Orange Chiffon Cake Recipe: Light and Airy Citrus Cake 2026

This orange chiffon cake is a baking classic that delivers a remarkably light and airy crumb. The secret lies in using oil instead of butter, combined with whipped egg whites that give the cake its signature cloud-like texture. Fresh orange juice and zest add a bright, refreshing citrus flavor that balances the sweetness perfectly.

To make this cake, you will need a tube pan with a chimney, similar to the one used for angel food cake. The most important rule for success is to never grease the pan—this allows the batter to climb up the sides and achieve that characteristic airy texture. The cake is wonderfully versatile: enjoy it plain, with a light glaze, a dusting of powdered sugar, or fresh fruit and whipped cream.

Whether served as a simple accompaniment to coffee or as the star dessert at a celebration, this orange chiffon cake is perfect for any occasion. The recipe is straightforward and yields impressive results, making it a great choice for both novice and experienced bakers.

Ingredients for Orange Chiffon Cake

For 16 servings

• 225 g all-purpose flour
• 300 g granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 6 XL eggs
• 3 XL egg whites
• 100 g sunflower oil
• 120 g orange juice
• Zest of one orange

How to Make Orange Chiffon Cake Step by Step

1. Preheat and sift dry ingredients

Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) with top and bottom heat. In a bowl, sift 225 g of flour together with 300 g of sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.

2. Separate eggs

Separate the yolks from the whites of 6 XL eggs. Reserve the yolks.

3. Whip egg whites

To the 6 freshly separated egg whites, add 3 more XL egg whites. Whip them to stiff peaks. Set aside.

4. Beat yolks with oil and orange

Beat the reserved 6 XL egg yolks with 100 g of sunflower oil, 120 g of orange juice, and the zest of one orange.

5. Add sifted flour

Add the sifted flour mixture to the yolk mixture. Mix until you obtain a homogeneous batter.

6. Fold in egg whites

Incorporate the whipped egg whites in three additions, using folding motions to avoid deflating the batter.

7. Bake the cake

Pour the batter into a 25 cm tube pan; it is important not to grease the pan. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed, running a skewer through it to eliminate any large air bubbles. Bake for 55-60 minutes without opening the oven at any point to prevent the cake from sinking. Remove from the oven when the top is golden and a skewer inserted near the center comes out clean. If the skewer comes out with crumbs, continue baking and check every 5 minutes until the cake is done.

8. Cool the cake upside down

Remove the pan from the oven, invert it, and let it cool upside down on a wire rack for 1 hour.

9. Unmold the cake

Run a spatula around the sides of the pan to release the cake. Once the sides are loosened, unmold and run the spatula along the bottom to finish releasing the cake. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

10. Serve

Once cool, the cake is ready to serve and enjoy.

Tips for the Best Orange Chiffon Cake

Use the right pan

A 25 cm tube pan with a chimney is essential for this recipe. Never grease the pan, as the batter needs to cling to the sides to rise properly and develop its airy texture.

Handle egg whites gently

Whip the egg whites to stiff peaks but avoid overbeating. When folding them into the batter, use slow, sweeping motions in three additions to preserve as much air as possible.

Do not open the oven

Keep the oven door closed during the entire baking time. Opening it can cause the cake to sink. Check for doneness only near the end by inserting a skewer into the center.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back To at Home

If you're anything like me, your kitchen rotation probably includes a blend of cozy comfort classics, well-loved dishes from around the globe, and desserts that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent treat is calling my name, I typically reach for this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this refined Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a luscious Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and soothing sounds right, this timeless French Tarte Tatin recipe is my go-to.

For mornings that need an easy start or lighter fare, these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a hearty Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these bright Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe are frequent picks. And for a gluten-free staple I can count on, this straightforward Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I enjoy putting together.

Whenever tapas and Mediterranean cooking are on my mind, I bounce between this punchy Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, golden Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, velvety Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and a cooling Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This elegant Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe is another one I love to serve when the occasion calls for something a bit more upscale.

Come lunch or a comforting supper, I'm always quick to suggest this warming Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, time-honored Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, deeply flavored Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and silky Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. Should I be after something more substantial, I'll bake up this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, a homey Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the deeply satisfying French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Some nights I'm after street-food vibes or party-ready plates, and that's when I'll whip up this succulent Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crunchy Salchipapas recipe, punchy Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crisp Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These effortless Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe are another favorite of mine to set out as a snack or starter.

And when I'm building drinks and a whole spread for company, I'll regularly match dinner with this cooling Original Cuban Mojito recipe, a potent Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like to add this zesty French Remoulade Sauce recipe alongside, or finish things off with this eye-catching Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Additional Tasty Recipes the Whole Family Will Enjoy

After years of testing and fine-tuning dishes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the finest recipes are built on straightforward steps, dependable methods, and serious flavor.

What follows are the dishes I genuinely cook over and over—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something memorable for friends and family.

On the sweet side, the rich, silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is one I turn to when I want something impressive yet simple. Another dessert I adore is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, modeled on the well-known Central European chimney cake. If baking is your thing, understanding how to make syrup for better dessert texture helps, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe walks through exactly how I do it at home.

When something light and uncomplicated is what I'm after, I'll usually go with the timeless Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a flawlessly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For richer comfort cooking, I'm quick to point people to the filling Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the smooth Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the fast weeknight go-to One Pot Pasta Recipe.

I'm also fond of sharing dishes with global roots, such as the genuine Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crisp Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the traditional Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer cooking is another area I return to often, since it cuts down on time while still delivering excellent results. The ones I make most include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for those steering clear of wheat, my cozy Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be decadent, cheesy, and deeply satisfying without any gluten.

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