The classic and elegant Victoria Sponge Cake gets a low carb, gluten-free makeover. This healthy keto dessert is a must-make.
Are you a Downton Abbey fan or do you think it’s the Masterpiece Theater equivalent of a fluffy meaningless soap opera? I don’t really care what the critics may say, I am addicted. Regardless of increasingly complicated plot lines and lack of significant historical commentary, I can’t take my eyes off the show and the characters. I adore them all, even the villainous Thomas and all his machinations. We DVR it every week so we can watch it at our leisure. Which means that I haven’t yet seen the season finale from last night and I will kill you if you spoil the ending for me. I am not making idle threats!
I have a long-standing love of British period pieces, both written and filmed, and it hardly matters what period we’re talking about. Growing up, our bookshelves were filled with classic novels and being an avid reader, I was devouring them all at quite a young age. Thomas Hardy, DH Lawrence, Dickens, The Bronte sisters, George Eliot, W. Somerset Maugham, E.M. Forster; anything from Jane Austen forward, I was reading. I probably didn’t understand some of the more complicated portions and I certainly didn’t understand the historical significance of these books, but I drank it all in, practically by osmosis. Sure, I read my fair share of Sweet Valley High and The Babysitters’ Club, but if it was British and written in a bygone era, I ate it up with a spoon.
So you can see why Downton is just the sort of television series I would like. I don’t have a lot of time for TV, but my husband and I like to pick a series to watch together and do “date nights”. We set our kids up with a movie and dinner downstairs while we repair to the other TV with plates of something delicious and a drink or two. We get ourselves really into it, discussing the characters like they are close friends. And every word that comes out of Dame Maggie Smith’s mouth quickly becomes quotable material for us. Recording it is important because we have to often stop and hit replay on a few of the more intense, or funny, scenes, just to enjoy them again.
And I am always eyeing Mrs. Patmore’s culinary creations. Even though good ol’ Queen Vic had passed by the time Downton Abbey takes place, I could easily see a Victoria Sponge being served to the Crawleys at tea time. They are such a simple and yet elegant cake. Most recipes use clotted cream, one of my favorite British treats, but I wasn’t about to go spend $7 a bottle (and I’d likely have needed two or three bottles for this cake). So I faked my own version by over-whipping heavy cream, which I’ve always noticed looks and tastes like clotted cream. And I have to give a shout out to my favorite brand of whipping cream, Organic Valley (no, I am not being paid for this, but oh man, I love the stuff). There are no fillers or gums or preservatives; it’s just straight up heavy cream from organic and mostly pastured cows. I easily go through two or three pints a week. One of the things I love about it is the clumpy stuff that often collects just at the top. No, my friends, that is not a sign the cream has gone bad. That’s the good thick, almost clotted cream rising to the very top. If you can’t manage to mix it back into the rest of the cream, grab a spoon and dig in. It’s delicious and far too good to waste!
Check out this post from The View from Great Island to make your own Homemade Clotted Cream.
The classic and elegant Victoria Sponge Cake gets a low carb, gluten-free makeover. This healthy dessert is a must-make.
- 3 cups almond flour
- 1/3 cup whey protein powder
- 2 tsp grain-free baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 3/4 cup Swerve Sweetener
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup almond or cashew milk unsweetened
- 1 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp confectioner’s Swerve Sweetener
- 1 cup raspberry chia seed jam
- 1 tsp confectioner's Swerve for dusting the cake
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Preheat oven to 325F and grease 2 circular 9-inch cake pans very well (if your pans are not very non-stick, line them with circles of parchment and grease the parchment paper too). You can also use 8-inch round pans but your cake layers will take a little longer to bake.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, whey protein powder, baking powder and salt.
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In a large bowl, beat butter with sweetener until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time until well combined. Beat in vanilla extract.
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Beat in half of the almond flour mixture, then beat in nut milk. Beat in the remaining almond flour mixture until well combined. Divide batter between prepared cake pans and use a knife or offset spatula to smooth the top.
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Bake 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges and the top is just firm to the touch. Remove and let cool 10 minutes in pans, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Beat whipping cream with powdered sweetener past the "whipped cream" stage. It should not be smooth and homogenous-looking, but instead be a bit thicker and look somewhat clotted or clumpy. Do not keep beating after this or you will soon have butter.
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Place one cake layer on a serving platter and spread with chia seed jam. Spread the clotted cream over top of the jam and place the second cake layer on top.
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Dust powdered sweetener over top.
janet says
OMG! You just made my day. Low carb Victoria Sponge! I am probably the biggest anglophile on the planet. I even married one. I lived in London as a kid and oh man I remember the sponges you could buy in the high street, scrumptious!
Downtown Abbey is also my all time favorite, and I TiVo it to watch the next day, so can’t wait!
I have all I need so will make it TODAY!
Thank you, thank you!
Carolyn says
You are very welcome!
Aimee says
This is amazing; I have always wanted to try a Victoria Sponge & so I shall at last! I too, love British Period pieces and can frequently be found watching some BBC or Masterpiece show on Netflix or Amazon (so much so my roommates just look at the screen and say “British?” when the enter the room). I’m so excited to try this, thanks Carolyn!
Carolyn says
So glad!
Susan Pelter says
Carolyn, you have made my day, too! LOVE Victoria sponge and have always wished for an LC version. I have been re-reading some old Rosamund Pilcher books over the past few weeks and the characters are always having tea and scones…or gingerbread…or Victoria Sponge. Every time I put down the current book, I feel like running out to the nearest bakery posthaste! (Yes, Downton Abbey has the same effect.) This will be appearing soon on our tea table here in ever-so-refined St. Augustine, FL!
tee+d says
!!
This is exciting, because I just watched THE GREAT BRITISH BAKE-OFF and was tootling about, trying to deconstruct and remake Mary Berry’s whole orange sponge cake. This gives me a quick leg up, and thank you very much!
Carolyn says
Oh well now I HAVE to try that one!!!
Gabriella says
Can you leave out the protein powder if you don’t have it?
Carolyn says
Yes, but your cake won’t rise as well.
Amanda says
This is amazing! Such a pretty cake!
Jenny says
I watched the Great British Bake-Off too, and they made this very dessert in the finale last night! They called them Victoria Sandwiches, but it was the same thing, cupcake version. I too love British period shows. I highly recommend The Paradise. It’s on Netflix if you have it. Also Call the Midwife. Love them!
Kathy G. says
This looks wonderful!!—do you think it would be ok to sub the almond flour with sunflower meal??
Carolyn says
You may get a greenish cake because of the way sunflower seeds react with baking powder. Try a few tbsp of lemon juice to help offset that. No matter what, your cake won’t have quite the same colour, because sunflower meal has that greyish colour.
Teresa says
Is this like an angel food? Wondering if you could just bake in a bundt pan. Bet it would be good with strawberries and whipped cream.
Carolyn says
No, it’s definitely not like angel food cake. It’s not nearly so light and airy.
Carolyn says
Oh, but you could easily bake it in a bundt pan!
Pam says
Love Downton, the fashion & food of a time gone by we can visit via TV. Thought I would fill this wonderful cake with vanilla custard and top with strawberries. Will need to get out the china tea cups I think a tea party is in order, my granddaughters love coming over for a real “Victoria BC Tea”.
Sarah G says
Carolyn, could I use whey protein isolate interchangeably with the whey protein powder?
Wendy says
I’m not Carolyn but I saw your question and just wanted to let you know that I do use my Unflavored protein isolate on all her recipe and it comes out great, it works with both.
Sarah G says
Great, thank-you!
Carolyn says
Thanks for replying. I’ve never used it so that was helpful!
Wendy says
Your welcome, glad to help
Wendy says
OMG! I been waiting for this recipe since you posted it in Instagram, can’t wait to try it.
janet says
Victoria sponge was a huge hit, made a blackberry jam for the filling (neither of us is a big raspberry fan). Now I am stuffed full of cake and cream, and still have half a cake left. Looks like he will get dessert in his to go lunch. Poor thing!
Carolyn says
So glad you liked it! Blackberry sounds lovely too.
stephanie says
Looks great! I also love DA! If you aren’t familiar with Georgette Heyer, you should get ye to the library because you will LOVE her books. She basically invented historical romance as a genre. And she is very witty.
katie says
Made this tonight. Tasted like a scone in cake form. AH-MA-ZING.
Thank you!
Jo says
Could I sub in a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder to get a chocolate cake, or doesn’t it work that way?
Carolyn says
No, that wouldn’t be chocolate-y enough. Use the chocolate cake from this recipe instead: https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/2013/11/chocolate-pound-cake-french-toast-low-carb-and-gluten-free.html
janet says
Jo, that sounds like a great idea, maybe with a chocolate ganache and coffee whipped cream. Mmm… Sounds great!
Gail Blain Peterson says
Carolyn — you are genius!! I just watched the final episode of Great British Baking and was thinking how hard would a LC Victoria Spounge be? LOVE Downton also 🙂
Blessings!
Gail
Jill says
I was wondering if another protein powder would work…I can have butter, but most dairy is not my friend… 🙁 The whipping cream is easily subbed with coconut cream, but I just don’t know if a different type of protein powder would work instead of whey? Or if something other than protein powder would work as I really don’t understand all of the intricacies of LC baking yet.
Carolyn says
Yes, use egg white protein powder. A brand called Deb El is what I use, found in the baking aisle of many grocery stores.
Matthew says
can i just use egg whites whisked? where i am from no stores are selling egg white protein powder . thanks
Carolyn says
Nope, that throws of the wet to dry ratio.
Kim says
This looks wonderful, Carolyn! I live in the UK and Victoria Sponge is the most popular cake for tea. My daughter and I love Downton too! She is away at university now so every Christmas we buy the DVD of the last season and spend a day watching the whole thing while wrapping presents! I love your recipes and even though I develop recipes too I recommend your site to my weight loss clients as a good resource for goodies. I even provide them with American cups and spoons so they follow your recipes more easily!
Dawn says
Carolyn this looks wonderful I will be trying it soon. In 2000 I took a trip to London with my Mom and Sis, we had the best tasting cake I think it was called sticky toffee pudding cake. I wonder if you could work your magic on that recipe? Thanks for all your hard work.
Ivonne says
My Brit husband is gonna Fuh-reak! Thank you for this recipe!!!! Cheers!
Molly says
I realize you are going for low carb and totally appreciate that using sugar goes against that concept. That said, I’ve tried ALL the ‘tols and let us just say that they don’t agree with my body. I try to cut carbs in other ways (coconut and almond flours, almond milk, etc). If I were to make the recipe but use evaporated cane juice in place of Swerve, would it turn out? I am not familiar with the relationship between swerve and sugar and don’t want to assume it is 1 to 1. I realize using sugar will up the carbs so it will be a very occasional treat.
Carolyn says
Swerve is meant to measure cup for cup like sugar so you can use a regular sugar in its place. In reality, you could probably use a little less cane juice to stay a little lower carb and it would still be sweet enough. My only concern here is that cane juice is liquid and you may throw off the liquid content of the cake. I’d cut down on the additional liquid by a bit.
Jennifer says
Try allulose! I have had wonderful results with that. It’s 70% as sweet as sugar though, so I like to add 1/8 of a teaspoon of Stevia powder for every cup that I use. I just make it up ahead of time.
Elissa says
I just made this sponge cake last night. It was absolutely fabulous! It had the best texture of any low carb, grain free, sugar free cake that I’ve ever made. I served it to a bunch of ladies who are very skeptical about the way I eat and they even thought it was delicious. Thank you for the wonderful recipe!
Carolyn says
Thanks, Elissa!
Wendy says
I made this cake last night and we are completely in love, my husband called me from work today and said babe this cake is absolutely delicious this is what I want you to make for me for now and on, Lol… I also made the raspberry filling and we all loved it, my son’s girlfriend came over and I offered some and she was skeptical and said no but I told her just try a bite and then she was like sorry but can I please have a piece? its delicious. Lol…. Thank you so much for sharing all your wonderful recipes.
Carolyn says
That is just the best kind of testimonial ever. Thank you!
Dee Gee says
Thanks once again! Not only was your Victorian Sponge Cake a smashing success it was also suggested I make it again for Easter Dessert.
scarlett says
Hey Carolyn! I was wondering, if I’m going to use powdered swerve in the cake, would the amount be different than what you have in the recipe? Like, is 3/4 cup of confectioners swerve more than 3/4 cup granulated? If so, what’s the conversion? I’m so excited to make this cake for my family next weekend! Thanks!
Carolyn says
If I use confectioner’s in a cake or muffin, I usually use it in the same amount. It may not give you quite the same texture, since non-granulated won’t whip air bubbles into your butter. but it should turn out alright.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
What a perfect afternoon tea cake.. you clearly have baked this victoria sponge to perfection. Looks divine.
Teresa says
Can you make this ahead? And I assume it must be kept refrigerated?
Carolyn says
Yes, you could make this a day ahead. Or you can make the cake layers and wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for a few days before filling. The finished cake can be left on the counter for a few days just fine. If it lasts that long… 🙂
Sam says
What is the purpose of the protein powder? I have a lot of food allergies and cannot use it, but was thinking I could sub something for it instead if I knew the purpose it had in the recipe.
Carolyn says
In the absence of gluten (which is a protein), a dry protein helps the baked goods rise and hold their shape. You can use powdered egg whites too.
Melanie says
This cake was simply amazing. I was an idiot and burned my raspberry jam (I get distracted easily) and had to make a blueberry/cranberry chia seed jam instead which was still very good. Once I put everything together, it was absolutely delicious. I took the cake to a women’s church party and didn’t tell anyone it was low carb (usually that turns people off for some reason). I managed to get one small slice before I turned around and saw a cluster of ladies all surrounding the cake and cutting into it as fast as possible. It was gone in seconds. Excellent recipe, Carolyn. Thank you so much! In fact, I think I’ll make it again tonight. One slice simply wasn’t enough.
Misty says
Oh my, I just made this for Easter brunch. it is glorious!! I added orange extract to the cake and then filled it with sugar free cannoli cream. I am probably going to make two as the scavengers are eyeing it intently as I speak.
Carolyn says
Love the addition of the orange extract!
Jenn M says
Thank you for this wonderful recipe, Carolyn! I made the Victoria Sponge today for Easter, splurging on real clotted cream (!) and using your lemon curd recipe in place of the jam. Topped with a handful of fresh strawberries, it was delicious and a huge hit!
Carolyn says
Sounds amazing!
Sjanette Vd Sluijs Lodder says
Awesome recipe!!! Can I use liquid stevia extract instead of Swerve or do you need it for bulk?
Carolyn says
You do need a bulk sweetener in this recipe.
Susan Pelter says
Made this over the weekend and it is by far my favorite LC cake EVER. It is also gorgeous. The cake is a thing of beauty only amplified by the whipped cream and jam (I used La Nouba’s sf raspberry spread from my pantry). You are the LC baking queen, Carolyn!
Gloria says
I can’t wait to try this recipe! (How did I manage to overlook it for so long?) I caught the Victoria Sponge “bug” several years ago when I watched the movie, “Calendar Girls”. (Stars Helen Mirren, Annette Crosbie, Julie Walters, Celia Imrie and, for the gorgeous male, they tossed in Ciaran Hinds.) I liked sponge cake long before that, but was convinced that there had to be something different, if it was called, “Victoria Sponge”. I’ve found other recipes, tried them and enjoyed them, so I will add this to my repertoire. Thank you for yet another!
Patricia says
Hi Carolyn! This recipe is delish! I made half the recipe and made it in a small loaf tin (increased the cooking time a little) also used a little xylitol instead of Swerve (we don’t get it here in South Africa) and it turned out great! Put a blob of cream on it plus some chia jam and it was freaking amazing! My absolute favourite cake is a vanilla sponge so this recipe has helped to keep us on the low carb track! Thanx again!
Joye says
I make my own clotted cream all of the time! 🙂 Preheat your oven to 180* and pour 4 cups of heavy cream (any kind will work, even pasteurized) into a shallow baking dish. Cook for eight-twelve hours. Remove and allow to cool completely. Skim the clotted cream off the top and refrigerate for eight hours. And you’re done! 🙂
Vicky says
Oh wow, sounds delicious. Do you think it’s possible to make it without protein powder too or substitute it with something else ?
Thank you so much 🙂
Carolyn says
Protein powder helps things rise and hold their shape. You can skip it but it will not be as fine a cake, just FYI.
olivia says
hi! this looks incredible, however i dont eat nuts due to sensitivity. could coconut flour work here? i dont have whey protein either due to dairy/lactose sensitivity. i have hemp protein powder but the taste is like ash and i wouldnt want to ruin the cake! hope you can help xxxx
Jen says
I made this last month and it was really nice. My husband (who normally shuns all gluten-free food) even loved it. I live in England where clotted cream is very reasonable so used clotted cream and it worked out fine.
Carolyn says
I hear you can make your own clotted cream and I want to try that.
Amity Hammond says
Hi can you use watered down heavy whipping cream rather than almond milk?
Carolyn says
Absolutely!
Amity says
Thank you. As a English mum, my children wanted a cake to have with tea. Can’t wait to try it.
Amity says
Now only if I could find an English scone recipe for afternoon tea!
sue | theviewfromgreatisland says
I haven’t had this cake since I was in London years ago! I love how delicate it looks, pinning and sharing:)
Courtney says
This was delicious! I used honey instead of swerve in my whopping cream and it turned out super yummy!
Theresa says
I made a perfect ‘serving for two’ version of this for my husbands birthday (I didn’t want to be tempted to keep eating!) and it was simply wonderful! I had never thought about making smaller servings before but had enjoyed your cheesecake brownie for two so much, decided to see if I could do it to this as well. It worked great and I will definitely be making this again, maybe even the whole version! Highly recommended.
Carolyn says
I’ve been planning on a mini version of this one myself. Glad it worked out!
Shannyn says
I’ve made this twice. It was perfect once and more “scone-like” the second time. I don’t know where I went wrong the second time. Can you tell me, what is the ideal consistency of the batter when you pour it in the pan? Should it be more liquid, so you can just “shake the pan” to smooth it or should you have to “work it smooth” with the knife before baking?
Carolyn says
A good low carb almond flour batter won’t pour…it needs to be spread to the edges of the pan. But it shouldn’t be scone like so it makes me wonder if you forgot an ingredient or something.
Rebecca says
I love this cake, I made it for a church coffee hour and no one knew it was wheat free or sugar free
keri says
This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it!
Do you think it’d work for a tiramisu as well?
Thanks for all of your lovely recipes!
Carolyn says
I’ve already got a recipe for that! https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/low-carb-pound-cake-tiramisu/
Sue Gosby-Worley says
Oh my goodness Carolyn, you’ve outdone yourself with this sponge cake! I made a hazelnut espresso meringue torte and your sponge worked perfectly. It took the hazelnut syrup I brushed on it without falling apart and tasted heavenly with the whipped ganache between the layers, The crispy meringue and espresso Swiss meringue buttercream went perfectly with it! I was thrilled with the results. I wish I could send you a pic. It turned out gorgeous!
James says
I made this but used some leftover frosting from the lemon strawberry cupcakes. It was wonderful. Almost like a strawberry shortcake.
Kristy Bernardo says
My eyes cannot believe this is a low-carb dessert! SO GORGEOUS. I’m definitely bookmarking for when I need a treat!
Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says
What a beautiful cake and SO delicious!
Martha J Darbonne says
Dear Carolyn:
Thanks for the Victoria Sponge Cake recipe! I actually made this even though I only had Splenda-brand sweetener. It is not granular so this could have contributed to my cake not being as fluffy (or spongy) as yours seemed. I used ginger preserves whose potent flavor was complemented by the cream. Now I must review your Tiramisu recipe; thank you!
Martha
Carolyn says
Yes, my guess is the splenda. It doesn’t have a crystalline structure so it doesn’t help the texture of cakes.
Erin says
So light and fluffy!! Love the filling in the center too!
Lindsay Cotter says
This cake has my name written all over it! It looks crazy delicious!
Junia says
AMAZING! Thank you for this. Amazing crumb and taste. I used erythritol. Sometimes leaves a cool taste but not in this cake. How do I tag you on instagram? It’s your recipe.
Carolyn says
Hi Junia, I am fooddreamer on instagram.
Katie says
Hi, is it possible to omit the protein powder? Just use extra flour or something else? I don’t have any whey protein accessible. (I realize this might change the carb ratio, but I’m not keto, just grain-free).
Katie says
(I do have collagen protein powder if that would suffice.)
Carolyn says
Please do not try collagen in this cake, it makes it hard to bake through and very gummy. You’re better off skipping it, although your cake won’t rise as well.
Taylor says
Love that raspberry filling! SO delicious!
Melissa says
Amazing we really enjoyed it!
Katie says
A classic recipe made healthy! We loved it.
Beth Pierce says
I know what I will be having for dessert tonight! This looks like it came straight from a bakery window!
paige says
Wow does this look GOOD. Made my mouth water. I’m with you all the way on the British TV shows. Love them!
Hayley says
I have no whey protein powder. Could I sub it for coconut flour?
Carolyn says
No. You can skip it if you need to but your cakes won’t rise quite as well.
Serena says
I’m English and having tried many keto recipes over the years this cake is by far the closest thing to a victoria sponge made with wheat flour and sugar that I have ever tried. I used erythritol and whey protein isolate as that’s what I had in my pantry. I also scaled the recipe down to 2/3rds and baked it in two 6″ silicone cake pans for 20 mins. This will now be my go-to cake recipe – thank you!
Carolyn says
Delighted to hear that you liked it!
Hannah Norris says
Please can you tell me how many slices this divides into to make serving sizes? I want to make this for our wedding anniversary, next month, Andrew my husband has a sweet tooth! 🍰
Carolyn says
Hi Hannah… at the top of every recipe card, it tells you the number of servings. In this case it’s 16 so it would make 16 slices.
Dana says
Somehow missed this recipe when searching cakes. But, boy, am I glad I stumbled upon it. I’ve made it with blueberry chia jam and strawberry chia jam. Both are delicious! Love the sponge cake texture! Another homerun outta the ballpark, Carolyn!
Carolyn says
Excellent!
Matthew says
I’m going to try this tomorrow, but is there any chance i can substitute the whey powder to something else?
One reason for that is my experience with whey protein (on its own) has been rather unpleasant digestion wise. The other reason is its kinda expensive? Hope to hear from you and thanks for sharing! looks amazing
Carolyn says
You need some sort of protein powder for the cake to rise properly. It can be egg white protein.