Tea with the QUEEN

Strawberry bunting cake

SERVES 8-10

The classic Victoria sandwich cake is the centrepiece of every garden party afternoon tea spread. There is no cake more regal than this! It was originally made for Queen Victoria, during whose incredible 66-year reign the tradition of afternoon tea began to evolve. It is remarkable that despite how much the world has changed during the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the tradition of afternoon tea is ever more popular. Queen Victoria would have had her cake sandwiched together with raspberry jam and topped with a sprinkling of granulated sugar. I have filled this cake with strawberry jam, whipped cream and fresh berries, topped it with more berries and a few fresh rose petals, and then added some celebratory mini Union Jack bunting! It is a cake befitting Queen Elizabeth II.

FOR THE CAKE

225g unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for greasing
225g caster sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
4 free-range eggs
225g plain flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon boiling water

FOR THE FILLING

110g strawberry jam
180ml double cream, whipped
12 large strawberries, stemmed, sliced

FOR THE DECORATION

12 medium strawberries
Handful of fresh rose petals