Bake Like ‘The Great British Baking Show’: Victoria Sandwich

The competition was as stiff as Italian meringue last week when the three finalists in The Great British Baking Show were put through their paces one last time by judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. The Season 4 finale brought together the top contestants in this reality competition: Jane, Candice, and Andrew, advancing from the original field of twelve. The last challenge really tested their baking mettle – requiring technique, timing, and tenacity. All three contestants proved that they had rightly earned their spot by continuing to bake their hearts out through the royally themed competition including a Filled Meringue Crown in the Signature Challenge; Victoria Sandwich in the Technical Challenge; and a picnic spread fit for a queen in the Showstopper Challenge. There was drama and tension swirling throughout the baking tent, but in the end, Candice Brown rose above the fray and was crowned Best Amateur Baker in the UK.

By the time the tenth episode arrived, the skill level required in the recipes chosen by the judges had reached its peak. At first, the Technical Challenge drummed up by Mary Berry, sounded straight forward. Bake a traditional Victoria Sandwich with raspberry jam and buttercream filling. The contests’ reaction to the announcement radiated confidence and sly smiles. Mary had chosen a staple in the British baking oeuvre. Victoria Sandwich, or Victoria Sponge Cake as it is also called, is a tea-time favorite of home bakers and restaurants alike. This sounded a bit too easy for the finale and I suspected a twist. When the recipe was revealed with only ingredients listed and two tins supplied, my heart sunk with the contestants. How could they create a cake without measurements (weights) and a method?