Morrisons rebrand Victoria sponge as ‘Elizabeth sponge’ for Platinum Jubilee

Virgin Radio

28 Apr 2022, 09:06

In honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June, Morrisons has renamed their Victoria sponge cake.

From Monday 30 May, shoppers will be able to purchase the ‘Elizabeth Sponge’ in 334 stores across the UK.

The classic British sweet treat got its name from Queen Victoria, who was known to enjoy the cake with her afternoon tea. In her day, the cake would consists of two layers of sponge sandwiched together by jam, but in modern times people also add a generous layer of cream in the middle with a dusting of caster or powdered sugar on top.

Today’s royals also favour the Victoria sponge, and the Duchess of Cornwall has recently shared her own recipe for the cake, which includes a layer of sliced strawberries in the middle.

In 2020, the pastry chefs at Buckingham Palace shared the recipe they use to make the cake in a post to the official Royal Family Instagram, and their version replaces fresh cream with buttercream for the filling.

The Elizabeth Sponge will be a version of the modern recipe, including whipped cream, strawberry jam between three layers of sponge and topped with sliced strawberries.

Cake shop manager at Morrisons, Jessica Islip, said: “The Platinum Jubilee is a cause for nationwide celebration, and we want to help our customers enjoy the festivities by offering a cake fit for a King or Queen.

“Victoria Sponges are one of our customers’ favourite cakes, and we hope the change in name brings a bit of fun to their long weekend as well as a tasty treat.”

Her Majesty turned 96 last week and marked 70 years on the throne in February, making her the longest reigning monarch in British history.

A formal celebration of this milestone will come in the form of a four-day public holiday in June, as well as a Platinum Jubilee Pageant, a “Platinum party” at Buckingham Palace and the Queen’s annual birthday parade, Trooping the Colour.

It has also been announced that Queen Elizabeth will get her own Barbie doll to celebrate her jubilee, complete with an ivory gown with blue ribbon, and the tiara she wore on her wedding day.

Shoppers can buy the ‘Elizabeth sponge’ in Morrisons from 30 May.