A light and airy cake with a delicate crumb, the classic chiffon cake is a timeless dessert. Its unique texture is achieved by separating the egg whites and yolks and whipping them individually to create a light and fluffy batter. This recipe yields a moist and flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 ¾ cups cake flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1 cup egg whites
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pans:
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round tube pans.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Gradually beat in the egg yolks, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with ¼ cup of water. Beat on low speed until just combined.
- Whip Egg Whites:
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy.
- Gradually add the remaining vanilla extract and beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Fold Egg Whites into Batter:
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter in three additions, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
- Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Invert:
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost and Serve:
- Once cooled, frost the cakes with your favorite frosting or glaze.
Tips for Perfect Chiffon Cake:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal results.
- Gentle Folding: Fold the egg whites into the batter gently to avoid deflating them.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Enjoy your light and airy chiffon cake!