Banana Chiffon Cake is a light, airy dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the delicate texture of chiffon. Unlike denser banana cakes, this chiffon version is fluffy and moist, with a subtle banana flavor that’s perfectly complemented by a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze. The cake rises beautifully due to the whipped egg whites folded into the batter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant celebrations, and pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or whipped cream.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 5 large eggs, separated
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Do not grease the pan—chiffon cakes need to cling to the sides to rise properly.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, vegetable oil, mashed bananas, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking until smooth and well combined.
- Beat the egg whites: In another large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the egg whites: Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the banana batter in batches, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Invert the pan onto a bottle or a cooling rack and let it cool completely upside down.
- Serve: Once cooled, run a knife around the edges to release the cake from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
This Banana Chiffon Cake is a wonderfully light and flavorful dessert, perfect for banana lovers who crave something airy and elegant. Serve it with a side of whipped cream or a simple glaze for an extra touch of sweetness!