Angel Food Cake Recipe– If you’re looking for a light and fluffy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, look no further than angel food cake. This classic dessert is a staple of many American households, and for good reason. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also low in fat and calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make angel food cake, as well as some tips and tricks to make it perfect every time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 12 egg whites
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift the cake flour and half of the sugar together in a bowl, then set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until they become foamy.
- Add the cream of tartar and salt to the egg whites, and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, while continuing to beat on high speed. Beat until stiff peaks form.
- Add the vanilla extract to the egg whites, and gently fold in the flour mixture in three parts, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert the pan onto a bottle or a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, use a knife to loosen the edges of the cake from the pan, and then remove it from the pan.
- Serve your angel food cake with whipped cream and fresh fruit, if desired.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to use a clean and grease-free bowl when beating your egg whites. Any residual oil or fat can interfere with the formation of stiff peaks.
- To ensure your cake rises properly, do not over-beat or under-beat the egg whites. They should be glossy and hold their shape when you lift the beaters out of the mixture.
- When folding in the flour mixture, use a gentle, sweeping motion to incorporate the ingredients. Avoid stirring or beating the mixture, as this can deflate the egg whites and cause your cake to be dense.
- Allow your cake to cool completely before attempting to remove it from the pan. This will help prevent the cake from sticking to the sides of the pan and tearing.
Conclusion:
Angel food cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its light and fluffy texture and low calorie count, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s sure to please everyone. By following our step-by-step guide and tips and tricks, you can make a perfect angel food cake every time. Serve it with whipped cream and fresh fruit for a truly heavenly dessert experience.
If you want to switch things up, you can also try adding some flavor variations to your angel food cake recipe. Here are some ideas:
- Lemon: Add the zest of one lemon to the flour mixture and substitute lemon extract for the vanilla extract.
- Chocolate: Sift 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder into the flour mixture.
- Almond: Substitute almond extract for the vanilla extract.
- Berry: Add 1/2 cup of pureed berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries) to the batter.
No matter which flavor you choose, angel food cake is a dessert that’s sure to impress. It’s light, fluffy, and delicious, making it a perfect addition to any dinner party or gathering. Plus, it’s easy to make, so you can whip up a batch whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet.
In conclusion, angel food cake is a classic dessert that should have a place in everyone’s recipe collection. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and is sure to yield impressive results. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the heavenly taste of angel food cake!