I’m sharing my award winning Olive Oil Orange Chiffon Cake recipe that is nut free and dairy free with all of my top secret tips on making a light and airy chiffon cake. This recipe won 1st place at the San Mateo County Fair many years ago, you know it’s good!
I’ve also included an ingredient list at the bottom due to multiple requests and I’ll try out this format for now until I can create an index of some sort. Let me know what you think. In the meantime, I wish someone could come by and help me catalogue my pantry, cupboards, and refrigerator so I can focus on doing what I love, sharing allergy aware Asian fare and food allergy awareness.
Disclosure: This post was originally published on June 2, 2015 and updated on April 30, 2018 (for clarity, recipe remains the same) and some links are affiliate links. I’m a Rodelle Brand Ambassador.
Making cakes with my parents was a magical experience as a little girl. My dad was influenced by his experience as a U.S. Army cook during the Korean war and I remembered he used boxed cake mixes to make a cake. I was amazed by the transformation of powder plus water turned into a thick liquid which went into the oven and came out as cake, pure magic to a 3 year old. I abided by his reminders to walk softly and be quiet. Now that I am a parent, I wondered if baking a cake was how he gained my cooperation for some peace and quiet.
Baking with Mom: Traditional Chinese Recipe & Method
A few years later, my mom wanted to show me something after dinner and with a little bit of excitement in the air, she cleared the table and brought out some eggs, flour, and sugar, a couple of mixing bowls, a cake pan, a spatula, and a pair of chopsticks. I watched her carefully separate the egg yolks from the egg whites, mix the flour, sugar, and egg yolks together, and then use chopsticks to beat the egg whites until they were glossy foamy peaks. Take a moment to think about that, my mom beat egg whites with chopsticks, she’s amazing. Then she showed me how to fold the egg whites into the batter, transferred everything into a cake pan and steamed the cake. The cake tasted just like the Chinese steamed cakes from dim sum restaurants and Chinese bakeries and we made this together often.
A scan of Nancy’s recipe from the late ’70s, early ’80s, sharing for nostalgia only (don’t try this at home).
Baking by Myself: Practice Makes Perfect
Fast forward a few more years and my mom took me to her friend’s house to play with her daughter, Nancy. I can’t remember much of the play date and not sure if I ever saw Nancy again, but I do remember I came home with a recipe for Orange Chiffon Cake which I ended up making hundreds of times throughout my teen years. I always had to make two, one for our family and one to take to an event with friends or family during weekend. Over the years, I varied the recipe upping the orange flavor, reducing the fat, reducing the sugar, and played around with the technique. I could make the cake from memory and shared the recipe with anyone who wanted it.
Blue Ribbon, 1st Place award 2010 San Mateo County Fair
A Blue Ribbon Recipe
Several computers and many years later, I wanted to enter the San Mateo County Fair’s baking contest and enter the chiffon cake category because I knew I had a great chance of winning. But I couldn’t remember my version of the recipe and couldn’t find a copy either. So I had to start over with a new recipe. I learned that a man named Henry Baker invented the chiffon cake, which was a cross between an angel food cake and a pound cake, and used oil. I decided to adapt two orange chiffon cake recipes from Joy of Baking and Epicurious’s Gourmet Magazine (March 1992 edition) and incorporated some of the techniques that I’ve learned from baking so many cakes. My cake won first place in the 2010 San Mateo County Fair, so you can be sure that this cake recipe is a keeper!
Recipes Adaptations and Baking Tips:
This recipe as written is peanut, tree nut, milk, soy, fish, and shellfish. Since this cake is light and airy and does not rely on gluten formation, is possible to make this cake wheat free by using a safe gluten free mix. I haven’t tried this recipe by Serious Eats, but I think it has great potential with lots of tips on how to adapt any chiffon recipe to be gluten free. Egg is a key ingredient that defines this cake as a chiffon cake, so while it’s always possible to make an egg free cake, I don’t think that it will be a chiffon cake.
Cake Pan Tips:
Clean pan: The cake pan must be absolutely clean and free of residues in order for the cake to rise well.
Which pan: If you have a tube cake pan already, I think a light colored 10 inch angel food pan with feet will work the best for this recipe. I bought the worst one for myself when I first got married. It was dark colored (can never get the timing right), “non-stick” (it stuck anyways, but the cake needs to cling to the pan as it rises, so it’s an unnecessary feature), and didn’t have feet to help keep the cake balanced and level when cooling upside down. My mom gave me hers (pictured below) but if I ever needed a replacement, I would buy something like this Wilton cake pan (affiliate link).
Contingency plan: Sometimes the cake rises taller than the tube which makes it challenging to cool upside down. So before you start baking, I recommend that you find a sturdy and stable glass bottle that one can use to prop up the cake pan (my DH added the ginger beer bottles, just in case). Alternatively, one can prop the pan up by the feet by using equally sized cups. Try it out before you’re dealing with a very hot cake in the pan.
I had to hastily improvise with whatever I could find to prop the cake upside down because the rise on the cake was greater than the pan feet. I recommend figuring it out before baking!
Ingredient & Technique Tips:
Egg temperature: Eggs straight out of the refrigerator are easier to separate, but room temperature eggs are easier to whip up and aerate, so I separate the eggs first and let them hang out while I work on other steps.
Pure egg whites: The egg whites must be completely free of any debris or liquid in order to form stable foam. Be sure that the bowl and whisk are clean and dry and that the egg whites are free of egg yolk and shells.
Separate the whites and yolks: If you have trouble with separating eggs, separate the egg whites into a small bowl and transfer them one at a time into your large mixing bowl so that if an egg yolk accidentally breaks, you can avoid contaminating all the egg whites. You can use the egg whites with broken yolks for other purposes but you’ll need extra eggs on hand as back ups.
Why EVOO: Extra Virgin Olive Oil is my oil of choice for health reasons and it tastes fine in this recipe. The original recipes use vegetable oil, which could mean soy, corn, or canola. I don’t like that soy turns rancid quickly, corn seems inflammatory as I feel a lot of aches and pains when I use corn oil, and I can’t find a non-GMO canola oil that I can trust to be nut-free.
Less sugar: I’ve also reduced the amount of sugar in the recipe by 1/2 cup (33%) to suit the preferences of my mom and mother in law. I also use organic sugar which seems to taste sweeter and allows me to use less sugar in most recipes.
Light touch: Be gentle when folding the egg white into the egg yolk mixture, the resulting batter should become lighter in color and foamy.
Check ingredients: Check your baking powder, drop a spoonful into an ounce of water, it should fizz otherwise replace it. Check your cream of tartar, it has a long shelf life and should look dry and powdery. Test the cream of tartar by adding a spoonful to half cup of water and adding a spoonful of baking soda, it should fizz vigorously.
Read first: This is a no-fail recipe for me but it is a moderately difficult recipe. Be sure to review each of the tips above and the recipe below before you start.
Egg whites are gently folded into the batter.
Passing on Baking Traditions and Memories
I have fond memories of making cakes with my parents which is why I cook with my children, inviting them to be involved, and teaching them along the way so that they can be self-sufficient adults. As they are growing older, they have less time, but I still grab them for a few minutes at a time to teach different skills at various times.
I mostly make this recipe for my mom and mother-in-law when they come over to visit, and send the leftovers home with them. This style of cake is very popular with my older Chinese relatives and they will share with their friends and sisters.
My family dug into the cake before I could take a picture for this blog because it’s that good when freshly baked. And sharing my recipes and imperfect photos are just part of sharing my life. Truth be told, my kids don’t love this cake as much as their grandmothers so I’m not sure if they will make it for themselves someday, but I share it so they have the option and have a tangible connection to their grandmothers.
It’s one of those family food experiences that spans traditions, time, and generations which will outlast my son’s egg allergy* (who is currently tolerating baked egg, but don’t make this for someone with an egg allergy without approval from their allergist). Enjoy! *Update, my son is now desensitized to egg!
If you love this recipe, please take a photo of your cake and share with me via email or social media! I would love to see it and please tell your friends!
9eggsyou’ll only use 7 yolks, reserve 2 yolks for other purposes
2cupsall purpose flour
1/4cupcornstarch
OR 2 1/4 cup cake flour
1cupsugardivided
1tablespoonbaking powder
1/2teaspoonsalt
2orangeszest and juiced (need 3/4 cup)
1/2cupextra virgin olive oil
2teaspoonsvanilla extract
1teaspooncream of tartar
Instructions
Wash, towel dry, and air dry a two piece 10 inch tube cake pan and, for beating the egg whites, a large mixing bowl and whisk (or whisk attachment).
Position oven rack so that the cake will be in the center of the oven and preheat oven, 325 °F.
Separate the egg yolks and egg whites, place 9 egg whites into a freshly washed and dried bowl and 7 egg yolks into a second large mixing bowl.
Sift together the flour, cornstarch, 3/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt into a medium sized bowl.
Wash and dry two oranges and zest the oranges over the flour mixture.
Use a fork or wire whisk to stir the flour for 30 seconds to break up any clumps of zest or baking powder, set aside.
Juice the oranges and add 3/4 cup of orange juice to the bowl of egg yolks.
Add oil and vanilla extract to the egg yolks and mix until blended.
Add the flour mixture to the egg yolk mixture and mix with a spatula until just combined, do not over mix, and set aside.
Use a clean and dry whisk to beat the egg whites until the eggs have soft peaks.
Add the cream of tartar and 1/4 cup of sugar to the egg whites and continue beating for 1 minute if using a mixer or until there are stiff glossy peaks, with a pointy tip when you take the whisk out of the egg whites.
Use a spatula to transfer 2 large scoops of egg whites (up to 1/3) to the flour and egg yolks mixture and gently fold in the egg yolk by using the spatula to “cut” into the center of the ingredients, scraping along the bottom, up the side of the bowl, lifting the thick batter from the bottom to the top, and turning the bowl as you go with each fold.
Fold in the remaining batter until there are no more clumps of egg white, be gentle and patient.
Gently tap the bowl on the counter to release any large air bubbles.
Transfer the batter into the tube pan, use a spatula to even out the batter, and a damp paper towel to wipe up any drips.
Bake for 50 minutes (up to 1 hour, time may vary), the cake is ready when golden brown and a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean.
Flip the cake and allow it to cool upside down in the cake pan, allow 1-2 hours.
When cooled, insert a long thin knife in between the cake and the pan and carefully run the knife along the edges of the pan and the tube.
Hold the tube from the bottom and use your other hand to twist the pan away from the cake.
Slide a knife in between the bottom of the cake and the base, carefully lift the cake out of the tube base and transfer onto a cake platter.
Serve plain, with a scoop of fresh cut fruit, or with a dollop of whipped cream.
My Favorite Brands:
Many readers have asked about which brands I buy and use, which I believe are peanut and tree nut free. Please note that we all have different allergies and what works for me, might not work for you. You are responsible for verifying allergen safety before using or consuming by reading the labels, contacting the manufacturer, and/or discussing with your medical care team. If you are interested in what other products that I like to use, please check What’s in My Cupboard.
All Purpose Flour: Gold Medal or King Arthur
Cornstarch: Rapunzel Organic Corn Starch (affiliate link), allergen advisory on the box: produced in a facility that also processes wheat, gluten, dairy, and soy
Cream of Tartar:Spicely Cream Of Tartar – Glass Jar (affiliate link), I actually have the tin but the tin is very hard to open and close, I’m sure I will spill it all over myself one of these days. I recommend the glass jar instead.
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Disclosure:
I am a Rodelle brand ambassador and I may mention the names of stores and/or brand names of products that I use, I have not been paid or solicited by any of the above companies (except Rodelle) to mention them. I share products and sources which I use and think may be helpful to readers, all opinions are my own. Please note that manufacturing practices and ingredients can change at anytime without notice and readers are always responsible for assuring safety before buying or consuming foods. NutFreeWok.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Welcome to Nut Free Wok, a blog about Allergy Aware Asian Fare. I hope that you will find my food allergy mom experiences helpful and enjoyable to read as I write about recipes, cooking techniques, Asian ingredients, and food allergy related awareness and advocacy issues. My professional experiences include education, teaching, and a little bit of science and computers.
Thank you for visiting!
~Sharon Wong, M.Ed.
38 Comments
Wow, what a stunning recipe Sharon! Definitely an award-winner. I had no idea you were such the baker!
Thanks Alisa, I’ve had a lot of practice with chiffon cakes. I also make a pound cake, but it’s hit or miss because it ends up tasting fluffy. Some cookies tastes like cake too. My habits die hard! LOL
This cake sounds so amazing! No wonder it won 1st place! I bet the olive oil and orange juice really take it over the top. I can’t wait to try it – thanks for sharing!
I haven’t had an olive oil cake in too long! The sounds of this orange chiffon one sounds absolutely scrumptious!! So refreshing too can’t wait to whip one up!
I’ve been wanting to attempt a chiffon cake & this one sounds delicious. I love lemon. Have you ever done this recipe with lemon? Also thanks for all the baking tips.
Absolutely fantastic! Made it in 2 x 9inch pans and still worked. Get out of pans immediately and cool with bottom facing down. Lovely that its not overly sweet. I’m going to scour your site for more gems. Thanks for sharing this fantastic cake, great success for mums 70th birthday!
Awesome!!! Thanks for your feedback, how long did you bake it in the 9 inch pans? And please wish your mom a big (but belated) happy birthday from me! <3
I haven’t personally tested a gluten-free version of the recipe, however if you search for “gluten free chiffon cake” you will find a recipe posted by Elizabeth from gluten free baking.
Wow, what a stunning recipe Sharon! Definitely an award-winner. I had no idea you were such the baker!
Thanks Alisa, I’ve had a lot of practice with chiffon cakes. I also make a pound cake, but it’s hit or miss because it ends up tasting fluffy. Some cookies tastes like cake too. My habits die hard! LOL
This looks simply divine! Well done!
Thank you!
I love cakes with olive oil!! Its always smooth and tender texture!! Looks delicious!
That’s good to know about olive oil cakes, even more reason to try using it in other recipes! 😉
Oh yum! I LOVE orange flavored cakes! =)
Me too! Thanks Emily!
Yum! I love so much the juice in orange in the cake. It must be delicious!
It is so good, with a refreshing citrus taste! I can’t buy a cake that tastes as good.
I love love love the throwback scanned recipe 🙂 This sounds delicious – Ive never made a chiffon cake but will have to give it a try!
It’s pretty cool that I kept the recipe for nearly 40 years, right? I hope you enjoy the recipe, it makes a great cake!
This looks like an amazing recipe with lots of tips and secrets! I’ve always wanted to try a chiffon cake 🙂
Thank you, I do give it all away, don’t I? 😉
This cake sounds so amazing! No wonder it won 1st place! I bet the olive oil and orange juice really take it over the top. I can’t wait to try it – thanks for sharing!
Great recipe and a great story! I am still thinking about the chopsticks for beating egg whites. Just WOW!
Thank you, Chris! The memory of my mom beating egg whites with chopsticks stuck with me for 40+ years!!! 😉
I love chiffon cake, but I am always intimidated for making it. I guess I will give it a try soon. Thanks for sharing this recipe. 🙂
You’re welcome, Deepika! Thanks for checking out the recipe. 🙂
Definitely adding this to my to do list! Looks so yummy!
Absolutely, enjoy!
This cake looks amazing! I don’t think I’ve ever tried a chiffon cake. Now I’ll have to make one!!! 🙂 thank you for the recipe.
Wow! This looks/ sounds delicious!!
Sounds so good!
Wow, this looks like an amazing cake! I love citrus flavored desserts. Great job, it really does look like a prize winner!
Thanks, Kelly! I need to make it again soon. We’ve had so many good oranges lately, must put all that orange zest to good use!
I haven’t had an olive oil cake in too long! The sounds of this orange chiffon one sounds absolutely scrumptious!! So refreshing too can’t wait to whip one up!
Thank you, enjoy the cake Sarah!
I can’t believe how very airy this looks! Absolutely amazing.
I’ve been wanting to attempt a chiffon cake & this one sounds delicious. I love lemon. Have you ever done this recipe with lemon? Also thanks for all the baking tips.
Wonderful, I hope you enjoy trying my recipe, try it first. I think you can give it a more lemony flavor maybe with some lemon extract and lemon zest.
Absolutely fantastic! Made it in 2 x 9inch pans and still worked. Get out of pans immediately and cool with bottom facing down. Lovely that its not overly sweet. I’m going to scour your site for more gems. Thanks for sharing this fantastic cake, great success for mums 70th birthday!
Awesome!!! Thanks for your feedback, how long did you bake it in the 9 inch pans? And please wish your mom a big (but belated) happy birthday from me! <3
Awesome staple now! Thanks for the recipe 🙂
I have made this 5 times now for birthday cakes. Spectacular recipe that never fails!
Right?? This is a family favorite recipe, I’m glad it works so great for you! xo
Have you ever heard of anyone ever trying it with gluten free flour? Daughter has celiac and can’t have gluten. Just curious
I haven’t personally tested a gluten-free version of the recipe, however if you search for “gluten free chiffon cake” you will find a recipe posted by Elizabeth from gluten free baking.