Light, airy, and full of zesty flavor, this Lemon Chiffon Cake is elevated with a surprising twist—grated Peppermint Crisp chocolate bars! The citrusy sponge is ultra-soft thanks to whipped egg whites, while the mint-chocolate topping adds a cool, sweet crunch. Perfect for springtime gatherings, holiday desserts, or any time you crave a refreshing yet indulgent treat.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Light & Airy Texture: Thanks to whipped egg whites, chiffon cake stays feather-light.
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Refreshing & Unique: Lemon and peppermint create a bright, cooling flavor combo.
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Stunning Presentation: A gorgeous golden cake with flecks of chocolate-mint crunch on top.
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Perfect for Special Occasions: Great for showers, birthdays, or summer gatherings.
Ingredients Breakdown
Dry Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups cake flour – Creates a tender and airy crumb.
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1 1/2 tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
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1/4 tsp salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
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1/2 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and light.
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5 large eggs, separated – Yolks enrich the batter; whipped whites add lift.
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1/2 cup lemon juice – Gives the cake its bright, tangy flavor.
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1/2 cup sugar – Sweetens the batter just enough.
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1/2 tsp vanilla essence – Rounds out the citrus with warmth.
Topping:
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2 Peppermint Crisp bars, grated – Cool, minty chocolate shavings that add crunch and unique flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
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Don’t Overmix: When folding egg whites, keep a gentle hand to preserve the airiness.
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Cool Upside Down: This prevents the cake from collapsing and keeps it tall and fluffy.
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Use Fresh Lemons: Bottled juice won’t provide the same brightness or flavor.
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For Extra Flair: Drizzle with a light lemon glaze before topping with Peppermint Crisp.
Variations and Customizations:
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Peppermint Twist: Mix ¼ cup of crushed Peppermint Crisp into the batter for extra minty bursts.
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Lemon-Lime Chiffon: Replace half the lemon juice with lime juice for a citrus blend.
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Frosted Option: Frost with whipped cream and garnish with mint chocolate curls.
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Holiday Edition: Add crushed candy canes on top for a festive winter version.
Pairing Suggestions:
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Serve With:
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Fresh berries
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Lemon sorbet or vanilla ice cream
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Light whipped cream
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Drink Pairings:
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Iced mint tea
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Lemonade
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Storage Instructions:
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Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Best stored uncovered in a cake dome for 3–4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze unfrosted slices wrapped in plastic for up to 1 month.
Popular Questions:
What is a Peppermint Crisp bar?
A South African chocolate bar with a mint-flavored crunchy filling. Substitute with mint-flavored chocolate if unavailable.
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Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
You can, but cake flour gives a softer, lighter texture. To substitute, use 1½ cups minus 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour plus 3 tablespoons of cornstarch.
Can I make this in a regular cake pan?
Yes—use two 8-inch round pans and reduce the baking time to 25–30 minutes.
PrintPeppermint Crisp Lemon Chiffon Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10–12 slices 1x
Description
A cloud-like citrus sponge meets a playful crunch of grated Peppermint Crisp chocolate—bright, refreshing, and irresistibly fluffy!
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Ingredients
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1½ cups cake flour
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1½ teaspoons baking powder
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¼ teaspoon salt
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½ cup vegetable oil
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5 large eggs, separated
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½ cup fresh lemon juice
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon vanilla essence
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2 Peppermint Crisp bars, grated (or sub with mint chocolate bars if unavailable)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
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Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
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Lightly grease an angel food cake pan or a tube pan—do not flour the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Wet Base
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In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with vegetable oil, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
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Gently fold in the dry ingredients until fully incorporated and lump-free.
Step 4: Whip the Egg Whites
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In a clean, dry bowl, beat egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
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Gently fold the egg whites into the lemon batter in three additions, using a spatula and taking care not to deflate the mixture.
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Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean and the top springs back lightly when touched.
Step 6: Cool & Decorate
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Allow the cake to cool upside down in the pan (if using an angel food pan with feet), or on a wire rack if not.
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Once cooled completely, invert and remove from pan.
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Sprinkle generously with grated Peppermint Crisp bars.
Notes
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This recipe combines classic chiffon cake techniques with an unexpected mint chocolate topping, offering a unique twist on a vintage dessert.
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Perfect for summer parties, Mother’s Day, or bridal showers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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