Homemade Angel Food Cake

Delicious, classic Homemade Angel Food Cake recipe that you will love! It comes out perfect every time and is worth making from scratch. The texture and flavor are out of this world. Grab your strawberries and whipped cream to top it off! This cake is ideal for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion where a light, fluffy dessert is desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and Fluffy Texture: The unique method of beating egg whites gives this cake its signature airy quality.
• Versatile Topping Options: Serve it with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate for a delightful twist.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples, this cake is easy to prepare without any complicated steps.
• Perfectly Sweet: The balance of flavors ensures it’s sweet but not overwhelming, making it a hit with everyone.
• Impressive Presentation: Its beautiful rise and texture make it an impressive dessert for guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect Homemade Angel Food Cake, you’ll need a few essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment makes the process easier and helps ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Ungreased 10-inch tube pan
• Large metal mixing bowl
• Wire whisk or electric mixer
• Metal spatula
• Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

• Ungreased 10-inch tube pan: This allows the cake to cling to the sides while baking, helping it rise properly.
• Large metal mixing bowl: Metal bowls help maintain the cold temperature of egg whites, which is essential for achieving stiff peaks.
• Wire whisk or electric mixer: These tools are crucial for incorporating air into the egg whites, creating that light texture we love in angel food cake.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1 ¼ cups cake flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups egg whites (about 12)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ¼ teaspoon clear vanilla
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Homemade Angel Food Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare Flour Mixture

Sift together the cake flour and ½ cup of granulated sugar four times. This aerates the flour and helps create a lighter texture in your cake.

Step 3: Beat Egg Whites

In a large metal bowl, combine the egg whites, salt, cream of tartar, vanilla, and almond extract. Beat with a wire whisk until soft peaks form.

Step 4: Add Sugar Gradually

Add the remaining 1 ⅓ cups sugar in four additions (⅓ cup at a time). Beat until blended after each addition. DON’T SCRAPE THE SIDES OF THE BOWL!

Step 5: Fold in Flour Mixture

Gently fold in the flour mixture in four additions using a large metal spoon. Turn the bowl often while mixing to ensure even distribution without deflating the egg whites.

Step 6: Pour Batter into Pan

Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan without scraping down the sides. Use a metal spatula to cut through the batter gently.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30-35 minutes. Once baked, cool upside down to maintain its height and fluffiness.

Enjoy your homemade angel food cake as a delightful treat at any gathering!

How to Serve Homemade Angel Food Cake

Homemade Angel Food Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, serving it creatively can elevate the experience.

Classic Toppings

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds richness and balances the cake’s light texture.
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries bring a burst of flavor and a pop of color to your plate.

Fruit Sauces

• Berry Sauce: Drizzle a homemade berry sauce over your cake for a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, warm chocolate sauce adds indulgence to every slice.

Ice Cream Pairings

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla ice cream complements the airy cake perfectly.
• Fruit Sorbet: A refreshing fruit sorbet pairs well and offers a lighter option.

Creative Combinations

• Trifle Style: Layer pieces of angel food cake with whipped cream and fruit for an impressive trifle presentation.
• Dessert Cups: Fill cups with cake pieces, whipped cream, and fruits for individual servings that are great for parties.

How to Perfect Homemade Angel Food Cake

Creating the perfect Homemade Angel Food Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve that light, fluffy texture.

• Use Fresh Egg Whites: Fresh egg whites whip better, resulting in a lighter cake. Avoid using older eggs for best results.
• Sift Flour Multiple Times: Sifting the cake flour with sugar aerates the mixture, ensuring a tender crumb in your cake.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in the flour mixture to prevent deflating the egg whites. This keeps your cake airy.
• Proper Cooling Method: Always cool your cake upside down in the pan. This helps maintain its height and prevents it from collapsing.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Angel Food Cake

Serving side dishes alongside your Homemade Angel Food Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options that pair well.

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and complements the sweetness of the cake.
2. Chocolate Mousse: Rich chocolate mousse provides a decadent contrast to the lightness of angel food cake.
3. Custard Sauce: A smooth custard sauce adds creaminess that enhances each bite of cake.
4. Nutty Granola: For added crunch, serve with nutty granola on top or as a side snack.
5. Pecan Pie Bars: These sweet bars offer a different texture and flavor profile that pairs nicely with angel food cake.
6. Coconut Macaroons: Chewy macaroons add another layer of flavor and texture when enjoyed alongside the soft cake.
7. Lemon Curd: The tartness of lemon curd brightens up each slice, making it even more refreshing.
8. Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage like coffee or tea can balance sweetness and enhance flavors during dessert time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Homemade Angel Food Cake can be tricky, and avoiding common mistakes will lead to a perfect dessert. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Sifting: Not sifting the flour and sugar multiple times can result in a dense cake. Always sift together the cake flour and sugar as instructed.

• Using Non-Metal Bowls: Mixing egg whites in plastic or glass bowls can cause them to not whip properly. Stick to metal bowls for best results.

• Overmixing the Batter: Folding in the flour mixture too aggressively can deflate the batter. Gently fold it in with a large metal spoon to keep it airy.

• Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven before baking your cake.

• Greasing the Pan: Greasing the tube pan will prevent the cake from climbing and rising properly. Bake in an ungreased pan for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store leftover Homemade Angel Food Cake in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Container: Use an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

Freezing Homemade Angel Food Cake

• Duration: You can freeze your cake for up to 2 months.
• Container: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating Homemade Angel Food Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when my Homemade Angel Food Cake is done?

The cake is done when it springs back when lightly touched and has a golden color. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Can I make Homemade Angel Food Cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake stores well. Make it a day before serving, just remember to store it correctly.

What toppings go well with Homemade Angel Food Cake?

Fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or any seasonal fruit pair wonderfully with this light dessert.

Is Homemade Angel Food Cake gluten-free?

No, traditional angel food cake contains cake flour which has gluten. For a gluten-free version, look for specialty gluten-free flours designed for cakes.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Angel Food Cake is not just light and fluffy; it’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings or flavors. Whether you serve it plain or dressed up with strawberries and whipped cream, this dessert is sure to impress your guests. Don’t hesitate to try making this delightful cake from scratch!

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Homemade Angel Food Cake

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the light and airy delight of Homemade Angel Food Cake, a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its delicate texture and subtle sweetness, this cake is a showstopper at birthdays, holidays, or simply as a delightful treat. Made entirely from scratch, it pairs beautifully with fresh strawberries and velvety whipped cream, making each bite an unforgettable experience. The simplicity of the ingredients ensures that you can whip up this impressive dessert effortlessly. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to create a fluffy masterpiece that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ¼ cups cake flour
• 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups egg whites (about 12)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• ¼ teaspoon clear vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Sift together cake flour and ½ cup sugar four times to aerate the mix.
3. In a large metal bowl, beat egg whites with salt, cream of tartar, vanilla, and almond extract until soft peaks form.
4. Gradually add remaining sugar in four additions, mixing well after each addition without scraping the bowl's sides.
5. Gently fold in the flour mixture in four batches using a large metal spoon.
6. Pour the batter into an ungreased tube pan without scraping down the sides.
7. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown; cool upside down.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
• Calories: 130
• Sugar: 21g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg