Feather Cake is a classic light and fluffy layer cake known for its delicate crumb and mildly sweet flavor. This mid-20th-century recipe combines pantry staples like flour, corn syrup, and eggs into a beautifully risen cake ideal for everyday desserts or as a base for frosted layer cakes. Its name comes from its feather-light texture, achieved through whipped egg whites and a careful mixing process. Orange rind and vanilla lend subtle brightness, making it especially beloved among old-fashioned cake lovers.
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅓ cup shortening or butter
- 1½ tsp orange rind (grated )
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup corn syrup
- ⅔ cup milk
- 2 eggs (separated)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Pans
- Grease and line two cake pans with waxed paper. Preheat oven to 375°F.
Step 2: Sift Dry Ingredients
- Sift flour, then measure 1¾ cups. Sift again with baking powder and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Base
- In a large bowl, cream shortening with orange rind and vanilla.
Step 4: Add Syrup and Flour Alternately
- Gradually add corn syrup to creamed mixture, beating as you go.
- Alternately stir in ¼ of the flour mixture, then a portion of milk. Repeat until all is incorporated.
Step 5: Add Egg Yolks
- Add yolks of eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 6: Fold in Egg Whites
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into batter.
Step 7: Bake
- Divide batter into prepared pans. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Step 8: Cool
- Let cakes stand 5 minutes before removing from pans. Cool completely before frosting or serving.
Tips
- Add ½ to 1 teaspoon additional vanilla for stronger flavor.
- Replace orange rind with lemon zest for a brighter flavor.
- Fold in a handful of coconut or chopped nuts.
- Use cake flour instead of all-purpose for an even lighter crumb.
- Bake as cupcakes; reduce baking time to 15 to 17 minutes.
- Add a citrus glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
- Frost with a classic American buttercream or whipped cream icing.
- For a vintage look, fill layers with orange marmalade.
- Substitute honey for corn syrup (slightly denser result).
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for a warm flavor variation.
Nutrition
Calories: 319kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 3gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 44mgSodium: 168mgPotassium: 55mgFiber: 1gSugar: 35gVitamin A: 94IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 136mgIron: 2mg
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