Indulge in the light and fluffy texture of this homemade orange chiffon cake. Bursting with citrus flavor, this cake is the perfect treat for any occasion. It's easy to make and will impress your friends and family with its delicate and moist crumb. Serve it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar for a delightful dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, egg yolks, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry ingredients.
- Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on low speed until well combined and smooth.
- In another clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and invert the pan onto a cooling rack. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Carefully remove the cake from the pan.
- Serve the orange chiffon cake plain or dusted with powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Chiffon cakes were invented in the late 1920s by an insurance salesman turned baker, Harry Baker.
Orange chiffon cakes gained popularity in America during the 1950s and 1960s.
The chiffon cake gets its light texture from the combination of beaten egg whites and vegetable oil in the batter.