Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
Wet Ingredients
- 12 egg whites
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla or almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure your 10-inch tube cake pan is clean and completely dry. Do not grease or oil the pan to allow the cake to cling and rise properly. Set the pan aside.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together the cake flour and 3/4 cup of the sugar to remove lumps and aerate the mixture. Set this mixture aside.
- Beat Egg Whites: Using a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or an electric mixer in a large bowl, beat the 12 egg whites with the vanilla or almond extract, cream of tartar, and salt until soft peaks form. This helps stabilize the whites for volume.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar while continuing to whip the egg whites until they reach stiff peaks with a glossy finish. Be careful not to overbeat.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted flour and sugar mixture into the beaten egg whites one third at a time using a spatula. Use a light hand to avoid deflating the egg whites and maintain volume.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the ungreased tube pan and gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any trapped air pockets.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the cake is lightly browned, springs back when touched, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Immediately invert the cake pan onto a wire cooling rack and allow it to cool completely in the pan for 3 to 4 hours. This prevents the cake from collapsing as it cools.
- Remove from Pan: After cooling, run a thin butter knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Invert the cake onto a serving plate and gently tap to release it. Tapping the top several times before inverting helps loosen the cake.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve as desired. For added flair, garnish with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Feedback: If you’ve tried this recipe, consider leaving comments or star ratings to share your experience.
Notes
- Do not grease the pan, as the batter needs to cling to the pan walls to rise correctly.
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume when whipping.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after folding in dry ingredients to prevent deflating the egg whites.
- Cooling the cake upside down is crucial to maintain its height and prevent collapse.
- Substitute almond extract for vanilla to add a different flavor profile.
- Use a clean, dry whisk and bowls to ensure the egg whites whip properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat