Daffodil Cake Is Perfect For Your Taste Buds And Your Instagram

What exactly is daffodil cake, you ask? For starters, the only relation it has to the famous golden flower is its cheerful yellow hue. As a matter of fact, toxic daffodils don't fall under the category of edible flowers, and the reason you may not have heard about daffodil cake is that it's been slept on for far too long. The recipe made its American public debut back in the 1930s when it was printed in the "My Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book," and the vintage sunny sweet is well overdue for its next moment in the sun.

Daffodil cake, which became an Easter Sunday staple during the Great Depression, is as picture pretty as it is delicately delicious. The recipe calls for just a handful of simple, accessible ingredients, namely flour, powdered sugar, and egg yolks leftover from other baking projects in the name of thriftiness. However, the process requires plenty of TLC — at least if you want a feathery light, social post-worthy subject. The work is worth it: Daffodil cake's zesty flavor and spongy, moist crumb make it tempting to go for another slice.

How daffodil cake gets its marbled appearance

"Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking." When it comes to vernal eats, daffodil cake truly does fit the bill, especially for those who take pleasure in seasonal flavors or throwback staples. For nearly a century, the bloom-inspired treat has been a baker's dream. The classic indulgence features a unique, white and yellow marbled finish, which makes it fun to prepare, eat, and marvel at. This appealing pattern results from the layering of two different cake batters, one made with egg whites and the other with the yolks.

Also made with sugar and citrus, daffodil cake is beloved for its fluffy, elegant texture, which is the result of beating the egg whites and yolks until they are incredibly light, then gently folding them into the two batters. Many daffodil cake recipes also call for invigorating flavorings such as lemon and orange zest, pineapple juice, or vanilla extract to give it a bright bite. By simply glazing over the list of ingredients, particularly the cream of tartar and egg whites, it's apparent that daffodil cake is closely related to another gourmand icon, angel food cake.