Vanilla Chiffon Cake
Vanilla Chiffon Cake is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Claire Saffitz x Dessert Person on YouTube.
Prep: 45 min | Cook: 1 hr 15 min | Total: 2 hrs 15 min
Cost: $50.73 total, $4.23 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour (sifted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided: 1/3 cup with dry ingredients, 2/3 cup folded into egg whites)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 7 units large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 10 units large egg whites (room temperature, clean bowl)
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (helps stabilize whites)
- 1 cup blackberries (for serving) (macerated with 1 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (whipped with a pinch of sugar)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for macerating fruit)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for macerating fruit)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 325°F (165°C) and allow it to fully preheat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 325°F
Combine Dry Ingredients
In the large mixing bowl whisk together cake flour, salt, baking powder, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Create a Well and Add Yolks & Oil
Make a well in the center of the dry mixture. Add the 7 egg yolks and 3/4 cup neutral oil. Begin whisking from the center outward, incorporating the flour gradually.
Time: PT5M
Incorporate Milk
Add half of the milk (½ cup) and whisk until the batter looks smooth. Then add the remaining milk and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, whisking just until no dry spots remain.
Time: PT3M
Whip Egg Whites
In a clean bowl, add the 10 egg whites, 1/4 tsp cream of tartar, and the remaining 2/3 cup sugar. Using the stand mixer on medium‑low, whip until the mixture becomes glossy, then increase to high speed and continue until very stiff peaks form.
Time: PT15M
First Fold
Scoop about one‑third of the whipped egg whites and gently fold into the batter with a large spatula, using a cutting‑and‑lifting motion.
Time: PT3M
Second Fold
Add another one‑third of the remaining whites and fold until just incorporated.
Time: PT3M
Final Fold
Fold in the last third of the whites, stopping when the batter is almost streak‑free.
Time: PT4M
Prepare Pan & Transfer Batter
Line the sides and tube of the 9‑inch tube pan with foil (to provide friction). Pour the batter in, filling about three‑quarters of the pan. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to release large air bubbles.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the top is golden‑brown and a cake tester inserted into the tallest part comes out clean.
Time: PT1H15M
Temperature: 325°F
Cool
Ideally invert the pan and let the cake cool upside‑down for 30 minutes. If foil prevents inversion, cool right‑side‑up on a rack for the same time.
Time: PT30M
Release & Serve
Remove the foil, gently run a butter knife around the tube and bottom, then lift the cake out. Slice and serve with macerated blackberries and a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 4 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 10 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: vegetarian, contains gluten, contains dairy
Allergens: eggs, wheat, milk
Last updated: April 7, 2026






