• Uneven rise – Leveling the batter before baking helped create a flat, even surface.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake

• Swap half the butter for Greek yoghurt to reduce saturated fat.
• Use reduced-sugar jam or homemade jam.
• Replace caster sugar with a blend of sugar + erythritol.
• Add fresh berries on top for natural sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake

• Substitute raspberry jam with strawberry, cherry, or apricot jam.
• Swap vanilla with almond extract for a deeper aroma.
• Use margarine instead of butter for a lighter sponge.
• Replace self-raising flour with plain flour + 2 tsp baking powder.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake

• English breakfast tea – A classic pairing that complements the cake’s simplicity.
• Fresh strawberries – Adds brightness and colour to each slice.
• Light whipped cream – Makes the dessert feel extra luxurious.
• Iced coffee – Balances the sweetness on warm days.
• Vanilla ice cream – Turns it into a delightful dessert plate.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake

• Use room-temperature ingredients – Ensures the batter mixes smoothly.
• Don’t overmix the batter – Keeps the sponge light and airy.
• Check doneness early – Prevents dryness and preserves moisture.
• Cool fully before adding jam – Avoids melting and sinking.
• Use a good quality jam – Enhances the overall flavour.
• Level the batter well – Ensures even baking across the whole tray.
• Dust generously – Icing sugar creates a lovely finished look.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake

• Add a layer of buttercream – Creates a bakery-style finish.
• Use lemon curd instead of jam – Adds a bright citrus twist.
• Swirl jam into the batter – Creates a marbled sponge.
• Top with fresh berries – Makes it perfect for summer gatherings.
• Add sprinkles – Great for children’s parties.

How to Store Leftover Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake

• Store in an airtight container – Keeps the sponge soft for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate if using cream – Keeps it fresh and safe to eat.
• Freeze the unfilled sponge – Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw at room temperature – Maintain softness before serving.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake

• Microwave lightly – Warm a slice for 5–7 seconds to soften slightly.
• Oven method – Heat at 140°C for 4–5 minutes for a fresh-baked aroma.
• Avoid reheating with jam – Warm the sponge alone for best results.

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: ~285
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 13g
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 150mg

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FAQs

How do I keep a Victoria sponge traybake light and fluffy?

To achieve a soft, fluffy texture, make sure all ingredients—especially butter and eggs—are at room temperature. Beat the mixture only until smooth to avoid knocking out air. Checking the cake a few minutes early also prevents overbaking, which keeps the crumb tender.

Why did my Victoria sponge traybake sink in the middle?

A sunken centre often happens when the oven door is opened too soon or the batter was overmixed. Keep the oven closed for at least the first 20 minutes and mix the batter only until the ingredients come together. This helps the sponge rise evenly and stay stable.

How do I spread jam on the traybake without tearing the sponge?

Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the jam. Using a small offset spatula and stirring the jam to loosen it makes spreading easier and prevents the sponge from pulling up crumbs or tearing.

Can I fill the traybake with cream as well as jam?

Yes, you can add whipped cream or buttercream, but do so only when the cake is completely cool. If adding cream, store the traybake in the refrigerator to keep the filling fresh and stable.

Final Words

Mary Berry Victoria Sponge Traybake is a simple, elegant, and reliable recipe that brings classic British baking to any kitchen. Its soft crumb, sweet jam layer, and easy tray format make it perfect for sharing with family and friends. With minimal effort and maximum flavour, this traybake is a timeless favourite you’ll enjoy baking again and again.