
A historical dessert from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Baking powder is an improvement to this cake, using two large teaspoonfuls.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Stir the yolks and sugar together until perfectly light
0 notes
Sign in to share your thoughts and connect with the community
Sign In to CommentLoading notes...
Add a pinch of salt
Beat the whites of the eggs to a very stiff froth and add them with the flour, after beating together lightly
Flavor with lemon
Bake in a moderate oven about forty-five minutes
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Beating egg yolks with sugar creates a stable foam through mechanical aeration, while the sugar dissolves and coats proteins to prevent deflation. Separately whipping egg whites to stiff peaks incorporates maximum air, and folding them in last preserves these delicate bubbles. The high egg-to-flour ratio and minimal mixing creates the characteristically light, springy crumb of a true sponge cake through steam leavening and egg protein structure, enhanced here by baking powder for extra insurance.
The cake can be baked up to 2 days ahead. Once completely cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. The texture actually improves slightly after 24 hours as moisture redistributes evenly throughout the crumb.
Store the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cake at room temperature while still wrapped. Once cut, store with plastic wrap pressed directly against the cut surface to prevent drying.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The cake can be baked up to 2 days ahead. Once completely cooled, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature. The texture actually improves slightly after 24 hours as moisture redistributes evenly throughout the crumb.
Store the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cake at room temperature while still wrapped. Once cut, store with plastic wrap pressed directly against the cut surface to prevent drying.