Victoria Sandwich Cake

This is the basic cake recipe which some of you have asked for it is not difficult but there are a few points to remember. If possible use an electric mixer either free standing or a hand held one it really makes a difference.

200g soft butter
200g caster sugar
4 eggs
200g self raising flour
1 tsp baking powder
8" cake tin buttered and base lined with parchment paper (cut a disk using the base of the tin as a guide)

Put the butter into the mixing bowl, if it is not very soft, soften in the microwave on the lowest setting for about a minute. You should be able to push you finger through the butter easily but it should not be melted.
Add the caster sugar,using the beater paddle of your mixer, beat until the butter and sugar turn a very light cream colour, almost white and the texture has become light and fluffy. This will take longer than you think even with a mixer. It is important to get the butter and sugar really light at this stage.
then add the eggs one at a time, beating in with the beater each time until the egg has been totally absorbed.
When all the eggs have been added
Stir the baking powder into the four
Add the flour to the cake mixture a tablespoon at a time with the mixer running on its slowest speed (otherwise you will be covered in flour).
Once all the flour has been added scrape the bowl to be sure that all the flour has been mixed through the mixture. Turn up the speed and mix for a few seconds on high.

Pu the mixture into the buttered cake tin smooth the top.
Put into a preheated oven 180c for 30 mins.
Check the cake after 25 mins, using your finger tips press the middle of the cake gently if it springs back it is cooked.
Turn out the cake onto a cooling rack and allow to cool.

Flavourings
Chocolate Cake
Mix 2 tbs good quality cocoa with 2tbs boiling water and make a paste. Add to the cake mixture after all the eggs have been added.
Coffee Cake
Put 4 tbs ground coffee and 8 tbs water into a small pan and bring to the boil. Allow to brew for about 5 mins and strain the coffee. Add 2tbs coffee to the cake mixture after the eggs have been incorporated and use the remaining coffee to make a butter cream topping.

Fresh Fruit Cake
When the mixture has been put into the cake tin. top with fruit, either sliced apples arranged on the top or half a bag of frozen fruits such as raspberries, blueberries or mixed summer fruits. The cake will take longer to bake - allow an extra 10 - 15 mins. The frozen fruit will sink to the bottom but it makes a lovely moist cake. Do keep in the cake in the fridge as the fruit will go mouldy if it is stored at room temperature.
All cakes freeze well, just allow to thaw and come back to room temperature before serving.