Angel food cake is a delightful treat known for its ethereal lightness and delicate sweetness. If you’ve ever wondered how to make angel food cake from scratch, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the process with simple steps and helpful tips so you can bake a fluffy, cloud-like cake that’s sure to impress.
What Makes Angel Food Cake Special?
Unlike most cakes, angel food cake uses only egg whites, no yolks, which gives it a pure white color and airy texture. It’s naturally low in fat since it contains no butter or oil, relying on whipped egg whites for volume. The key to success is in the technique—whipping the egg whites just right and folding in the dry ingredients gently to keep the batter light.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– 1 cup cake flour (or all-purpose flour sifted well)
– 1¼ cups granulated sugar, divided
– 12 large egg whites (room temperature)
– 1½ teaspoons cream of tartar
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Optional: ½ teaspoon almond extract for extra flavor
Essential Tools
– Tube pan (angel food cake pan) — do not grease it!
– Electric mixer (stand or hand mixer)
– Sifter or fine mesh strainer
– Spatula
– Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by pulsing the granulated sugar in a food processor or blender to create superfine sugar. This helps it dissolve better in the egg whites, resulting in a smoother meringue. Set aside 1 cup of this superfine sugar for the egg whites, and mix the remaining sugar with the cake flour and salt. Sift this flour mixture several times to aerate it.
2. Whip the Egg Whites
In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar and salt on medium speed until foamy. The cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites, helping them hold their structure. Gradually add the 1 cup superfine sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, while increasing the mixer speed to medium-high.
Continue beating until soft peaks form, then add vanilla (and almond extract if using). Beat further until you reach stiff peaks — the peaks should stand straight up without drooping when you lift the beaters.
3. Fold in the Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour mixture over the whipped egg whites in three additions. Gently fold it in with a spatula using a light hand to avoid deflating the batter. The goal is to combine everything without losing the air you’ve whipped into the egg whites.
4. Transfer to the Pan
Pour or spoon the batter into an ungreased tube pan. Do not grease the pan, as the batter needs to cling to the sides to rise properly. Use a spatula or butter knife to spread the batter evenly and cut through it to release any large air bubbles.
5. Bake the Cake
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden and springs back when lightly touched. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent the cake from collapsing.
6. Cool Upside Down
Immediately invert the pan onto a bottle or cooling rack to cool completely upside down. This prevents the cake from collapsing under its own weight and maintains its height and fluffiness.
7. Remove and Serve
Once cooled, run a thin knife around the edges to loosen the cake. Carefully remove it from the pan. Slice with a serrated knife to avoid squishing the delicate crumb.
Serving Suggestions
Angel food cake is delicious on its own or served with fresh berries, a drizzle of raspberry sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream. Dusting with powdered sugar adds a pretty finishing touch. It’s perfect for light desserts or summer gatherings.
Tips for Perfect Angel Food Cake
– Use room temperature egg whites for better volume.
– Ensure no yolk contaminates the whites, or the cake won’t rise properly.
– Don’t grease the pan—this is crucial.
– Beat egg whites to stiff peaks but don’t overbeat.
– Fold in dry ingredients gently.
– Cool the cake upside down to keep it tall and airy.
– Slice with a serrated knife for clean cuts.
Making angel food cake from scratch may seem intimidating, but following these steps carefully will reward you with a tender, airy cake that tastes heavenly.
Enjoy your baking adventure and the delightful angel food cake you create!