The BEST Angel Food Cake

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There’s something ethereal about angel food cake that makes it a beloved classic in the world of desserts. This light and fluffy cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthday parties to dinner gatherings. With its delicate texture and subtle sweetness, it serves as a wonderful base for a variety of toppings, or it can be enjoyed simply on its own. Today, I’m sharing my version of The BEST Angel Food Cake, a foolproof recipe that yields a spectacularly fluffy cake every time. You might just find it’s the perfect way to impress your family and friends—or just treat yourself!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Angel food cake is unlike any other cake out there. Its unique texture comes from whipped egg whites, which creates a soft and airy structure. This cake is not only light in taste but also a delightful choice for those looking for a less dense option among traditional desserts. My recipe utilizes accessible ingredients and straightforward steps to ensure that everyone can master this delightful treat. Plus, with the combination of almond and vanilla extracts, this cake has a wonderful flavor that is truly irresistible.

Ingredients

To make The BEST Angel Food Cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup cake flour (see note)
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar, divided
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 12 egg whites (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

Note: For the cake flour, you can make your own by combining 1 cup of all-purpose flour minus 2 tablespoons, and adding 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift all together for best results.

How To Make The BEST Angel Food Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential that you use an ungreased angel food cake pan to ensure the cake can climb the sides properly as it rises. If you don’t have an angel food cake pan, you can use a tube pan instead.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and salt. Sifting aerates the flour and helps to remove any lumps, leading to a lighter cake.

Step 3: Whip the Egg Whites

In a large mixing bowl, add the egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the egg whites become frothy. Add the cream of tartar, cold water, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Continue beating on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overmix; the egg whites should be glossy and hold their shape.

Step 4: Combine the Mixtures

Gradually sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of sugar over the whipped egg whites while continuing to beat at high speed. This gradual addition helps stabilize the egg whites. Once the sugar is fully incorporated, take a spatula and gently fold in the sifted flour mixture in thirds. Be careful to fold rather than stir to avoid deflating the egg whites.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the ungreased angel food cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Once baked, immediately invert the pan onto a wire rack. This helps prevent the cake from collapsing as it cools. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing it—this usually takes about an hour.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooled, carefully run a knife around the edges of the pan and gently remove the cake. Slice with a serrated knife to maintain the delicate structure, and enjoy your perfectly light and fluffy angel food cake!

Expert Tips

• For the best results, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease. Any fat will prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
• Room temperature egg whites whip up to a greater volume, so take the eggs out of the refrigerator ahead of time.
• Be gentle when folding the flour mixture into the whipped egg whites—this helps maintain the lightness of the batter.
• If you want to add more flavor, consider folding in some finely grated lemon or orange zest.

Variations and Customizations

• Add some fruit puree, such as raspberry or strawberry, into the batter before baking for a fruity twist.
• Top your angel food cake with whipped cream and fresh berries for a delicious and visually stunning dessert.
• For a chocolate variation, sift in some cocoa powder along with the cake flour!
• Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftover angel food cake, cover the cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you would like to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you are ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the cake at room temperature before serving.

FAQ

Can I make angel food cake without a tube pan?

Yes, you can use a regular cake pan or even a bundt pan, but the texture may vary as angel food cake is designed to rise high in a tube pan which allows for even baking and cooling.

Can I use carton egg whites for this recipe?

While you can use carton egg whites, fresh egg whites typically yield better volume and stabilization, resulting in a fluffier cake.

What can I serve with angel food cake?

Angel food cake pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a variety of flavored sauces, such as chocolate or fruit coulis.

Why is my angel food cake dense?

A dense angel food cake may result from over- or under-beating the egg whites, too much flour being added, or the cake not being properly cooled. Following the step-by-step instructions closely will help ensure the best results!

Conclusion

There you have it—The BEST Angel Food Cake recipe that is light, delicious, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s not just a cake; it’s a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in so many ways. Whether you serve it plain, topped with fresh fruit, or with a drizzle of chocolate sauce, this cake is bound to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time, you can master this heavenly dessert and add a touch of elegance to any occasion. Happy baking!

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