170°C is 338°F, Gas Mark 3–4, and 150°C fan/convection. Classified as a Slow Oven, this is the traditional temperature for British sponge cakes — particularly the Victoria sponge. It produces gentle, even browning, flat-topped cakes, and moist crumbs. It sits just below the US standard 350°F (177°C) — close enough for most conversions with a small timing adjustment.
CELSIUS
170°C
conventional
FAHRENHEIT
338°F
US ≈ 350°F
GAS MARK
Gas 3–4
UK gas ovens
FAN / CONVECT
150°C
−20°C from conv.
💡 Fan/convection oven: set to 150°C — the standard fan setting for Victoria sponge. Fan-assisted: 160°C. US recipes at 350°F: use 170°C and add 5–8 minutes.
170°C is where the Maillard reaction kicks in meaningfully — producing a pale gold colour rather than ivory, but without aggressive browning. It is the classic temperature for British butter cakes, where the goal is an even, flat-topped sponge with a tender, moist crumb. The slow, steady heat also makes it excellent for dense loaf cakes and slow-roasted meats.
RECIPE TIMING GUIDE AT 170°C
Victoria sponge (20cm)
25–30 min
Springy to touch, skewer clean, pale golden top. The classic temperature for this cake.
Banana bread (900g loaf)
60–70 min
Skewer clean, cracked top normal, deep golden crust.
Madeira cake
70–80 min
Firm, dense crumb. Pale lemon-coloured crust, slight crack along top.
Pound cake / butter cake
55–65 min
Even rise, golden crust, skewer clean from centre.
Scones
12–15 min
Risen well, pale gold sides, crisp top. Do not over-bake — they dry out quickly.
Shortcrust pastry (blind bake)
18–22 min
Sandy texture, pale biscuit colour. Fill and return to oven for tart.
Slow-roast leg of lamb
3–4 hours
Internal 85–90°C for fall-apart texture. Baste every 45 minutes.
Baked cheesecake (20cm)
50–60 min
Slight wobble in centre when done. Cool in switched-off oven with door ajar.
Flapjacks / oat bars
20–25 min
Golden edges, still soft in centre — they firm up as they cool.
Financiers / friands
14–16 min
Golden dome, springy edges, slightly sticky centre when hot.
Times are approximate. Oven calibration varies — use a thermometer and test for doneness.
170°C
Conventional (fan off)
Standard setting. Heat from top and bottom elements. Rotate trays halfway through for even results.
150°C
Fan / Convection
Reduce by 20°C. Fan mode at 150°C is ideal for Victoria sponge — the standard 170°C fan setting many recipes mean.
160°C
Fan-assisted (partial fan)
Reduce by 10°C. More even than conventional, slightly faster. Common in modern European ovens.
Gas 3–4
Gas Mark
Between Gas 3 (160°C) and Gas 4 (180°C). Set to Gas 3 for a slow bake, Gas 4 for slightly more colour.
Baking oven
AGA / Rayburn
The baking oven (170–190°C) is appropriate. Use the lower end for sponges, upper end for scones.
170°C / 338°F
British standard · Slow oven
350°F / 177°C
US standard · 7°C warmer
Rule of thumb: For a US recipe at 350°F, use 170°C and add 5–8 minutes. Or split the difference at 175°C (347°F) for almost identical results with no time adjustment.
Oven runs hot
Fix: Set dial to 153–158°C
Oven runs cool
Fix: Set dial to 183–188°C
Oven accurate
Fix: Use 170°C as written
Best fix: An oven thermometer (£5–10 / $8–15). Preheat 20 minutes, read the true temperature, note the offset, and apply every bake. Most ovens are 10–30°C off their dial.
| °C | °F | Gas Mark | Fan °C | Oven type | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160°C | 320°F | Gas 3 | 140°C | Very Slow / Cool | Meringues, cheesecakes, custards |
| 165°C | 329°F | Gas 3–4 | 145°C | Very Slow | Gentle sponges, pavlova, shortbread |
| 170°C | 338°F | Gas 3–4 | 150°C | Slow | Victoria sponge, banana bread, Madeira |
| 180°C | 356°F | Gas 4 | 160°C | Moderate | Cakes, brownies, roast chicken |
| 190°C | 374°F | Gas 5 | 170°C | Mod. Hot | Puff pastry, roast potatoes, quiche |
| 200°C | 392°F | Gas 6 | 180°C | Hot | Bread, roast beef, jacket potatoes |
| 220°C | 428°F | Gas 7 | 200°C | Very Hot | Yorkshire pudding, pork crackling |
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170°C = 338°F = Gas Mark 3–4 = 150°C fan · Slow Oven · Classic Victoria sponge temperature · US 350°F ≈ 177°C (add 5–8 min at 170°C) · Preheat 15+ minutes