Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper (do not grease the sides—this helps the cakes climb!).
Whip the whites: In a spotlessly clean bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add ¼ cup (50g) of the sugar and beat until you have stiff, glossy peaks. Set aside.
Whip the yolks: In another bowl, beat the egg yolks with the remaining ½ cup (100g) sugar and vanilla until thick, pale, and ribbon-like, about 3 minutes.
Minutes 6-10: The Gentle Merge & Bake.
