I can't make a cake that rises. Ever. Help.

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I have to make a victoria sponge type thing for an event this Saturday (dh in his wisdom volunteered me ). I've had a practice tonight and it didn't rise at all really, same as the last time I made one, and the time before that, and the time before that......

I don't think I can get away with a shop bought one.

What do you think I'm doing wrong?

Ok, I've got recipes for lemon drizzle cake and carrot cake (have done carrot cake before a while ago, not sure what it was like).

Thanks everyone .

is it my lemon drizzle cake puffy my love?

It's from a Mary Berry book - is your recipe on hers Marslady cos I'll give it a go

"on here" I meant to say - oops

Lemon Drizzle Traybake a la Mars Lady

4 eggs
9oz (250g) soft marg
9oz (250g)caster sugar
12oz (350g)s/r flour
3 level tsps baking powder
6 tbsp milk
grated rind of 2 lemons.

Mix all ingredients. Put in lined tin. Bake (about 30-40mins)

Icing:
Lemon juice (from 2 lemons)
12oz (350g) icing sugar sieved

Warm lemon juice, mix icing sugar in. Prick warm cake and drizzle!

Is it the same?

Mmm, sounds yum.

I think a traybake is a good idea - I'm supposed to provide a "big cake" - well that's a big cake which you just slice up - voila.

What size of tin should I use Marslady?

whatever you've got honey. I use my roasting tray. Remember to prick the cake and drizzle in the warm lemon juice and to make the icing with the rest of the warm lemon juice (nice and sharp). Favourite trayback in the Mars household.

Brill, thank you.

The Mary Berry recipe has smaller quantities of everything, so I know I can make a big cake with yours .

You're welcome!

I can vouch for this cake too - now a fave in the Aero household as well!

Finished a lovely Lemon Drizzle Traybake. Forgot that when I make a traybake it actually rises!!

Cut up a big piece of cardboard, covered it in silver foil, put traybake on it.

Made a frilly edging thing out of crepe paper and put it round traybake.

Looks real posh and should sit proudly amongst all the other homemade cakes tomorrow.

Thanks Marslady!