No Oil Chiffon Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8

No Oil Chiffon Cake is a light, fluffy dessert with a delicate texture and subtle sweetness. Perfect for celebrations or teatime, it relies on beaten egg whites for its airy crumb and vanilla for flavor. Suitable for those avoiding oil, offering a moist, melt-in-the-mouth experience.

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Ingredients

  • 5 eggs
  • 1/2 cup cold water
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Separate eggs; beat yolks well.
  2. Add water to egg yolks; beat until light.
  3. Add sugar; beat until creamy and the grain of the sugar is no longer felt.
  4. Add flour, salt, and baking powder; beat well.
  5. Beat egg whites; add cream of tartar and beat until stiff.
  6. Add vanilla to egg whites.
  7. Fold egg whites into the cake batter gently; do not stir too much.
  8. Pour batter into an ungreased tube pan.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
  10. Invert the cake pan and let it cool before removing from the pan.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute with lemon juice or white vinegar. When folding in the egg whites, use a gentle motion to avoid deflating the batter. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for better incorporation.

Serving Suggestions

Chiffon cake is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of light icing. Serve with fresh berries or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert. It pairs beautifully with English Custard Bread Pudding for a dessert buffet.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover chiffon cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer, where they can last for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature for best results before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of No Oil Chiffon Cake contains roughly 347 calories, with 4g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), and potassium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 614mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).

347 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 3g 4% DV
Carbs 51.6g 19% DV
Fiber 1.4g 5% DV
Sugar 5.7g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 614.3mg 27% DV
Potassium 465.3mg 10% DV
Cholesterol 116.1mg 39% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 28.4mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 11.5mg 13% DV
Calcium 247.9mg 19% DV
Iron 1.4mg 8% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. You might consider using a mix of both flours for a lighter result while still adding some whole grain goodness.

What can I do if my cake collapses after baking?

A collapsing cake may indicate that it was undercooked or that the batter was over-mixed when folding in the egg whites. Ensure that the cake is completely baked before removing it from the oven, and be gentle when incorporating the egg whites into the batter.

Can I add flavors like lemon or almond extract to the batter?

Absolutely! You can enhance the flavor of your chiffon cake by adding lemon zest or almond extract to the egg yolk mixture. Just keep in mind that strong flavors may alter the delicate balance of the cake, so use them sparingly.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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