Introduction
Angel Food Cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Its light and fluffy texture makes it the perfect summer dessert, and it is easy to make with just a few ingredients. In this blog post, we will show you how to make the perfect Angel Food Cake with our easy and delicious recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 12 large egg whites
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and make sure your oven rack is in the lower third of the oven.
- In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Sift this mixture 3 times and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
- Add the cream of tartar and salt, and beat on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed.
- Beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.
- Beat in the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Sift 1/4 of the flour mixture over the egg white mixture and gently fold it in with a rubber spatula.
- Repeat with the remaining flour mixture, folding in 1/4 at a time until all the flour mixture is incorporated.
- Gently spoon the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.
- Invert the pan onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely before removing the cake from the pan with a knife.
- Slice and serve with whipped cream and fresh berries, raspberry sauce, or any topping of your choice.
Variations
- Chocolate Angel Food Cake: Sift 1/4 cup of cocoa powder into the flour mixture and fold it in with the rubber spatula. Follow the rest of the recipe as written.
- Lemon Angel Food Cake: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the sugar and flour mixture and fold it in with the rubber spatula. Substitute lemon extract for the vanilla and almond extracts in the recipe.
- Strawberry Angel Food Cake: Fold 1/2 cup of pureed strawberries into the batter after adding the flour mixture. Follow the rest of the recipe as written.
Conclusion
Angel Food Cake is a light and fluffy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With our easy and delicious recipe, you can make the perfect Angel Food Cake at home. Whether you serve it with whipped cream and fresh berries or any other topping of your choice, this cake is sure to delight your taste buds. So why not give it a try today and see for yourself how delicious it can be!
FAQ
What is an Angel Food Cake?
Angel food cake is a type of sponge cake made with egg whites, flour, and sugar. It is a light and fluffy cake that is traditionally served with fruit or whipped cream.
Can I make Angel Food Cake without a tube pan?
No, you cannot make an Angel Food Cake without a tube pan. The tube pan is essential for the cake to rise and cook evenly.
Do I need to grease the tube pan before baking the Angel Food Cake?
No, you should not grease the tube pan when making Angel Food Cake. The cake needs to cling to the sides of the pan to rise properly.
Can I substitute the cake flour with all-purpose flour?
No, you cannot substitute the cake flour with all-purpose flour. Cake flour has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which gives Angel Food Cake its light and fluffy texture.
How do I know when the Angel Food Cake is done baking?
You can use a toothpick or a cake tester to check if the cake is done. Insert it into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, the cake is done baking.
How should I store leftover Angel Food Cake?
You should store leftover Angel Food Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Do not refrigerate the cake, as it will dry out.
Can I freeze Angel Food Cake?
Yes, you can freeze Angel Food Cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months.
Can I add flavorings to the Angel Food Cake batter?
Yes, you can add flavorings such as vanilla extract or almond extract to the Angel Food Cake batter. Fold them in gently so as not to deflate the egg whites.
Can I make Angel Food Cake in advance?
Yes, you can make Angel Food Cake in advance. The cake will keep for up to three days at room temperature, or you can freeze it for up to three months.
Can I serve Angel Food Cake with frosting?
No, Angel Food Cake is traditionally served without frosting. However, you can serve it with whipped cream or fresh fruit.