Angel Food Cake
Indulge in the ethereal delight of angel food cake, a classic dessert known for its light and fluffy texture. Made primarily with egg whites, flour, and sugar, this cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet ending to any meal, its versatility allows it to shine with various toppings like fresh fruits or whipped cream. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this heavenly dessert that promises to impress!
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 12 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and the cooking time is 35-40 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) of angel food cake contains approximately 70 calories, 0.5g fat, 15g carbohydrates, and 1g protein. This is for one person, making it a light dessert option.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an ungreased 10-inch tube pan.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and half of the sugar (3/4 cup).
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy.
- Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining sugar while beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the sifted flour mixture into the egg whites in three additions.
- Incorporate vanilla and almond extracts, folding until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cake springs back when touched.
- Remove from oven and invert the pan to cool completely before removing the cake.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, consider using coconut flour for a gluten-free version or substituting some of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like agave syrup. Just be sure to adjust the liquid content accordingly.
Serving and Pairings
Angel food cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Serve it with a fruit compote or a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover angel food cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and serve as is, or warm slightly in the microwave.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense cake.
- Not using an ungreased pan can cause the cake to stick.
- Skipping the cream of tartar may affect the egg whites’ stability.
- Using cold egg whites can prevent proper whipping.
- Baking at too low a temperature can result in a flat cake.
- Not inverting the pan after baking can cause the cake to collapse.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume.
- Ensure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry.
- Fold the flour mixture gently to maintain airiness.
- Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
- For added flavor, experiment with citrus zest in the batter.
FAQs
What makes angel food cake light and airy?
Angel food cake’s light texture comes from the whipped egg whites, which incorporate air and create volume. The absence of fat in the batter allows for a delicate crumb.
Can I make angel food cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake angel food cake in advance. It stays fresh for a few days at room temperature, or you can freeze it for longer storage.
What is the best way to serve angel food cake?
Angel food cake is best served with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or a light drizzle of syrup. This enhances its natural sweetness without overpowering its delicate flavor.
Can I use a different pan for baking?
While a tube pan is recommended for proper rising and cooling, you can use a bundt pan. Just ensure it’s ungreased to allow for maximum height.
Why did my angel food cake fall?
An angel food cake may fall if the egg whites were not whipped to stiff peaks or if it was removed from the oven too soon. Always allow it to cool inverted to maintain its structure.
Conclusion
Angel food cake is a timeless dessert that brings a sense of lightness to any occasion. With its simple ingredients and delightful texture, this cake is perfect for those looking for a sweet yet not overly indulgent treat. Whether topped with fresh fruits or served plain, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser!
Angel Food Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 12 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
- Powdered sugar for dusting optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an ungreased 10-inch tube pan.
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, salt, and half of the sugar (3/4 cup).
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy.
- Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining sugar while beating until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the sifted flour mixture into the egg whites in three additions.
- Incorporate vanilla and almond extracts, folding until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the cake springs back when touched.
- Remove from oven and invert the pan to cool completely before removing the cake.
