Victoria sponge cake is a beloved British teatime treat. With its soft, fluffy crumb and sweet jam and buttercream filling, it’s no wonder this cake is so popular.
But can you safely freeze a frosted Victoria sponge cake? Let’s take a closer look at how to properly freeze and thaw this classic cake.
About the Victoria Sponge Cake
The Victoria sponge cake was named after Queen Victoria, who enjoyed eating a slice of sponge cake with her afternoon tea. A classic Victoria sponge consists of two airy vanilla cakes sandwiched together with a layer of jam and whipped cream or buttercream frosting in the middle.
The cake has a tender, springy texture that comes from creaming the butter and sugar together, which incorporates tiny air bubbles into the batter. Baking powder gives the cake loft and rise.
Egg whites are whipped into fluffy peaks and gently folded in at the end to keep the cake light and prevent the air bubbles from deflating. Raspberry or strawberry jam provides a sweet, fruity contrast to the vanilla cake layers.
Is it Possible to Freeze a Frosted Victoria Sponge?
Yes, you can freeze a frosted Victoria sponge cake. However, there are some tips and tricks to follow to keep the cake tasting fresh and prevent it from becoming soggy after thawing.
The cake layers can be frozen successfully, but the whipped cream or buttercream frosting does not hold up as well. When thawed, the frosted layers may become misshapen, weep liquid, or have a grainy texture.
For best results, it’s recommended to freeze the sponge cake layers unfilled and unfrosted. The jam and frosting can be added after the cake has thawed.
How to Freeze Unfilled Victoria Sponge Layers
Follow these steps for freezing unfilled Victoria sponge cakes:
Bake the Cake layers.
Bake the sponge cake layers according to your favorite Victoria sponge recipe. Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling and freezing.
Wrapped in Plastic and Foil
Place each cooled cake layer on a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Wrap the cake tightly in parchment or plastic wrap to seal in freshness. Wrap again in aluminum foil for an extra layer of protection. Press out any excess air before sealing the foil.
Label and freeze.
Label the foil-wrapped package with the contents and freeze-by date. This prevents freezer burn and makes it easy to identify when meal prepping.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Store the wrapped sponge layers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Cake layers stay fresh longer when frozen compared to refrigerated.
Thaw Overnight in the fridge
When ready to decorate, thaw the frozen cake layers overnight in the refrigerator. This helps prevent condensation from forming on the surface.
How to Assemble a Thawed Victoria Sponge Cake
Follow these instructions for finishing a Victoria sponge after the frozen layers have thawed:
Thaw Overnight
Remove the foil-wrapped frozen cake layers from the freezer and let them thaw overnight in the fridge. The cake needs about 8 hours to thaw completely.
Unwrap the layers.
Once thawed, unwrap the layers and inspect for any signs of freezer burn. Trim off any affected edges if needed.
Prepare the filling.
Whip chilled heavy cream into fluffy peaks for the filling, or make buttercream frosting. Avoid re-whipping thawed frosting, as it will lose structure.
Assemble the cake.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread with jam, then top with whipped cream or buttercream. Add the second layer, and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides.
Decorate and serve.
Decorate with fresh fruit, flowers, or sprinkles, if desired. Let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the fresh-tasting sponge cake!
Frequently Asked Questions About Freezing Victoria Sponges
Freezing Victoria sponge cake layers allows you to enjoy this classic British cake on demand. But you may have some other questions about successfully freezing and thawing this teatime treat.
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers:
Can you freeze a Victoria sponge after it’s been assembled and frosted?
It’s not recommended. Fully assembled and frosted Victoria sponge cakes don’t freeze well, as the cream and buttercream will weep and become grainy during freezing and thawing. The best practice is to freeze the unfrosted cake layers separately.
How long does an unfilled Victoria sponge last in the freezer?
Properly wrapped sponge cake layers will last 2-3 months in the freezer without losing quality or texture. Label the packages with dates so you know when they were frozen.
Can you freeze just one layer of a Victoria sponge?
Yes, you can certainly freeze a single cake layer and save the second for fresh use. Wrap just the layer you want to freeze. When ready to use, thaw the frozen layer in the fridge while making the second fresh layer to assemble the full cake.
Should you double-wrap Victoria sponge layers for the freezer?
Double-wrapping the cake layers is highly recommended to prevent freezer burn. Wrap first in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then in foil. The plastic directly on the cake keeps out air and moisture, while the foil adds an extra layer of protection.
How do you thaw a frozen Victoria sponge layer?
Always thaw frozen Victoria sponge layers in the refrigerator, not on the counter. Refrigerator thawing takes about 8 hours and prevents condensation from forming on the cake surface. Unwrap, fill, and frost the thawed cake as desired.
Can I re-freeze a thawed Victoria sponge layer?
It’s best not to refreeze a thawed Victoria sponge if possible, as the texture may become dry or dense. However, thawed cake can be re-frozen for up to 1-2 additional months if absolutely necessary. Double-wrap again before returning to the freezer.
Conclusion
Freezing Victoria sponge cake layers is an excellent way to save time and have this treat ready when a tea craving strikes! Follow proper freezing and thawing methods for best results with this classic British cake.
Hi, I’m Julie, the passionate foodie and founder of Juliesfamilykitchen.com. I created this blog out of a drive to prove someone wrong, and then I realized how much I truly enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. In my free time, when I’m not running around after my kids or spending quality time with my partner, you can usually find me in the kitchen experimenting with new dishes.