Gluten Free Victoria Sponge Cake (2024)

Published: Feb 21, 2021 · Modified: Mar 23, 2023 by Amanda · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

This Gluten free Victoria sponge cake is so easy to make. A traditional bake that's perfect for any celebration or afternoon tea. If it's good enough for a queen. It's good enough for us!

This gluten free Victoria sponge is such a light and fluffy cake no one will even know it's gluten free. This recipe uses the all-in-one method which always works well for me. Using my favorite Chantilly cream filling with jam but is easily adapted to suit your preferred flavored filling.

I love making and eating traditional gluten free cakes like a gluten free Victoria sandwich, gluten free carrot cake, and Medovik tort cake. When it is the holiday season my gluten free pumpkin cake or gluten free chocolate layer cake always looks impressive and tastes amazing. Perfect for dessert.

If you are looking for ideas for a party then you will love my gluten free Victoria sponge cupcakes or gluten free vanilla traybake.

🍰 What is a Victoria Sponge

The history of the Victoria sponge is named after Queen Victoria and dates back to the 19th century. It became popular during the reign of Queen Victoria due to her love for a simple sponge cake with raspberry jam and cream. It remains a classic British cake to this day.

A Victoria sponge is a classic British cake made of two layers of light, fluffy sponge cake, filled with jam and whipped cream. It's a timeless and simple dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

📋 Ingredients Notes

• Gluten free Self Raising Flour - Many gluten free self-raising flours will work well in this recipe. I used Doves free from as this is my preferred brand.
• Butter- Be sure that your butter is at room temperature. If you require this recipe to be Dairy free use your preferred dairy-free butter. You can use either butter or margarine in this recipe but I prefer to use good-quality unsalted butter.
• Sugar - This makes the cake light, gives moisture, and adds sweetness to the cake. I used caster sugar but granulated or superfine sugar will also work well.
• Eggs - Gives the cake structure. Be sure that your eggs are at room temperature.
• Baking Powder - Acts as a leavening and rising agent by reacting to heat. Makes the cake light and rise well. Be sure to use gluten free baking powder, see is baking powder gluten free for more information.
• Vanilla extract - Gives flavor to the cake.
• Xanthan Gum - Prevents ingredients from separating as it is a stabilizer. Essentially acting as gluten would gel everything together. Omit the xanthan gum if the gluten free flour blend already includes xanthan gum already.

See the recipe card below for full ingredients and measurements.

⚡ Substitutions & Variations

• Dairy Free - This Gluten free Victoria sponge is easily adapted If you require it to be dairy free also. Just switch the Butter to your preferred dairy free butter for the cake mixture and use your preferred dairy free buttercream filling.
• Alternative fillings - There are many other delicious fillings you can use to add flavor and texture to this classic cake. My favorite options are an easy lemon curd to add a zesty fresh flavor, Buttercream frosting you could add strawberry buttercream from my Gluten free strawberry cupcakes, or Vanilla buttercream from my Gluten free Vanilla cupcakes.
• Fresh berries: Sliced strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries are a delicious and colorful addition to a Victoria sponge cake. Simply layer them between the cake and cream or as I have done and decorate the top of the cake.

🥣 Step by Step Instructions

Below is a brief step-by-step process with photos of how to make Gluten free Victoria sponge cake. See the recipe card below for more detailed recipe instructions.

Step 1: Preheat oven to 170°c/325°F/Gas mark 3, Prepare and grease baking tins.
In a large bowl combine all the cake ingredients.

Step 2: Mix well ensuring that the mixture is smooth with no lumps and that all ingredients are combined. Whisk well to ensure plenty of air gets into your mixture.

Tip: Ensure that the eggs and butter are at room temperature as this will help result in a light fluffy cake texture.

Step 3: Divide the mixture evenly between the two cake tins and spread evenly in the tin. Place the baking tins in the oven.

Step 4: Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. Check the gluten free Victoria sponge with a skewer and if it comes out clean it is ready, If not bake for a few minutes longer. Place the cakes on a cooling rack.

Tip: Baking times may vary dependent on the oven as some ovens run hotter or cooler than others. I find using an oven thermometer to be more accurate.

Step 5: Whisk the double cream and the sieved icing sugar together adding a few tablespoons of icing sugar at a time until combined. Whisk well until the cream is thick and smooth.

Step 6: Once the gluten-free Victoria sponges are fully cooled spread the jam evenly on top of the bottom layer for a delicious strawberry jam cake.

Tip: I find using an electric whisk the quickest way to make up the cream filling but you can use a handheld whisk it will just take a little longer to thicken up.

Step 7: Add a layer of cream on top of the jam filling. Spread evenly then top with the second sponge layer.

Step 8: Dust the top of the Gluten free Victoria sponge cake with a little icing sugar and decorate as desired.

🎂 More gluten free Cake recipes

📖 Recipe

I hope you enjoyed this Gluten free Victoria sponge cake recipe.