
A historical dessert from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Bake in a quick oven.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Combine whites of five eggs, one cup of flour, one cup sugar, one teaspoonful baking powder
Flavor with vanilla
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Bake in a quick oven
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Egg whites whipped to stiff peaks create a foam structure that traps air bubbles, which expand during baking to provide lift and create the characteristic light, airy texture of sponge cake. The lack of fat allows the egg proteins to bond more effectively, creating a stable foam matrix. Adding flour and sugar gradually prevents deflating the delicate foam by minimizing mixing time, while the small amount of baking powder provides insurance against collapse if the eggs aren't beaten to their maximum volume.
This cake is best served the day it is made. However, the unwhipped egg whites can be separated and brought to room temperature up to 2 hours before mixing. Do not prepare the batter in advance, as the egg white foam will deflate.
Store the cooled cake inverted in its pan, covered loosely with plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. Do not refrigerate, as this will dry out the cake.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
This cake is best served the day it is made. However, the unwhipped egg whites can be separated and brought to room temperature up to 2 hours before mixing. Do not prepare the batter in advance, as the egg white foam will deflate.
Store the cooled cake inverted in its pan, covered loosely with plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving. Do not refrigerate, as this will dry out the cake.