Introduction:
Light, airy, and delightfully soft, chiffon cake is a timeless classic that combines the fluffiness of a sponge cake with the richness of butter cake. Perfect for celebrations or as an everyday dessert, this cake has a delicate texture that pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, fresh fruits, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Let’s bake this irresistible treat that’s as impressive as it is delicious!
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ¼ cups (280g) cake flour
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar (divided into 1 cup and ½ cup)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 7 large eggs, separated
- ¾ cup (180ml) water
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 325°F (160°C). Do not grease your tube pan (this allows the cake to climb and rise properly).
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking until a smooth batter forms.
- Prepare the Egg Whites: In a separate, clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed. Gradually add the remaining ½ cup sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the Mixtures: Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in three additions, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the ungreased tube pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Upside Down: Immediately invert the pan (place it on a bottle or similar object) to cool completely. This helps maintain the cake’s height and fluffiness.
- Release and Serve: Run a knife along the edges of the pan to release the cake. Slice and serve plain, or with your favorite toppings.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy this chiffon cake with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. It’s a showstopper dessert that’s always a hit!
