Gluten-free Victoria sponge cake recipe
 Don’t miss out on a Victoria sponge just because you’re avoiding gluten. This easy recipe is just perfect with your favourite jam and a dusting of icing sugar. 225g/8oz caster sugar4 free-range eggs1 tsp vanilla extract225g/8oz butter, cubed and well-softened, plus extra for greasing250g/9oz gluten-free white self-raising flour1 tsp gluten-free baking powder125g/4½oz jam (raspberry, strawberry and blackcurrant all work well)1 tbsp icing sugar, sifted 225g/8oz caster sugar 4 free-range eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract 225g/8oz butter, cubed and well-softened, plus extra for greasing 250g/9oz gluten-free white self-raising flour 1 tsp gluten-free baking powder 125g/4½oz jam (raspberry, strawberry and blackcurrant all work well) 1 tbsp icing sugar, sifted Method Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5. Butter two 20cm/8in loose-based sandwich tins and line the bases with circles of baking paper. Beat the sugar, eggs and vanilla until very pale, smooth and thick. It’s best to do this with electric beaters or a food mixer for around 5 minutes: the whisk should leave a thin trail of batter when lifted from the bowl. Add the butter, flour and baking powder and beat together for 1–2 minutes more until smooth. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared tins and smooth the surface. Bake on the same shelf in the centre of the oven for 20–22 minutes, or until well risen, golden-brown and just beginning to shrink back from the sides of the tin. Remove the tins from the oven and leave to cool for 15 minutes before turning out on to a wire rack. Peel off the baking paper and leave to cool completely.Place one of the sponges on a plate or cake stand. Stir the jam to loosen and spoon onto the cake. Spread almost all the way to the edges. Sandwich the cakes together and dust with sifted icing sugar. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5. Butter two 20cm/8in loose-based sandwich tins and line the bases with circles of baking paper. Preheat the oven to 190C/170C Fan/Gas 5. Butter two 20cm/8in loose-based sandwich tins and line the bases with circles of baking paper. Beat the sugar, eggs and vanilla until very pale, smooth and thick. It’s best to do this with electric beaters or a food mixer for around 5 minutes: the whisk should leave a thin trail of batter when lifted from the bowl. Beat the sugar, eggs and vanilla until very pale, smooth and thick. It’s best to do this with electric beaters or a food mixer for around 5 minutes: the whisk should leave a thin trail of batter when lifted from the bowl. Add the butter, flour and baking powder and beat together for 1–2 minutes more until smooth. Add the butter, flour and baking powder and beat together for 1–2 minutes more until smooth. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared tins and smooth the surface. Bake on the same shelf in the centre of the oven for 20–22 minutes, or until well risen, golden-brown and just beginning to shrink back from the sides of the tin. Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared tins and smooth the surface. Bake on the same shelf in the centre of the oven for 20–22 minutes, or until well risen, golden-brown and just beginning to shrink back from the sides of the tin. Remove the tins from the oven and leave to cool for 15 minutes before turning out on to a wire rack. Peel off the baking paper and leave to cool completely. Remove the tins from the oven and leave to cool for 15 minutes before turning out on to a wire rack. Peel off the baking paper and leave to cool completely. Place one of the sponges on a plate or cake stand. Stir the jam to loosen and spoon onto the cake. Spread almost all the way to the edges. Sandwich the cakes together and dust with sifted icing sugar. Place one of the sponges on a plate or cake stand. Stir the jam to loosen and spoon onto the cake. Spread almost all the way to the edges. Sandwich the cakes together and dust with sifted icing sugar. Recipe tips Soften the cubed butter for at least an hour at room temperature or very gently in the microwave, taking care not to melt it.