🛒 Ingredients
- 3 large eggs (separated into whites and yolks)
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup cake flour (sifted)
- ¾ cup heavy cream (cold)
- ½ tsp lemon juice
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, pour in the cold heavy cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the cream on medium-high speed until it forms stiff peaks. Set the whipped cream aside in the refrigerator to keep it cold.
Step 2: Beat the Egg Whites (Meringue)
In a completely clean, grease-free glass or metal bowl, add the 3 egg whites and the ½ tsp of lemon juice (the acid helps stabilize the foam). Whip on medium speed until foamy, then gradually add the 3 tbsp of sugar one tablespoon at a time. Crank the speed up to high and whip until you achieve glossy, firm peaks.
Step 3: Incorporate the Yolks and Cream
Gently whisk the 3 egg yolks into your chilled whipped cream until just combined. Next, add about a third of your whipped egg white meringue into the cream mixture, folding it in very gently with a rubber spatula to lighten up the base.
Step 4: Sift and Fold
Sift half of the ⅔ cup of cake flour directly over the batter and gently fold it in. Add the remaining meringue, followed by the rest of the sifted cake flour, folding with a light hand just until no flour pockets remain. Be careful not to overmix, or you’ll lose that signature airiness!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 320°F (160°C). Line the bottom of a 6-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, leaving the sides ungreased so the cake can “climb” the pan. Pour the fluffy batter into the pan, smooth the top, and tap the pan firmly on the counter once or twice to pop any massive air bubbles. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Immediately upon taking it out of the oven, drop the cake pan from a few inches above the counter to release the hot steam, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into it to reveal that gorgeous, soft, spongy interior.