You know those recipes that feel like a warm hug from your grandma? That’s exactly what Yummy Yema Chiffon Cake is for me. I still remember the first time I had it at a family gathering—light as air, with this luscious yema frosting that made me go back for seconds (okay, thirds). It’s a classic Filipino dessert that’s somehow fancy enough for birthdays but simple enough to whip up just because you’re craving something sweet.
What I love most is the magic of textures: the chiffon cake is so fluffy it practically melts in your mouth, and then there’s that rich, creamy yema frosting that’s just sweet enough without being cloying. And here’s the best part—you don’t need to be a baking pro to nail it. Seriously, if you can separate eggs and whisk, you’re golden. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it for every potluck, office party, or "I need cake right now" moment. So grab your mixing bowl—let’s bake something unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love Yummy Yema Chiffon Cake
Okay, let me count the ways this cake will steal your heart—because trust me, it’s more than just dessert. It’s a whole experience.
- Light meets luscious: That airy chiffon texture? Pure magic. It’s like biting into a cloud, but then—BAM—the rich yema frosting swoops in with its caramel-like sweetness. The contrast is everything.
- Filipino comfort in every bite: Yema is a classic Filipino flavor that’s nostalgic and oh-so-special. It’s like bringing a taste of home (or a tropical vacation) to your table.
- Foolproof fancy: Looks impressive, tastes even better, but secretly easy. No fancy techniques—just a little whisking and folding, and voilà!
- Versatile star: Dress it up for birthdays with sprinkles, keep it simple for afternoon tea, or heck, eat a slice for breakfast (no judgment here).
- Pantry-friendly ingredients: Eggs, flour, sugar, and a couple of canned milks? That’s it. No hunting for obscure items—just pure, simple goodness.
Seriously, this cake is the friend that’s always there for you—whether you’re celebrating or just need a little sweetness in your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Yummy Yema Chiffon Cake
Don’t worry—this isn’t one of those recipes with a mile-long grocery list. Everything here is simple, and chances are, you’ve got most of it already. Just a heads-up: separate those eggs carefully (yolks for batter and frosting, whites for meringue), and let’s dive in!
Cake Batter Ingredients
- 4 egg yolks – Save those whites! We’ll use them later. Room temp is best for smooth mixing.
- ¼ cup vegetable cooking oil – Any neutral oil works, but I’m partial to sunflower or canola.
- ½ cup evaporated milk – Straight from the can, no need to heat it.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla flavor – The cheap, pure stuff is fine—we’re not baking snobs here.
- ⅓ cup granulated white sugar – Because sweetness is non-negotiable.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to balance everything out.
- 1 cup cake flour – Sift it first! Trust me, it makes the fluffiest cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Our little rising helper.
Meringue Ingredients
- 4 egg whites – Room temp is KEY. Not a drop of yolk allowed—they won’t whip right!
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar – This stabilizes the meringue. No skipping!
- ½ cup white sugar – Add it gradually while whipping.
Frosting/Filling Ingredients
- 4 egg yolks – Yes, more yolks! This is where the magic happens.
- 1 can condensed milk (390g) – The sticky-sweet heart of yema.
- 1 can evaporated milk (370ml) – Thins it out just enough.
- 1 teaspoon lemon or vanilla flavor – Lemon adds brightness, vanilla is classic—your call!
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch – Keeps the frosting from getting too runny.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Again, balance is everything.
See? Told you it wasn’t scary. Now, let’s turn all this into cake heaven!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Yummy Yema Chiffon Cake
Preparing the Cake Batter
First things first—let’s get that batter smooth as silk. In a big bowl, whisk together the 4 egg yolks, oil, and evaporated milk until they’re totally best friends (no streaks!). Add the vanilla and sugar, and keep whisking until the sugar’s dissolved—you shouldn’t feel any grit. Now, sift in the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined. No overmixing here—we’re not making bread! The batter should be thick but pourable, like pancake batter’s fancy cousin. Set this aside while we tackle the meringue.
Making the Meringue
Here’s where the magic happens! Grab those 4 egg whites (remember, zero yolk allowed!) and beat them with the cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy. Now, gradually add the sugar—like, a tablespoon at a time—while beating on high. Keep going until you’ve got stiff, glossy peaks that stand up straight when you lift the beaters. Think: "I could turn this bowl upside down, and nothing’s moving." That’s your cue to stop. Pro tip: If it looks grainy, you’ve gone too far—but don’t panic, it’ll still taste amazing.
Baking the Chiffon Cake
Okay, preheat that oven to 325°F (160°C)—no cheating, or the cake won’t rise right! Now, take a third of the meringue and fold it into the batter to lighten it up. Then, gently fold in the rest, cutting through the middle and turning the bowl—no aggressive stirring, or you’ll deflate all those air bubbles we worked so hard for. Pour into an ungreased 9-inch tube pan (yes, ungreased—it helps the cake cling and rise). Smooth the top, then bake for 30-35 minutes until it’s golden and springs back when touched. Cool it upside down on a wire rack (I balance mine over a bottle) for at least an hour. Patience is key—it’ll collapse if you try to unmold it warm!

Preparing the Yema Frosting
While the cake cools, let’s make that luscious frosting. Whisk together the 4 yolks, condensed milk, evaporated milk, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring nonstop with a spatula—seriously, don’t walk away, or it’ll turn into sweet scrambled eggs. After about 10 minutes, it’ll thicken to a custardy consistency (it should coat the back of a spoon). Stir in the vanilla or lemon, then let it cool slightly before spreading. Too runny? Cook a tad longer. Too thick? Add a splash of milk. Easy fix!
Now, the fun part: slide a knife around the cake edges, plop it onto a plate, and slather with that glorious yema. Don’t be shy—this is the moment you’ve been waiting for!
Variations for Yummy Yema Chiffon Cake
Listen, the classic version is *chef’s kiss*, but sometimes you wanna play around—and this cake is totally game. Here are some fun twists to keep things interesting:
- Caramel chaos: Drizzle store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the yema frosting. It’s extra decadent and looks fancy with zero effort.
- Citrus zing: Swap the vanilla in the frosting for calamansi or orange extract. That bright tang cuts through the sweetness like a dream.
- Nutty buddy: Fold toasted shredded coconut or crushed cashews into the frosting. Or sprinkle them on top for crunch!
- Berry bash: Serve slices with fresh mango or strawberries on the side. The fruit’s acidity balances the richness perfectly.
- Ube upgrade: Add a teaspoon of ube extract to the cake batter for a gorgeous purple hue and that beloved Filipino flavor.
See? This cake’s like a blank canvas—dress it up for holidays, simplify it for weeknights, or go wild and make it your own. No rules, just deliciousness.
Serving and Storage Tips for Yummy Yema Chiffon Cake
Alright, let’s talk about the best part—eating this masterpiece! First, make sure the cake is completely cool before slicing. A serrated knife works wonders here—saw gently to keep those fluffy layers intact. Serve it with a steaming cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate combo. The bitterness of the coffee balances the sweetness of the yema frosting perfectly. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a cold glass of milk for that nostalgic vibe.
Now, storage. If you’ve got leftovers (big "if"), cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—just let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes before serving so the frosting softens a bit. Want to freeze it? Wrap individual slices in plastic, then foil, and stash them in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge overnight, and it’ll taste just as fresh. Pro tip: label the slices with the date—future you will thank you!

Helpful Notes for Yummy Yema Chiffon Cake
Okay, let’s talk troubleshooting—because even the best bakers hit snags sometimes. First, those egg whites: make sure there’s *zero* yolk in them, and use a clean, grease-free bowl. Even a speck of fat can sabotage your meringue. If it’s not whipping up, try adding a pinch more cream of tartar or chilling the bowl for 10 minutes first. And hey, if your cake sinks a little after baking? No stress—just slather on extra yema frosting. No one will notice!
If the frosting feels too runny, cook it a bit longer (low and slow!) or whisk in another teaspoon of cornstarch. Too thick? A splash of milk will save the day. And if you’re watching sugar, you can reduce the frosting’s condensed milk by a quarter cup—it’ll still taste rich. Finally, a heads-up: this cake is *not* diet food. But life’s too short not to enjoy a slice (or two) of something this delicious, right? Now go forth and bake with confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions About Yummy Yema Chiffon Cake
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the ones I hear all the time—and trust me, no question is too silly.
1. Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, but it won’t be *quite* as light. For every cup of all-purpose, remove 2 tablespoons and replace with cornstarch—then sift like your life depends on it.
2. My meringue won’t stiffen—what did I do wrong?
Check for yolk traces (even a drop can sabotage it!), make sure your bowl and beaters are squeaky clean, and don’t rush adding the sugar. Patience is key!
3. How long does the yema frosting last?
In the fridge, covered, it’s good for 3 days. If it thickens too much, just stir in a teaspoon of warm milk to loosen it up.
4. Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Bake the cake a day early (store unfrosted at room temp), then frost it the next day. The flavors actually meld beautifully.
5. Why is my cake dense?
Overmixing the batter or under-whipped meringue are the usual culprits. Fold gently, and get those egg whites to stiff peaks—no shortcuts!
There you go—now go bake with zero worries!
Final Thoughts on Yummy Yema Chiffon Cake
So, there you have it—Yummy Yema Chiffon Cake in all its fluffy, creamy glory. It’s a dessert that feels like a celebration but is simple enough to make on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The chiffon cake is light as air, the yema frosting is rich and dreamy, and together? Pure magic. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
I hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with it as much as I have. Don’t be shy to tweak it, top it, or make it your own—that’s the beauty of baking! And when you do, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Tag me, message me, or just savor it quietly with a cup of coffee. Either way, I’m so glad we got to share this little slice of Filipino goodness together. Happy baking, friends—and enjoy every bite!

Yummy Yema Chiffon Cake
Ingredients
CAKE BATTER
- 4 egg yolks
- ¼ cup vegetable cooking oil
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla flavor
- ⅓ cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
MERINGUE
- 4 egg whites
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ cup white sugar
FROSTING/FILLING
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 can condensed milk 390g
- 1 can evaporated milk 370ml
- 1 teaspoon lemon or vanilla flavor
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt






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