✔ Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
✔ Line a 7 or 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper (no grease).
✔ Set up a water bath (bain-marie) by placing a larger baking pan with 1 inch of hot water in the oven.
✅ Baking in a water bath keeps the cake moist & prevents cracking!
2️⃣ Mix the Egg Yolk Batter
✔ In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar (½ of it), and vanilla extract until pale and fluffy.
✔ Add melted butter and milk, whisking until smooth.
✔ Sift in flour and salt, folding gently to keep the batter light.
✅ Overmixing will make the cake dense—stir just until combined!
3️⃣ Beat the Egg Whites (Meringue)
✔ In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
✔ Add cream of tartar (or lemon juice) to stabilize.
✔ Gradually add the remaining sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
✅ Egg whites should hold peaks but not be dry—this makes the cake fluffy!
4️⃣ Fold & Combine
✔ Gently fold 1/3 of the meringue into the yolk batter.
✔ Repeat with the remaining meringue, folding gently to keep air in the batter.
✅ Use a spatula and fold in a circular motion to avoid deflating the batter!
5️⃣ Bake to Perfection
✔ Pour batter into the lined cake pan and tap gently to remove air bubbles.
✔ Place in the water bath and bake for 50-60 minutes until set.
✔ Check doneness by inserting a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s done!
✅ Baking low & slow ensures a super soft and fluffy texture!
6️⃣ Cool & Serve!
✔ Let the cake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for 10 minutes (prevents shrinking).
✔ Remove and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
✔ Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream & fruit!
✅ Best served fresh but even better the next day as flavors settle!
🔥 Variations & Customization
🔹 Lemon Cotton Cake – Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest for a citrusy touch. 🍋
🔹 Chocolate Cotton Cake – Mix in 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for a light cocoa flavor. 🍫
🔹 Matcha Cotton Cake – Add 1 teaspoon matcha powder for a green tea twist! 🍵
🔹 Vanilla Bean Cake – Use real vanilla bean paste for a deeper vanilla taste.
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
✔ Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days.
✔ Refrigerate for up to 5 days—bring to room temp before serving.
✔ Freeze for up to 1 month—wrap tightly and thaw before eating.
✅ To reheat, microwave for 10 seconds to restore softness!
🏆 Final Thoughts: A Family Recipe to Love!
This Cotton Cake is delicate, airy, and irresistibly soft—a timeless family recipe that brings warmth and joy with every bite. Whether you enjoy it plain, with fruit, or lightly frosted, this cake is sure to become a household favorite!
💡 Will you try this? Let me know your favorite way to serve it! 🍰
