Description
This Chinese Bakery Sponge Cake is light, airy, and delicately sweet with a soft, fluffy crumb. Inspired by classic Chinese bakery chiffon cakes, it’s perfect served plain or topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Ingredients
7 eggs, separated into yolks and whites
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups cake flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the oven rack low enough to fit a tall cake pan.
- In a clean glass or metal bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add 1/2 cup of the sugar and the cream of tartar, then continue beating until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, water, remaining sugar, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the cake flour and baking powder. Stir into the yolk mixture until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch angel food cake pan.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the top springs back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake upside down in the pan before removing. Serve plain or with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
Notes
Add 1 teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a fresh citrus flavor.
Substitute almond extract for vanilla for a subtle nutty aroma.
Dust with powdered sugar for a classic bakery-style finish.
Serve with whipped cream, berries, mango, kiwi, or strawberries.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months and thaw before serving.
Avoid reheating; if desired, microwave a slice for 5–10 seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
