The Ultimate Chocolate Chiffon Cake Recipe – Light, Airy, and Indulgent
If you’re looking for a cake that’s light as air yet rich in chocolate flavour, this Chocolate Chiffon Cake is the perfect choice! With its delicate crumb and luxurious cocoa taste, this chiffon cake is the ultimate indulgence while remaining incredibly soft and fluffy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe will not disappoint.
I’m so excited for you to try this! Let’s get started!
Why you’ll love this Chocolate Chiffon Cake recipe
- Feather-light texture: Achieved through a well-whipped meringue, giving the cake a feather-light, delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Deep chocolate flavour: Made with cocoa powder for a rich yet balanced taste.
- Perfect for any occasion: Enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with chocolate ganache and fruit.
- Easy to make: With the right techniques, chiffon cakes are surprisingly simple to master.
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Buy Now → Ingredients in this Chocolate Chiffon Cake recipe
- Cocoa Powder + Hot Milk – The hot milk blooms the cocoa powder, bringing out its full chocolate flavour and ensuring a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Egg Yolks – Provide richness and help emulsify the batter for a smooth texture.
- Caster Sugar – Sweetens the batter and helps keep the cake moist.
- Vegetable Oil – Unlike butter, oil keeps the cake light and moist, preventing it from drying out.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavour and balances the chocolate notes.
- A Pinch of Salt – Intensifies the chocolate taste and balances the sweetness.
- Cake Flour – Low-protein flour ensures a tender, delicate crumb.
- Baking Powder – Provides extra leavening, working alongside the whipped meringue to give the cake its height and feather-light texture.
At a glance: Here is a quick explanation of what ingredients are in this recipe. Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.
Tips for making the BEST chocolate chiffon cake
- Bloom Cocoa Powder for Maximum Flavour: Instead of adding cocoa powder directly to the dry ingredients, mix it with hot milk first. This blooming process enhances the cocoa’s depth and richness, giving your chocolate chiffon cake a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Use the Right Pan: A tube pan with a removable bottom is ideal. Its center tube helps the cake rise evenly, and the un-greased surface allows it to cling as it bakes, creating that signature airy texture.
- Whip the Meringue to Stiff Peaks: The meringue is crucial for the cake’s structure. Beat egg whites until they form stiff peaks, but avoid over whipping, which can cause dryness.
- Gently Fold the Meringue: Start by folding a small portion of meringue into the batter to loosen it, then gently incorporate the rest in batches to maintain the cake’s airy texture.
- Be patient: Avoid opening the oven door too early, as sudden temperature changes can cause the cake to collapse.
How to store Chocolate Chiffon Cake
- Room Temperature (Best Option): Store in an airtight container or under a cake dome for up to 2 days to keep it soft and airy.
- Refrigeration (If Needed): If your cake has ganache or perishable toppings, refrigerate it in a well-sealed container. Bring it to room temperature before serving to restore its delicate texture.
Since chiffon cake is best enjoyed fresh, I don’t recommend freezing as it can affect its light, airy crumb.
How to serve Chocolate Chiffon cake
- Classic & Simple: Enjoy it as is to appreciate its delicate, airy texture.
- With Ganache: Drizzle with silky chocolate ganache for an indulgent touch.
- With Toppings: Add fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cocoa powder for extra flavor and texture.
- With Whipped Cream: Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream for a perfect balance.
- As a Dessert Plate: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fruit compote for a more decadent experience.
Check out the video tutorial
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Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
This can happen if the cake is underbaked, the meringue wasn’t stable enough, or the cake wasn’t inverted to cool properly. Make sure to bake until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and cool the cake upside down to maintain its height.
A dense texture often results from overmixing the batter, which deflates the meringue, or not whipping the egg whites to stiff peaks. Be gentle when folding and ensure the meringue is properly whipped for maximum volume.
Cake flour is preferred because it has a lower protein content, which keeps the cake soft. If you only have all-purpose flour, you can substitute it by replacing 2 tablespoons of flour with cornstarch per cup of flour to mimic the lighter texture.
A tube pan is ideal because it allows even baking and proper rising. However, you can use a round pan, but avoid greasing it so the batter can cling to the sides. Keep in mind that the texture may not be as airy.
The meringue should be glossy with stiff peaks—it should hold its shape when you lift the whisk. If it’s too soft, the cake may not rise well. If over whipped, it can be dry and harder to fold into the batter.
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Chocolate Chiffon Cake
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cool Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 34 mins
- Total Time: 3 hours 4 minutes
- Yield: 1 6- inch cake 1x
- Category: Cake
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Western, Asian
Description
A light and airy chocolate chiffon cake with a delicate crumb and rich cocoa flavour.
Ingredients
Chiffon cake batter:
- 30 g cocoa powder
- 60 ml hot milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 24 g granulated sugar
- 36 ml vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- 54 g cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 42 g granulated sugar
- A few drops of lemon juice
Chocolate Ganache (optional)
- 60 g dark chocolate (chopped) ≤ 52% cocoa
- 100 ml double cream
- 6 g unsalted butter (optional, for shine)
Decoration (optional)
- Fresh strawberries (halved or whole, as desired)
- Some chopped pistachios
Instructions
Make the cake batter
- Preheat your oven to 160°C fan (350°F).
- Prepare an unlined a 6-inch tube pan. Do not grease it.
- In a bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and hot milk until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 40g sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Add the vegetable oil, and vanilla extract, mix well.
- Pour in the cooled chocolate mixture and whisk until combined.
- Sift in the cake flour, salt and baking powder, then gently mix until smooth.
Make the Meringue
- In a clean, grease-free bowl, add lemon juice and whisk the egg whites with a hand mixer until foamy.
- Gradually add 42 g sugar, one-third at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.
Combine the Mixtures
- Take around one-third of the meringue and fold it into the egg yolk batter to lighten it.
- Gently fold in the remaining meringue in two additions, using a spatula to maintain the airy texture.
- Pour the batter into the unlined chiffon pan and shake the pan to smooth the top.
- Lift the pan up a few inches and drop it against the work surface to release any trapped air bubbles. Also, run a skewer into the batter to get rid of the small air pockets to achieve the smooth crumb.
- Bake at 160°C fan (350°F) for 35 minutes, or until the top is set and a skewer inserted comes out clean.
Cool the Cake
- Immediately invert the cake pan and let the cake cool completely upside down to prevent collapse.
- Once cooled, run a knife around the edges to release the cake.
Make the Chocolate Ganache (optional)
- Place the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and add the double cream. Microwave it for 20 seconds and give it a good stir. Then continue to microwave it for a few 5-second bursts until the chocolate is fully melted.
- Stir in butter gently for extra shine. Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens but is still pourable.
Decorate the Cake (optional)
- Place the cooled chiffon cake on a wire rack over a baking tray to catch any excess ganache.
- Slowly pour the ganache over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides naturally. Use a spoon to spread evenly if needed.
- Coat the fresh strawberries with the ganache and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
- Slice and serve—enjoy your beautifully decorated Chocolate Chiffon Cake with Ganache & Strawberries!
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
- Feel free to decorate the cake for your liking or just enjoy it with a dust of icing sugar on top.
- Watch my video tutorial here to see how to make to cake.
Thank you for joining me in the kitchen today. Keep baking! 😉
