Vanilla Chiffon Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

Highlighted under: Indulgent Baking Ideas

This light and airy Vanilla Chiffon Cake topped with luscious whipped cream frosting is the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Emma

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-16T17:45:19.839Z

There's something irresistibly charming about a classic Vanilla Chiffon Cake. Its light, fluffy texture combined with a rich, creamy frosting creates a dessert experience that is both indulgent and refreshing. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because, this cake is a favorite for many.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
  • Rich vanilla flavor that pairs beautifully with the whipped cream
  • Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence
  • Easy to make with simple ingredients

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Vanilla Chiffon Cake is not just any cake; it's a celebration on a plate. Its light and airy structure makes it an ideal choice for various events, from birthdays to weddings. The cake's elegance and simplicity allow it to shine as the star of your dessert table. Its versatility means it can be dressed up with fresh fruit or enjoyed plain, making it suitable for both casual and formal gatherings.

What sets this cake apart is its delightful texture, which is a result of the unique chiffon method. This process incorporates oil into the batter, creating a moist and tender crumb that contrasts beautifully with the airy whipped cream frosting. The combination of these two elements elevates the cake, ensuring that each bite is a heavenly experience.

A Flavorful Twist on Tradition

Chiffon cakes are a classic dessert, but this Vanilla Chiffon Cake takes the traditional recipe and enhances it with a rich vanilla flavor. The use of high-quality vanilla extract ensures that every slice bursts with a sweet, aromatic essence. Paired with the luscious whipped cream frosting, the cake becomes a delightful indulgence that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

The recipe is straightforward and can be made with pantry staples, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you are a seasoned baker or trying your hand at cake-making for the first time, this recipe will guide you through each step, resulting in a stunning cake that you can be proud of.

Tips for Baking Success

To achieve the perfect Vanilla Chiffon Cake, it’s crucial to properly separate the egg yolks and whites. Make sure no yolk gets into the whites, as this can prevent them from whipping properly. Also, using room temperature ingredients can help create a smoother batter, leading to a better texture in the final cake.

When folding the egg whites into the batter, do so gently to maintain the airiness that gives chiffon cakes their characteristic lightness. This step is vital for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth experience. Lastly, allowing the cake to cool upside down in the pan helps retain its structure and prevents it from collapsing.

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Chiffon Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 7 large eggs, separated
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

For the Whipped Cream Frosting

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to have all ingredients at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, egg yolks, water, and vanilla extract.

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.

Beat the Egg Whites

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into an ungreased chiffon cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Invert the pan to cool the cake completely.

Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Chill the cake for about 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.

Storing Your Chiffon Cake

To keep your Vanilla Chiffon Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as this will enhance its flavor and texture. If you've frosted the cake with whipped cream, it's best to consume it within a day or two to maintain the frosting's integrity.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Vanilla Chiffon Cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even further by adding fresh fruit or a drizzle of fruit coulis. Berries, in particular, complement the vanilla flavor beautifully and add a vibrant touch to your presentation. Consider serving slices with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of zest for a fresh twist.

For a more decadent experience, you might also pair the cake with chocolate ganache or a fruit glaze. These additions provide a rich contrast to the lightness of the chiffon, making for an unforgettable dessert that will impress your guests.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ How do I store leftover cake?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! Cream cheese frosting or a chocolate ganache would be delicious alternatives.

→ What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can use canola oil or melted coconut oil as a substitute.

Vanilla Chiffon Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting

This light and airy Vanilla Chiffon Cake topped with luscious whipped cream frosting is the perfect dessert for any occasion.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time50 minutes

Created by: Emma

Recipe Type: Indulgent Baking Ideas

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

For the Vanilla Chiffon Cake

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  3. 1 tablespoon baking powder
  4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  5. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  6. 7 large eggs, separated
  7. 3/4 cup water
  8. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  9. 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

For the Whipped Cream Frosting

  1. 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  2. 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  3. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the oil, egg yolks, water, and vanilla extract. Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.

Step 02

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter until no white streaks remain.

Step 03

Pour the batter into an ungreased chiffon cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Invert the pan to cool the cake completely.

Step 04

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

Step 05

Once the cake is completely cooled, remove it from the pan and place it on a serving plate. Spread the whipped cream frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 15g
  • Protein: 3g