Preheat your oven to 325°F. This is the ideal temperature for baking the cake evenly. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to ensure that the cake rises properly.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it aerates the flour, helping to create a lighter cake.
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add vegetable oil, egg yolks, cold water, vanilla extract, and orange extract. Mix until the batter is smooth. You want to achieve a homogenous mixture without any lumps.
In another large mixing bowl or a stand mixer, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together until stiff peaks form. This means the egg whites should be glossy and stand straight up when the whisk is removed. This step is vital for the cake’s light texture.
Gently fold the batter mixture into the whipped egg whites. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites; you want to keep as much air in the mixture as possible. Use a spatula to lift the batter from the bottom and fold it over the top.
Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch angel food tube pan. Spread it evenly, smoothing the top with a spatula. Do not grease the pan, as this will help the cake cling to the sides and rise properly.
Bake for 55 minutes at 325°F, then increase the heat to 350°F. Bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. The cake should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool upside down. This prevents the cake from collapsing as it cools. Allow it to cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, run a plastic knife around the edges of the pan to release the cake. Invert it onto a serving platter carefully.
In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. Increase the speed to high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Spread the frosting over the cooled Chiffon Cake and garnish with fresh fruit if desired. This adds a beautiful touch and a burst of flavor to each slice.
