How to Prepare the Fluffiest Sponge Cakes?

Follow these steps and surprise your loved ones with a fluffy sponge cake made with the "chiffon" technique. This technique ensures a soft, light and flavorful dessert.

Sponge cakes are valued for their light and soft texture, making them a delight for pastry lovers. Cakes made with the chiffon technique fall into this category of irresistible cakes. This technique combines common ingredients of this type of recipes with some key variations in the preparation.

It is of utmost importance to emphasize the need to follow each step correctly to achieve the desired result. The chiffon technique demands attention and precision in each step of the process, from the right combination of ingredients to the careful incorporation of the whipped egg whites, which significantly influences the final texture and fluffiness of the cake. Here we’ll tell you all the details.

How was this technique born?

The chiffon technique has an interesting history behind its creation. It was developed by a chef named Harry Baker in the 1920s in the United States. Baker experimented with cake recipes to achieve a lighter and fluffier texture, and finally came up with the formula that would become the basis of the chiffon technique.

The innovative aspect of the chiffon method was the incorporation of egg whites beaten stiffly in the batter. Previously, cake recipes relied on the use of fat, such as butter, to obtain a smooth texture.

However, Baker discovered that by beating egg whites to peaks and then gently folding them into the batter, an exceptional fluffiness and lightness was achieved. Following this discovery, he described the texture of the cake as chiffon, a reference to the light, airy fabrics used in fashion.

The technique was an instant success and soon became very popular in the baking industry. Although Baker kept his recipe a secret for many years, he later shared it with a flour manufacturer called General Mills in the 1940s.

Sponge cakes: How to prepare the chiffon cake

Before starting to prepare the cake, you should consider the cake pan you’re going to use. The ideal one is one with a removable central tube, also known as an angel food pan.

This type of pan allows the cake to bake evenly by facilitating the circulation of heat through the central tube. In addition, its removable structure makes it easier and safer to unmold the dessert once it is ready.

As for the ingredients, remember that using fresh and good quality products will help you obtain a spongy texture and a delicious flavor. Here are the ingredients Baker used to achieve the fluffy texture.

Egg whites for the batter

• 8 egg whites
• 1/2 cup (100 g) sugar

Dry ingredients

• 2 and 1/4 cups (270 g) flour
• 1 and 1/2 cups (300 g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) baking powder

Liquid ingredients

• 6 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
• A few drops of lemon juice
• Additional ingredients depending on the variant: for example, 2 teaspoons lemon zest or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Step-by-step instructions to prepare the chiffon cake

Before you start making your chiffon sponge cakes, preheat the oven to 160°C (350°F) while mixing.

• Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: mix the flour, sugar, and the tablespoon of baking powder.
• Add a pinch of salt and mix the dry ingredients well to make sure they are evenly combined.
• Then, in another bowl, mix the six egg yolks with the vegetable oil and additional ingredients, depending on the variation you want, such as lemon zest or vanilla extract.
• Whisk the liquid ingredients until smooth.
• In a clean, dry bowl, beat the eight egg whites and gradually beat in the sugar until soft peaks form.
• Add a few drops of lemon juice; while continuing to whisk. Continue until stiff, glossy peaks form.
• With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the liquids. Beat the mixture for about two minutes, making sure they are well incorporated.
• Add the beaten egg whites to the batter a little at a time, using gentle, encircling motions with a pastry spatula. The goal is to introduce air into the batter to achieve the characteristic fluffiness of a chiffon cake.
• Finally, you only need to pour the mixture into the mold previously greased with butter and flour, to ensure that it will not stick. Then bake it for 55 to 60 minutes and take it out when it is ready.

That’s how easy it is to make biscuits with the chiffon technique!

Ingredient choices: healthier options

When it comes to desserts, it’s important to consider healthier options from time to time. Maintaining a balance between enjoying tasty desserts and taking care of our health is a smarter way to live.

We can reduce our intake of harmful ingredients, such as refined sugar and trans fats, which can have negative health effects. According to the World Health Organization, trans fats are responsible for about 500,000 deaths a year worldwide.

Some of the healthy options you could substitute for the most harmful ingredients are as follows:

1. Whole wheat flour

Opt for whole wheat flour instead of refined white flour. Whole wheat flour retains most of the wheat grain, making it richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

2. Natural sweeteners

Instead of refined sugar, consider healthier options, such as coconut sugar or stevia. These natural sweeteners have a lower glycemic index.

3. Healthy fats

Instead of using refined vegetable oils or trans fats, opt for oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado. These healthy fats are more beneficial for cardiovascular health.

4. Additional nutritious ingredients

Add a touch of extra nutrients by incorporating fresh fruits, such as bananas or blueberries; or dried fruits, such as walnuts or almonds. These ingredients provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Enjoy your cakes!

The chiffon technique is known for its ability to create sponge cakes with a unique, fluffy texture. The air in the batter, gradually incorporated through the stiffly beaten egg whites, achieves a light and airy structure.

It’s possible to prepare delicious fluffy biscuits without harming your health in the process. Choose the ingredients carefully and follow the steps for an amazing result.