Follow these steps and surprise your family members with a fluffy sponge cake made with the “chiffon” technique. This technique ensures a soft, light and flavorful dessert.
Sponge cakes are valued for his or her light and soft texture, making them a delight for pastry lovers. Cakes made with the technique fall into this category of irresistible cakes. This technique combines common ingredients of one of these recipes with some key variations within the preparation.
It is of utmost importance to emphasise the necessity to follow each step appropriately to attain the specified result. The technique demands attention and precision in each step of the methodfrom the precise combination of ingredients to the careful incorporation of the whipped egg whites, which significantly influences the ultimate texture and fluffiness of the cake. Here we’ll let you know all the main points.
How was this method born?
The technique has an interesting history behind its creation. It was developed by a chef named Harry Baker within the Nineteen Twenties within the United States. Baker experimented with cake recipes to attain a lighter and fluffier texture, and at last got here up with the formula that will turn into the premise of the chiffon technique.
The revolutionary aspect of the method was the incorporation of egg whites beaten stiffly within the batter. Previously, cake recipes relied on the usage of fat, corresponding to butter, to acquire a smooth texture.
However, Baker discovered that by beating egg whites to peaks after which gently folding them into the batter, an exceptional fluffiness and lightness was achieved. Following this discovery, he described the feel of the cake as , a reference to the sunshine, airy fabrics utilized in fashion.
The technique was an fast success and shortly became highly regarded within the baking industry. Although Baker kept his recipe a secret for a few years, he later shared it with a flour manufacturer called General Mills within the Forties.
Sponge cakes: How to organize the cake
Before starting to organize the cake, it’s best to consider the cake pan you’re going to make use of. The ideal one is one with a removable central tube, also often called an pan.
This style of pan allows the cake to bake evenly by facilitating the circulation of warmth through the central tube. In addition, its removable structure makes it easier and safer to unmold the dessert once it is prepared.
As for the ingredients, keep in mind that using fresh and good quality products will assist you to obtain a spongy texture and a delicious flavor. Here are the ingredients Baker used to attain 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
- Just a few drops of lemon juice
- Additional ingredients depending on the variant: for instance, 2 teaspoons lemon zest or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Step-by-step instructions to organize the chiffon cake
Before you begin making your chiffon sponge cakes, preheat the oven to 160°C (350°F) while mixing.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a big bowl: mix the flour, sugar, and the tablespoon of baking powder.
- Add a pinch of salt and blend the dry ingredients well to ensure they’re evenly combined.
- Then, in one other bowl, mix the six egg yolks with the vegetable oil and extra ingredients, depending on the variation you wish, corresponding to lemon zest or vanilla extract.
- Whisk the liquid ingredients until smooth.
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the eight egg whites and progressively beat within the sugar until soft peaks form.
- Add just a few drops of lemon juice; while continuing to whisk. Continue until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- With the mixer on low speed, progressively add the dry ingredients to the liquids. Beat the mixture for about two minutes, ensuring they’re well incorporated.
- Add the beaten egg whites to the batter a little bit at a timeusing gentle, encircling motions with a pastry spatula. The goal is to introduce air into the batter to attain the characteristic fluffiness of a chiffon cake.
- Finally, you simply must pour the mixture into the mold previously greased with butter and flour, to be sure that it’s going to not stick. Then bake it for 55 to 60 minutes and take it out when it is prepared.
That’s how easy it’s to make biscuits with the chiffon technique!
Ingredient decisions: healthier options
When it involves desserts, it’s necessary to think about healthier options once in a while. Maintaining a balance between having fun with tasty desserts and caring for our health is a better technique to live.
We can reduce our intake of harmful ingredients, corresponding to refined sugar and trans fats, which might have negative health effects. According to the World Health Organization, trans fats are liable for about 500,000 deaths a 12 months worldwide.
Some of the healthy options you might substitute for essentially the most harmful ingredients are as follows:
1. Whole wheat flour
Opt for whole wheat flour as an alternative of refined white flour. Whole wheat flour retains many of the wheat grain, making it richer in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Natural sweeteners
Instead of refined sugar, consider healthier options, corresponding to coconut sugar or stevia. These natural sweeteners have a lower glycemic index.
3. Healthy fats
Instead of using refined vegetable oils or trans fats, go for oils corresponding to olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado. These healthy fats are more helpful for cardiovascular health.
4. Additional nutritious ingredients
Add a touch of additional nutrients by incorporating fresh fruits, corresponding to bananas or blueberries; or dried fruits, corresponding to walnuts or almonds. These ingredients provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Enjoy your cakes!
The technique is thought for its ability to create sponge cakes with a novel, fluffy texture. The air within the batter, progressively incorporated through the stiffly beaten egg whites, achieves a lightweight and airy structure.
It’s possible to organize delicious fluffy biscuits without harming your health in the method. Choose the ingredients rigorously and follow the steps for a tremendous result.
