Introduction:
Light, airy, and irresistibly soft, this fluffy vanilla chiffon cake is a showstopper for any occasion. Its golden crust and tender crumb make it perfect as a standalone treat or paired with whipped cream and fruits. This cake is baked in a tube pan to achieve its signature height and texture. Whether for celebrations or casual tea time, this cake never fails to impress!
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour (sifted)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (divided into 1 cup and 1/2 cup)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 7 large eggs (separated into yolks and whites)
- 3/4 cup water (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Ensure your tube pan is clean and ungreased. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, 1 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. - Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In another bowl, mix the egg yolks, water, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until fully combined. - Whip the Egg Whites:
In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar using an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. - Combine Mixtures:
Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the yolk batter in three additions, being careful not to deflate the mixture. - Pour into Pan:
Pour the batter into the ungreased tube pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. - Bake:
Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when lightly pressed. - Cool the Cake:
Immediately invert the pan onto its legs or a bottleneck to cool completely. This prevents the cake from collapsing as it cools. - Release the Cake:
Run a knife along the edges and center tube of the pan to release the cake. Transfer it to a serving plate.
Serving Suggestions:
- Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simple presentation.
- Serve with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth chiffon cake, a timeless dessert perfect for any occasion!