Angel Food Cake Recipe

There’s something undeniably enchanting about a light and airy angel food cake that makes it a favorite for any occasion. With its delicate texture and sweet flavor, this cake is a heavenly treat that pairs beautifully with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer barbecue, or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this Angel Food Cake Recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

The magic of angel food cake lies not just in its taste but also in its texture. This cake is made almost entirely from egg whites, making it incredibly fluffy and light. Unlike denser cakes, angel food cake melts in your mouth, offering a delightful experience with every bite. It’s versatile enough to serve as a base for a variety of toppings, from seasonal berries to rich creams, making it an adaptable dessert that can please any palate. Plus, it’s visually stunning—its tall, cloud-like structure is sure to steal the show at any dessert table.

What You’ll Need

To create the perfect angel food cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (350 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (120 grams) cake flour
• 2 cups egg whites, at room temperature (about 12 large eggs)
• 1 ½ teaspoons cream of tartar
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that light, fluffy texture that angel food cake is known for.

Cook’s Kit

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites to perfection.
• Angel food cake pan: This pan’s unique design helps the cake rise and maintain its shape.
• Sifter: For aerating the flour and sugar, which helps create a light texture.
• Rubber spatula: To gently fold ingredients without deflating the egg whites.
• Cooling rack: Allows the cake to cool completely upside down for better structure.

With the right tools, your baking experience will be smoother and more enjoyable.

Angel Food Cake Recipe in Steps

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Do not grease the angel food cake pan, as the batter needs to cling to the sides for proper rising.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar, and fine sea salt. Using your stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they form soft peaks. This means that the egg whites should hold their shape but still have a slight droop at the tips.

Step 3: Gradually Add Sugar

While the mixer is running, gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Continue beating until the mixture forms stiff, glossy peaks. This can take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 4: Sift in Flour

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour and a little bit of the remaining granulated sugar (about ¼ cup). This helps to aerate the flour. Gently fold this mixture into the whipped egg whites using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites; use a gentle folding motion.

Step 5: Add Vanilla

Once the flour is fully incorporated, gently fold in the vanilla extract, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 6: Pour into Pan

Transfer the batter into the ungreased angel food cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top and create an even surface.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly pressed. The cake should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert the pan onto a cooling rack. This prevents the cake from collapsing as it cools, allowing it to maintain its height.

Step 9: Remove from Pan

After the cake has cooled completely, run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen it. Carefully turn the cake out onto a serving plate.

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

If you need to make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free, consider the following swaps:

• Dairy-Free: The ingredients in this recipe are already dairy-free, so you can enjoy it as is!
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free cake flour blend. Be sure to check that the blend you choose has a good balance of starches and flours for the best texture.

These adjustments will allow you to cater to various dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

Learn from These Mistakes

Creating the perfect angel food cake can be tricky. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Over-whipping the Egg Whites: This can lead to a grainy texture. Stop whipping as soon as you reach stiff peaks.
• Greasing the Pan: Always bake in an ungreased pan to allow the cake to climb the sides as it bakes.
• Not Folding Gently: Be cautious when folding the flour into the egg whites. A gentle hand is key to retaining air in the batter.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the cake to cool upside down is essential for maintaining its height and texture.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can achieve a beautifully risen angel food cake.

Storing Tips & Timelines

To ensure your angel food cake stays fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in a covered container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezer: For longer storage, slice the cake and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Fresh angel food cake is best enjoyed soon after baking, but with proper storage, you can enjoy it for days or even months.

Top Questions & Answers

Can I use egg whites from a carton instead of fresh egg whites?

Yes, you can use carton egg whites, but make sure they are 100% egg whites without any additives. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still work well for the recipe.

What can I serve with angel food cake?

Angel food cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. You can also use it as a base for trifle desserts.

Why did my angel food cake collapse?

A collapsing cake can happen if it is greased, if it hasn’t cooled properly, or if the egg whites were not whipped to the right consistency. Always ensure you follow the steps carefully for the best results.

How do I know when my cake is done?

The cake is done when it’s golden brown, springs back when lightly pressed, and pulls away from the sides of the pan. A toothpick inserted in the center should also come out clean.

Healthy-ish Favorites

If you’re looking for other healthier dessert options, check out these favorites:

• Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Healthy Banana Bread
• Vegan Chocolate Mousse
• Healthy Carrot Cake

These recipes are not only delicious but also incorporate healthier ingredients, making them perfect for guilt-free indulgence.

Save & Share

If you enjoyed this Angel Food Cake Recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! Whether it’s on social media or through a simple message, sharing delicious recipes is one of the best ways to spread joy.

With its fluffy texture and sweet flavor, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a slice of this delightful angel food cake. Happy baking!