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The ingredients for Cotton Cake are simple, but the magic happens in the technique. Here’s what you’ll need:
– **3 large eggs**
– **200g (1 cup) granulated sugar**
– **100g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour**
– **50g (1/4 cup) corn starch**
– **120ml (1/2 cup) milk**
– **1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar**
– **1/4 teaspoon salt**
– **1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar** (optional, to stabilize egg whites)
### Instructions
Making a Cotton Cake is straightforward, but patience is key to achieving the perfect texture. Here’s how to do it:
**1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan**
Preheat your oven to 160°C (325°F). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line it with parchment paper, ensuring the paper extends slightly above the rim of the pan. This will help your cake rise evenly and prevent it from sticking.
**2. Separate the Eggs**
Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks, placing the egg whites in one bowl and the yolks in another. You’ll be using both parts separately, so make sure there’s no yolk in the egg whites to achieve the perfect meringue texture.
**3. Make the Batter**
In the bowl with the egg yolks, add the granulated sugar and beat until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. Slowly add the flour and corn starch, sifting them in to avoid lumps. Mix until smooth.
Next, gently heat the milk in a small saucepan (don’t bring it to a boil) and then add it to the egg yolk mixture, along with the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined, and set this aside.
**4. Whip the Egg Whites**
In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites and add the salt and cream of tartar (if using). Beat until soft peaks form. Gradually add the lemon juice (or vinegar) and continue whipping until stiff peaks form—this is key to getting the fluffy texture that makes Cotton Cake so special.
**5. Combine the Mixtures**
Now, gently fold the egg white mixture into the egg yolk batter. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites too much. You want to keep as much air in the batter as possible to maintain that light, airy texture. Fold the ingredients together using a spatula, in gentle, circular motions, until just combined.
**6. Bake the Cake**
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, gently tapping the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the cake is golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
**7. Let the Cake Cool**
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. As it cools, you’ll notice that the cake may shrink slightly—this is normal and adds to the “cotton-like” texture.
**8. Serve and Enjoy**
Once the cake has cooled, it’s ready to serve. Cotton Cake can be enjoyed plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or paired with fresh fruits like berries or whipped cream. Its subtle sweetness and light texture make it an ideal treat for any time of day.
### Why Cotton Cake Is a Family Favorite
What makes **Cotton Cake** such a treasured family recipe? There are several reasons:
1. **Simplicity**: With only a handful of ingredients, it’s a straightforward recipe that can be made any time. It’s a great way to introduce children or beginner bakers to the joy of homemade cake.
2. **Memory-making**: Like many family recipes, this cake holds sentimental value. Each time it’s made, it reminds the baker of the generations who passed it down, making it more than just a dessert—it’s a connection to the past.
3. **Versatility**: Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or as an afternoon snack, Cotton Cake is versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Top it with fresh fruit, a drizzle of chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra flair.
4. **Light and Fluffy Texture**: Unlike denser cakes, Cotton Cake has a light, airy, and almost melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it truly special. The subtle sweetness and delicate flavor mean it pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.
5. **Perfect for Any Occasion**: Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, celebrating a birthday, or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon at home, this cake fits the occasion. It’s not too heavy but still feels like a special treat.
### Final Thoughts
Cotton Cake is a recipe that transcends generations, bringing families together with each bite. It’s a reminder that the best recipes are often the simplest ones—those that can be passed down, enjoyed, and cherished by all who make and eat them. Whether you’ve inherited this family recipe or are looking to start your own baking tradition, Cotton Cake is sure to become a cherished part of your culinary history.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and bake this timeless family treat—it’s more than just a cake; it’s a celebration of love, memories, and the joy of sharing food with those we care about.
