How many calories are in a Victoria sponge cake?

January 3, 2026 •

3 min read

A standard slice of Victoria sponge cake, typically 100-150g, contains approximately 350-450 calories, though this can vary significantly depending on the recipe and filling. This guide will explore how many calories are in a Victoria sponge cake and the factors that influence its nutritional content.

Quick Summary

The calorie content of a Victoria sponge slice is highly variable, influenced by factors such as slice size, type of filling (cream vs. buttercream), and whether it is homemade or store-bought. Average figures exist, but a precise count requires considering these variables and ingredient amounts.

Key Points

Average calories: A typical slice of Victoria sponge contains approximately 350-450 calories, but this can fluctuate greatly.
Homemade vs. store-bought: Homemade versions often contain more calories per slice due to larger portions and richer ingredients compared to standardized commercial products.
Fillings matter: The type of filling is a major calorie factor, with buttercream frosting adding significantly more calories than traditional whipped cream.
Ingredient impact: High amounts of butter and sugar in the sponge and filling are the primary drivers of its high-calorie and fat content.
Accurate calculation: For homemade cakes, the most accurate calorie count comes from measuring all ingredients and dividing the total by the number of slices.
Macro breakdown: A slice of Victoria sponge typically contains a high ratio of carbohydrates and fat, with a low protein content.

The classic Victoria sponge cake, with its light and airy sponge layers filled with jam and cream, is a beloved treat. While it's a staple at tea parties and celebrations, its calorie count is a frequent question for those watching their diet. Understanding the different elements that contribute to the final energy value is key to estimating how many calories are in a Victoria sponge cake.

The Standard Calorie Breakdown

For a standard, single-tier Victoria sponge cake, the average calorie count per slice often falls within a predictable range. According to several nutritional databases, a typical slice (around 100-150g) can contain between 350 and 450 calories. The core ingredients—butter, sugar, eggs, and flour—form the bulk of the calories. These are then topped up by the fillings. For example, a single piece weighing around 119g was recorded to have 448 kcal, with a balanced macronutrient profile split between carbohydrates and fats.

Core Ingredients and Their Impact

Sugar: The amount of caster sugar used directly correlates with the final calorie count. Many recipes use a 200g-225g sugar ratio for the cake itself, contributing significantly to its energy content.
Butter: Similarly, butter is calorie-dense, with a standard recipe calling for an equal amount to sugar and flour. The high-fat content is a major calorie contributor.
Jam: The type and quantity of jam used can slightly alter the total calories. Raspberry jam is a traditional choice, adding its own sugar content.
Cream: The filling can vary, but traditional recipes call for whipped double cream. Alternatives, like buttercream, have a higher fat and sugar content and will drastically increase the total calories.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought: A Calorie Comparison

The calories in a Victoria sponge can differ significantly between homemade and pre-packaged versions. While homemade offers control over ingredients, store-bought cakes have standardised serving sizes and recipes, leading to different outcomes.

A renowned homemade recipe, such as Mary Berry's, specifies a serving with 501 kcal due to its generous use of ingredients. In contrast, a branded, smaller cake from a store like Mr. Kipling's listed a slice (47g) at only 199 kcal. This stark difference is due to variations in portion size and ingredients; commercial versions often use less butter and cream to lower production costs and calories.

Calculating Calories in a Homemade Victoria Sponge

If you're baking at home, you can calculate the total calories by adding up the nutritional information of all your ingredients. Websites and apps like Nutritionix can help by providing calorie breakdowns per ingredient.

Measure all ingredients: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
Look up calorie information: Find the calorie count per 100g for each ingredient (flour, sugar, butter, eggs, jam, cream).
Calculate total calories: Multiply the weight of each ingredient by its calorie density and sum the totals.
Divide by servings: Divide the final sum by the number of slices you plan to cut for the calorie count per slice.

Filling Variations and Their Impact

The filling is where the most significant calorie variations occur. Traditional whipped double cream adds a lighter, less caloric richness compared to the heavier, sugar-laden buttercream frosting.


Factor	Whipped Cream Filling	Buttercream Frosting Filling
Average calories per slice	350-450 kcal	400-550 kcal (depending on amount)
Fat content (per 100g)	Varies based on cream fat %	High due to butter and icing sugar
Sugar content	Lower, mainly from jam	Significantly higher from icing sugar
Weight	Lighter, fluffier consistency	Heavier, denser, and more substantial
Satiety	Less filling due to lower fat	More filling and energy-dense

Switching from buttercream to a light whipped cream can save a considerable number of calories per serving. Some modern recipes even incorporate yoghurt-based fillings or reduced-sugar jams to further lower the overall count without sacrificing flavour.

Conclusion

In summary, how many calories are in a Victoria sponge cake is not a single number but a range influenced by several factors. While a typical slice contains between 350 and 450 calories, homemade cakes, richer fillings like buttercream, and larger portions will push the count higher. For precise calorie tracking, weighing your ingredients and calculating the total is the most accurate method. Understanding these variables allows you to enjoy this classic treat with more awareness of its nutritional impact.

Visit the BBC Food website for a classic Victoria sponge recipe to see an example of homemade ingredient ratios.

Frequently Asked Questions

A small slice of Victoria sponge, potentially around 40-70g, would have significantly fewer calories, likely ranging from 180 to 250 kcal, depending on the filling and density.

Yes, a Victoria sponge filled with buttercream typically has a higher calorie count than one with just whipped cream and jam, as buttercream is made with a higher ratio of fat and sugar.

Yes, a standard Victoria sponge cake is generally high in saturated fat due to the use of butter in the sponge and potentially heavy cream or buttercream in the filling.

Yes, you can reduce the calories by using lighter fillings like Greek yoghurt or light whipped cream, using less sugar, and replacing some butter with low-fat alternatives.

Multi-tier cakes have a higher calorie count per slice, as they contain more cake layers and filling. A two-tier cake slice might have 400-550 calories, while a three-tier could range from 450-650 calories.

Without the jam and cream, the calorie count would consist only of the sponge itself. This would substantially lower the total, as the fillings contribute a large portion of the overall energy.

To get an accurate count, you should weigh all your ingredients individually, look up their calorie information, calculate the total for the entire cake, and then divide by the number of slices you cut.