Rosewater & raspberry sponge cake

A delicate, floral twist on the classic sponge cake. Dried rose petals, rose icing and raspberries make for a showstopping decoration

225g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing 225g golden caster sugar 4 medium eggs, beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract 225g self-raising flour, sifted

STEP 1

Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Lightly grease two 20cm cake tins and line with baking parchment. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy. Gradually add the eggs a little at a time, scraping down the side of the bowl after each addition. If the mixture starts to curdle, add 1tsp flour. Add the vanilla extract, mix in half the flour, then fold in the rest.

STEP 2

Divide the mixture between the cake tins and bake for 20-25 mins – a skewer inserted into the middle of the cakes should come out clean. Leave to cool in the tins for 10 mins, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

FOR THE ROSE CREAM FILLING

150ml double cream 1 tsp rosewater 4 tbsp raspberry jam 150g raspberries, slightly crushed

STEP 3

Meanwhile, make the filling. Whisk the cream to soft peaks, adding the rosewater as you go, then fold in the jam, being careful not to over-mix.

STEP 4

Place one of the sponges on a serving plate and top with the cream mixture. Scatter with the raspberries, then top with the other sponge.

STEP 5

For the icing, mix together the icing sugar, 2tbsp water and the rosewater, and stir in the juice from a few crushed raspberries. Drizzle over the cake, arrange the rose petals and the remaining raspberries on top and dust with icing sugar.

FOR THE ROSE ICING

175g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting ½ tsp rosewater

TO DECORATE

dried rose petals handful raspberries