You’re making a cake for an important event, and you’re in a hurry, but the recipe calls for separating the egg whites from the yolks, beating them separately, creating more dirty dishes, and eventually combining them? Why bother with that, you may ask?
The answer lies in the different structures, textures, and properties of these parts of the egg.
Egg whites are typically rich in proteins and can create a lot of volume when beaten, so they are often used to make airy cakes, meringues, and those “sticky” layers in cakes. On the other hand, egg yolks contain more fats and water, and they are responsible for the rich, moist flavor and creamy texture of perfect fillings! Each part of the egg has its superpower, but when beaten together, instead of being stronger together, they “interfere” with each other. Yolks prevent the whites from forming that firm meringue.
So, even though it may sometimes sound like extra work, this is a crucial step and the only secret to perfect cakes. Separating the egg whites from the yolks when preparing a cake allows for greater control over the texture, flavor, and final product, which is essential for achieving the best results and taste!