Gluten Free Victoria Sponge

This tender gluten free Victoria sponge is perfect for when you crave a light and fluffy vanilla cake. Air is whipped into the batter resulting in a luxurious feather-light and springy texture. Sandwiched between the luscious sponge cake is a filling of sweet tangy jam and dairy-free whipped cream.

Have you ever watched The Great British Baking Show? My girls and I love it. We enjoy getting to know the contestants, but also learning about all the desserts/foods we haven’t been exposed to in America.

One of the recipes on the show that intrigued me was the classic Victoria sponge. While the recipe itself has a few different steps, once you master making this decadent vanilla cake, you’ll never stop.

Gluten Free Victoria Sponge

Victoria sponge (or a Vicky sponge, as some of my friends in the UK say) is a British cake. It’s a vanilla sponge that’s typically sandwiched with jam and whipped cream (or buttercream).

The cake was named after Queen Victoria, who is rumored to have eaten a slice every day during tea time. Which makes me giggle. I think she and I would have been great friends.

This sponge cake is lighter and fluffier than a normal vanilla cake, so it absorbs moisture very well. You can layer on the fruit, jam, syrups, and liquors, and the cake will take on whatever flavors you add. 

Traditionally, Victoria sponge is served at tea time; however, I enjoy serving it at formal or informal get togethers. Or anytime a cake craving hits.

What Makes Sponge Cake Light and Fluffy

In order to achieve classic sponge texture, there are periods of mixing egg whites and egg yolks at high speed. Beating produces tiny air bubbles which triples the volume of the eggs. You then gently fold the remaining ingredients together. This results in a cake with an extremely springy texture.

I also use a similar technique in my almond flour chocolate cake.

Other cakes, where the ingredients are stirred together without beating the eggs, like gluten free carrot cake, gluten free chocolate cake, or gluten free banana cake tend to have a heavier (but still so delicious) crumb.

Pro Tips

• Make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature – including the eggs and almond milk.
• Grease your cake pans well and line them with parchment paper.
• Beat the egg whites and yolks to recipe specifications. This cake relies on the volume from the eggs (both the whites and the yolks) to be successful.
• Use the whisk attachment to beat the eggs and sugar, not the flat beater.
• Sift the dry ingredients together to keep avoid clumping.
• Be gentle with the gluten free cake batter. Fold the ingredients together carefully and steadily (not too fast), as this will keep the ingredients aerated.
• Avoid opening the oven door unless you absolutely have to. These cakes are fragile, so any premature opening of the door before they are done may partially deflate them.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Flours/Starches– This recipe has only been tested using the gluten-free flours and starches listed in the recipe.
• Baking Powder– Provides leavening.
• Sea Salt– Adds flavor.
• Eggs– Eggs are the backbone structure of this gluten free cake recipe. There are no substitutes.
• Caster Sugar– This is a finely ground granulated sugar. You can purchase it, or you can make your own by placing cane sugar in your high speed blender to grind the granules.
• Olive Oil– Olive oil is light and rich in flavor. If you need a substitute, try melted coconut oil, or another light tasting oil.
• Vanilla Extract– I recommend using real vanilla extract in this recipe, vs. the artificial stuff!
• Almond Milk– You can substitute any dairy-free milk (or dairy milk) of a similar consistency in this dairy free Victoria sponge. I’d recommend starting with coconut milk beverage, or oat milk.

Dairy Free Victoria Sponge Fillings

In my gluten-free Victoria sponge recipe below, I use a filling of raspberry jam with a dairy-free whipped cream. Alternately, you can replace the whipped cream with a dairy-free buttercream if you choose.

Dairy Free Whipped Cream Options

• Homemade Dairy Free Whipped Cream– This is actually my favorite option because I normally have lots of canned coconut milk or canned coconut cream on hand.
• So Delicious Cocowhip– This pre-made dairy-free whipped cream by So Delicious not only tastes good (though I do find it a bit too sweet for my liking), but it is available at most grocery stores in the frozen section. It is important to note that the Cocowhip needs to be kept frozen or only remain at room temperature for an hour or two at most, otherwise it can melt or change textures. If you decide to use Cocowhip in the sandwich of your Victoria sponge, I recommend adding it just prior to serving.
• Silk Dairy Free Heavy Whipping Cream Alternative– This product behaves just like dairy-filled heavy whipping cream. Found in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores, you can whip it and sweeten it just like “real” heavy whipping cream.

Making In Advance and Storage

These cake rounds are perfect to make a day in advance. Simply wrap them up, and store in the refrigerator until you’re ready to sandwich them with the filling and serve.

Store leftovers in an air tight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 3-4 days.

Did you make this recipe? If you did, please give it a star rating and leave a review or comment below! And don’t forget to take a pic and share it on social! Tag @allergyfreeak or #allergyfreealaska on Instagram!