It’s sweet without being cloying. There is a subtle vanilla flavor, as well as a sweet almond backnote. It’s just perfect with berries or fresh fruit. The best way I can think of to describe the taste of angel food cake is: like a sweet cloud!
Its aerated texture comes from whipped egg white. Angel food cake originated in the United States and first became popular in the late 19th century. It gained its unique reputation along with its name due to its light and fluffy texture. Angel food cake requires egg whites whipped until they are stiff.
What is the best frosting for angel food cake?
Angel food cake is an amazing dessert that is lighter than most traditional cakes. Though people often eat plain or with berries and whipped cream, it is also great with frosting. If you are wanting to add frosting to your angel food cake, whipped cream frosting, fluffy boiled frosting, vanilla glaze, and lemon buttercream are the best options.
What is the best way to serve angel food cake?
Traditionally, angel food cake is served plain, with whipped cream, or with a side of fruit, such as berries. However, some people do serve it with frosting on top. There are some types of frostings that have become popular to pair with angel food cake.
What is the difference between angel food cake and regular cake?
First of all, angel food cake is not a yellow cake. It’s a white cake. That is, it only contains egg whites (and lots of them) but no egg yolks. The egg whites help give angel food cake its foamy meringue-type lift.
Is Angelfood cake good?
But some desserts, such as angel food cake, are naturally less deadly on the calorie and fat scales, so a full-size portion on occasion won’t wreak havoc on an otherwise healthy diet. Angel food cake gets its lift from beaten egg whites. No egg yolks and no butter mean the cake contains no fat.
What gives angel food cake its flavor?
The granulated sugar, which you’ll add while whipping the egg whites, helps stabilize the foam and give the cake its structure. Powdered sugar is added in later for additional airy sweetness, tenderization, and flavor.
Is angel food cake supposed to be chewy?
Also, the overextended air cells are more likely to collapse in the oven; the cake will be tough and chewy rather than melt-in-your-mouth tender. Whip the egg whites until they’re droopy and soft. Whites provide the sole leavening for angel food cake, so it’s vital that they’re whipped properly.
Is angel food cake like pound cake?
Angel food cake is an unshortened cake with no fat, but pound cake uses butter. This is why angel food cake is a tall, delicate pastry with an airy texture and light flavors, while pound cake is shorter and dense.
What is the healthiest cake to eat?
Healthiest and Unhealthiest Cakes
Is Angelfood cake diabetic friendly?
This delicious Sugar Free Angel Food Cake recipe is super easy to make, low carb, and perfect for diabetics. An incredible sugar free dessert.
Why do you cool angel food cake upside down?
Its rise is created by the egg whites and until it cools, its structure is not set. Allowing it to cool upside down ensures it doesn’t collapse. Many angel food cake pans come with feet around the edges for this very purpose.
Does angel food cake cause gas?
The gas and bloating you’ve experienced after eating your cake is because of the gastrointestinal side effects of the maltitol and lactitol. These sweeteners are slowly and only partly absorbed from the digestive tract, and this can cause a laxative effect or gas.
How would you describe angel food cake?
Angel food cake is a low fat cake recipe made mostly from egg whites, cake flour, and sugar. It’s pristine white on the inside with a chewy light brown crumb around the exterior. What it lacks in butter makes up for in texture. This tall, tender, and timeless cake has a cloud-like crumb and ultra light flavor.
What is angel food cake used for?
Some historians think that the first angel food cakes were probably baked by African-American slaves from the South because making this cake required a strong beating arm and lots of labor to whip the air into the whites. Angel food cakes are also a traditional African-American favorite for post-funeral feasting.
Is sponge cake the same as angel food cake?
While both cakes use eggs, the primary difference between angel food cake and sponge cake is which part of the eggs get used. Specifically, angel food cake only uses egg whites, while sponge cakes use both egg whites and yolks.
Why is angel food cake so hard?
A low volume can result from baking at too low of a temperature, too short of cooking time, too little cream of tartar, or the egg whites are not beaten to a stiff peak. An angel food cake may fall out of the pan for several reasons: ¢ A nonstick or greased tube pan may have been used.
What makes Angelfood cake tough?
After combining ingredients, do not over mix the batter. Beat until you get a soft peak. If you beat it too much, the egg whites in the mixture will deflate and your cake will be tough. Remember – your batter will not be as stiff as a meringue.
Why does my angel food cake taste like eggs?
Apparently, cake flour is too ‘delicate,’ and can be overpowered by the egg’s flavor. Cake flour wasn’t what was used in the heyday of angel food, and angel food cake suffers from using it, though you might expect it to just be more subtle with cake flour.
What can I do with angel food cake?
Angel food cake is the perfect blank canvas for your next dessert creation! Turn your angel food cake into a faux Boston Cream Pie ( like this Boston Cream Angel Cake) by slicing it horizontally, spreading vanilla custard or pudding between the layers and topping the whole thing with this almost-ridiculously simple chocolate ganache.
What Frosting Do You Put On Angel Food Cake?
- Angel food cake is a delectable delight to consume since it is light, delicate, and fluffy.
- Many people prefer it served on its own or with fruit, which is what I do.
- Some people, on the other hand, may wonder what kind of icing to use on an angel food cake.
- Despite the fact that some individuals like to eat their angel food cake plain, others prefer to decorate theirs with icing.
The fact that it has such a light and airy texture means that it doesn’t go well with every type of icing.Because of the thicker consistency of frostings such as buttercream and cream cheese, angel food cake is not commonly frosted with these varieties.
What is Angel Food Cake?
- Angel food cake is a sort of sponge cake that is produced with egg whites, flour, and sugar as the primary ingredients.
- In addition, cream of tartar and vanilla extract are frequently included in the recipe.
- Angel food cake, on the other hand, does not include either butter or egg yolks, which are found in most conventional cakes.
- The airy texture of the cake is achieved by beating the egg whites until they are stiff.
Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until they form a delicate peak before gently folding in the remaining ingredients.Overwhipping the egg whites might result in the cake collapsing during the baking process.It is customary to add cake flour in order to give it a soft texture.Because of the delicate texture, it is usually sliced using a serrated knife.When serving, it will be simpler to maintain the fluffy consistency because of this.
A bundt pan or tube pan is typically used, however cupcake tins can be be used for this recipe if desired.The finished product will have a golden-brown outside and a white inside after baking.It will have a little sticky feel and a tall, fluffy look, and it will be flavored with vanilla.
- Angel food cake is a type of cake that developed in the United States and gained popularity in the late 1800s.
- During the early 2000s, it was a very popular dessert in the United States.
- Many individuals still find it enjoyable now.
What Frosting Do You Put on Angel Food Cake?
- The traditional way to serve angel food cake is either simple, topped with whipped cream, or served with a side of fruit, such as berries.
- Some individuals, on the other hand, prefer to serve it with icing on top.
- There are some types of frostings that have grown increasingly popular for use with angel food cake in recent years.
- Whipped cream frosting, fluffy boiled frosting, vanilla glaze, and lemon buttercream are some of the most common frostings to use on angel food cake, and they are all delicious.
These frostings are a perfect compliment to the sweet, delicate flavor of angel food cake without dominating it in any way.The Chicago Metallic Professional 2-Piece 9.5-Inch Angel Food Cake Pan with Feet is a high-quality baking pan.
Whipped Cream Frosting for Angel Food Cake
- Despite its light texture and flavor, the whipped cream icing is quite rich in flavor.
- It is fairly similar to conventional whipped cream, with the exception that it frequently contains a little bit of cream cheese.
- Some recipes, on the other hand, are as simple as heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Whipped cream frosting can also be created using a variety of fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries.
Angel food cake is a delicious dessert that goes well with a strawberry whipped cream icing.
Fluffy Boiled Frosting
- Fluffy boiled frosting, also known as white mountain frosting, is a type of frosting that is made from egg whites.
- Due to the fact that it is not as often used as buttercream or cream cheese frosting, it is a less well-known icing.
- As opposed to standard frostings, it is usually not as sweet as they are.
- Making the fluffy boiled frosting is as simple as whisking together beaten egg whites with boiling sugar syrup.
The frosting, in contrast to most others, does not contain any butter, heavy whipping cream, or confectioners’ sugar.It has a nice, light texture that is perfect for serving with angel food cake or pound cake.
Vanilla Glaze
Vanilla glaze is a delicious and easy frosting that is perfect for smothering angel food cake with. A simple mixture of powdered sugar, vanilla, and heavy whipping cream, milk, or water is used to create the glaze, which is often served over a cake or cupcake. It is then poured over cakes to produce a simple yet delectable frosting that is easy to make.
Lemon Buttercream
- Even though buttercream is not the most frequent type of icing to put on angel cake, it may still be a wonderful complement to the cake. Lemon buttercream enhances the delicate flavor of angel food cake by adding a lovely burst of citrus flavor. The sharpness of the lemon is well balanced by the sweetness of the angel food cake, resulting in an appealing flavor combination. Discover more delectable recipes by visiting the following link: Strawberry Bundt Cake from Scratch
- Sensationally Easy Tres Leches Cake
- Strawberry Bundt Cake from Scratch
A Light and Delicious Dessert Angel Food Cake Icings
- Angel food cake is a delicious treat that is lighter in weight than most traditional cakes and is perfect for summer.
- Although it is commonly served simple or with berries and whipped cream, it is especially delicious when topped with icing.
- If you want to decorate your angel food cake with icing, the finest possibilities are whipped cream frosting, fluffy boiled frosting, vanilla glaze, and lemon buttercream.
- Whipped cream frosting is the most popular choice.
Did you find this article about what icing to use on angel food cake to be interesting?If this is the case, please share your ideas in the comments section below the article.Do you think this article is interesting?Please share this with your Facebook friends.
Angel Food Cake: so soft, springy, and light! It’s the best cake for summer, and it’s so easy to make from scratch, with just a few simple ingredients!
- The Fourth of July is quickly approaching, and it seems like the ideal time to offer my favorite recipe for the tastiest summer cake in all of the land: angel food cake!
- Angel food cake is the perfect dessert for this time of year since it is soft, a touch sweet, and as light as a cloud, much like the season.
- It’s as easy as it gets, and it’s very great when served with fresh berries or seasonal fruit.
- My mind immediately goes to a towering, fluffy angel food cake surrounded by strawberries and blueberries when I’m thinking about summer entertaining.
WHAT IS ANGEL FOOD CAKE
- Angel food cake is a basic sponge cake that is created without the use of any fats or oils. It has a cloud-like appearance, is light and delicious, and has a delicate white inside. Its structure is derived from the beaten egg whites. It is inherently fat- and dairy-free, and it can be made gluten-free by substituting a high-quality gluten-free flour mix for standard all-purpose flour in a cup-for-cup fashion. Some examples of books that I would recommend: Cup4Cup Multi-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour
- King Arthur Flour Gluten-Free Measure for Measure Flour
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flour
- Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free All-Purpose Baking Flour
It may also be made low-carb/diabetic friendly by substituting a zero-calorie sweetener such as Splenda, Stevia, or Erythritol for the regular sugar.
WHAT DOES ANGEL FOOD CAKE TASTE LIKE?
- Angel food cake is really simple to make, yet there is nothing else quite like it in the world.
- The texture is really light and fluffy, almost like a marshmallow, and it tastes delicious!
- It’s a little sweet without being overpowering.
- There is a little vanilla flavor, as well as a sweet almond aftertaste to this blend.
It goes perfectly with berries or other seasonal fruit.It’s hard to put into words how delicious angel food cake tastes, but the closest I can get is ″like a sweet cloud!″
HOW TO MAKE ANGEL FOOD CAKE
- In order to make angel food cake, you must first whisk the egg whites until they are super-fluffy, then sweeten them with sugar before adding in the flour, vanilla, and almond extracts.
- That’s all there is to it!
- There are a few techniques that will almost certainly ensure your success, but it’s not that complicated.
- The egg whites are the most crucial part of this recipe.
And, more specifically, getting as much air into them as you possibly can.It is critical to ensure that your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean before beginning.If there is any trace of fat left in your whites, it might hinder them from whipping correctly and effectively.Clean them well in extremely hot, soapy water or put them through the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle before using them.The use of a small amount of cream of tartar will aid in the stabilization of your egg whites.
Cream of tartar is a white powder that can be purchased in the spice department of most grocery stores, or you can order cream of tartar online here if you prefer.Because it is acidic, it will aid your egg whites to remain fluffy for a longer period of time.If you reside in an area where cream of tartar is not readily available, you can replace a little amount of lemon juice or white vinegar.
- You’ll also want to take your time when adding items to your beaten whites, since you don’t want them to curdle.
- They may get deflated if you pour flour or sugar on top of them at the same time!
- As a result, while beating, carefully and gently add the sugar.
- (See the video at the bottom of this page.) And then gently sprinkle the flour/sugar mixture over the meringue, folding it in carefully in three increments until it is thoroughly incorporated.
- Do everything in your power to keep all of the air that you’ve worked so hard to whip into the room!
- It is possible that you have noticed that this recipe calls for cake flour.
- Because cake flour is finer, lighter, and softer than regular flour, I like to use it in my angel food cake recipe.
- If you want to learn more about cake flour, visit this page: Why Use Cake Flour?
- In addition, cake flour may be purchased here.
This angel food cake will still rise a little in the oven while it bakes, despite the fact that it is produced without the use of any artificial leaveners.Because of the heat, all of those small air bubbles will expand, and your angel food cake will bake up tall and beautiful!
THE ANGEL FOOD CAKE PAN
- This angel food cake is baked in a tube pan (also known as a ″angel food cake pan″) in the traditional manner.
- It is similar to a bundt pan, but does not have the beautiful fluting on the sides.
- If you don’t already have one, you may get a tube pan from this website.
- This recipe may also be made as cupcakes, in a 9-inch-by-13-inch pan, or in two 9-inch-diameter cake pans, depending on your preference.
With this angel food cake recipe, you will be able to make around 32 cupcakes.You may also half the amount and bake it in a 5-cup loaf pan if you want to save time.Just keep in mind that if you make a cake in a pan that is larger or smaller than the one specified, you will need to alter the baking time accordingly.Cakes that are smaller or thinner bake in less time than cakes that are bigger or taller.When your angel food cake is finished, it will feel springy to the touch and a toothpick put into the thickest portion of the cake will come out clean.
Cool your angel food cake upside down to prevent it from deflating as it cools down.In order to make this easier, many angel food cake pans are equipped with little feet at the top.Once it has cooled fully, just run the blade of a thin, sharp knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it, and then lift it out of the pan.
HOW TO SERVE ANGEL FOOD CAKE
- An angel food cake, in my opinion, does not require any icing or frosting to be completed.
- That type of embellishment only serves to weigh down what should otherwise be impossible to describe as light and airy.
- Serve angel food cake with a dab of lightly whipped cream and a few pieces of fresh, seasonal fruit for the most delicious presentation.
- It’s extremely delicious when served with strawberries.
Given the light and spongy nature of angel food cake, you’ll want to slice it with a serrated knife and use a delicate back and forth sawing motion to achieve the best results.If you use a conventional knife, it is possible that the cake will be smashed; the serrated bread knife’s little teeth are essential for getting a smooth, clean cut.
HOW TO STORE ANGEL FOOD CAKE
- If kept at room temperature for 3 to 4 days, this handmade angel food cake will keep well.
- Wrap it firmly to prevent it from drying out or becoming stale.
- After that, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 to 10 days at room temperature.
- If it goes on for any longer than that, it should probably be frozen.
Angel food cake keeps well in the freezer!It may be stored in the freezer for up to a month or two, then thawed at room temperature before being sliced and prepared for serving.This post includes affiliate links with the purpose of making a transaction.Angel Food Cake is a very delicate, bouncy, and light dessert.Summertime cake at its finest, and it’s really simple to create from scratch with only a few basic ingredients!
Dessert is the course, and the cuisine is American.Angel Food Cake, Cake Servings: 12 Calories: 149 kcal Per Serving: 12 kcal
- 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) Oven temperature
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg whites on medium-high speed until they are foamy.
- Continue to beat the whites until they hold soft peaks, adding the cream of tartar and salt as necessary.
- Whip in 1/2 cup of the sugar at a very slow and steady pace while continuing to whip the mixture.
- Sift in the cake flour and remaining sugar in three additions, folding after each addition, until the whites are stiff enough to retain a stiff peak
- Fold in the vanilla and almond extracts, then transfer the batter to a 10-inch tube pan that has not been oiled.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the cake is springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the thickest portion comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the cake upside-down before removing it from the pan and slicing it to serve.
- Angel Food Cake Nutritional Information Amount Per Serving (1 slice) Amount of calories: 149 percent of the Daily Value* Sodium: 91 mg 4% of the population Potassium: 103 milligrams 3 percent of the population 25 grams of sugar Carbohydrates 32 grams 11 percent 28 percent of the population Protein content is 4g8 percent.
- Calcium (three milligrams) The following percentages of daily values are based on a 2000-calorie diet: 0 percent iron, 0.1 mg sodium, and 1 percent potassium.
Angel food cake is the perfect blank canvas for your next dessert creation!
1 / 10 Taste of Home
Chocolate Ganache
To make a spoof Boston Cream Pie (such as this Boston Cream Angel Cake), slice your angel food cake horizontally, add vanilla custard or pudding between the layers, then cover it all with this almost-ridiculously easy chocolate ganache (like this Boston Cream Angel Cake). 2 out of 10 for Taste of Home
Lemon Curd
The inspiration for this one came from our love of lemons! Simply slice an angel food cake horizontally into layers, add our finest homemade lemon curd between the layers, then replace the top with a cake stand. And there you have it! 3 out of 10 Ulyana Khorunzha / Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
…and Meringue
Because lemon curd has taken over our minds, and, wouldn’t you know it, angel food cake makes the ideal basis for a false lemon meringue pie? You’ll need to set aside some time to prepare your meringue, but trust us when we say it will be well worth it for a truly spectacular sweet treat. 4 out of 10 stars for Taste of Home
Pie Filling + Cream Cheese
- With only 10 minutes, a can of fruity pie filling, and a little amount of cream cheese, you can create a plethora of variations on this simple Blueberry Angel Dessert recipe.
- One reviewer raved about this torn-up cake topped with cherry pie filling, while others felt it was delicious with strawberry filling.
- It is entirely up to you!
5 out of 10 Photograph courtesy of Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock
Bananas Foster
This Slow Cooker Bananas Foster recipe takes only 10 minutes to prepare, and when it’s finished, it nearly begs to be used as the next topping for your angel food cake! Simply layer a slice of angel food cake at the bottom of each serving dish and top with gooey banana delight to complete the presentation. 6 out of 10 on Taste of Home
Rainbow Sherbet
While this Rainbow Sherbet Angel Food Cake only has five ingredients, it appears to be far more elaborate than it actually is. Simply slice your angel food cake horizontally, layer with your chosen rainbow hues of sherbet, then coat the top and edges of the cake with spiky whipped cream to complete your dessert. 7 out of 10 for Taste of Home
Cream Pie Filling
Are you in the mood for a coconut cream pie and have an angel food cake waiting in the wings? The simple coconut cream pie filling from this recipe may be used to top an angel food cake, along with some toasted coconut, to make a delicious dessert. 8 out of 10 for Taste of Home
Balsamic Vinegar
This Grilled Angel Food Cake is made with balsamic butter and fresh strawberries, and it is a surprising and wonderful treat. For the ultimate way to cap off a backyard BBQ, serve it with ice cream! 9 out of 10 Stock photos courtesy of Shutterstock and Kwangmoozaa
Sundae Fixin’s
Begin by layering one or two slices of angel food cake on the bottom of your serving dish and then building your sundae on top of that. (Do you have a spare 20 minutes? In this Caramelized Angel Food Cake Sundae recipe, the angel food cake is caramelized first.) 10 out of 10 for Taste of Home
Instant Pudding + Strawberries + Cream
Who would have thought that this elegant-looking Strawberry Trifle could be produced in about 20 minutes with only a few simple ingredients such as angel food cake, instant pudding mix, fresh strawberries, and cream? This article was first published on June 5th, 2018.
What is Angel Food Cake? (with pictures)
- Mary McMahon is a well-known actress.
- Date: Saturday, February 7, 2022 Angel food cake is a light and delicate sponge cake with a delicate flavor.
- Although it was popular during the late nineteenth century, this cake is still eaten with tea and after meals today.
In comparison to the American version, the European version is heavier and fuller.The process of making angel food can be difficult since it involves the skill to manage egg whites well and to fold dry ingredients into egg whites without deflating their bubbles, among other things.The flavor of angel food cake is not to everyone’s liking.It has a crumb that appears to melt in the mouth and is incredibly light and frothy.
Some individuals describe it as tasting like damp cotton or sponge, and they find it unpleasant.Additionally, the cake must be sliced and handled with care; chefs should never cut the cake with a regular knife since this will squeeze the air out of it.The most effective equipment and method is a serrated knife used in a gently sawing motion.The recipe for this cake is straightforward, with the chef free to experiment with different flavors.Some components can be blended directly with the cake, although the flavoring is most typically decided by the glaze that is used to cover the cake.Because heavier icings would hide the light texture and flavor of the cake, it is customary to leave the cake unfrosted as a general rule.
Glazes can be prepared with a variety of flavors, including orange, cinnamon, lemon, chocolate, and others.When creating angel food cake, it is essential that all of the instruments and mixing bowls be completely clean, dry, and devoid of oil.In addition, the baking pan should be ungreased.Some cooks like to carefully wash everything before they begin in order to achieve the highest level of cleanliness.It is necessary to set up a cooling station for the cake, which must be chilled in an inverted posture in order to prevent it from collapsing.
A baker might begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (191 degrees Celsius).She should next sift together 1 cup (137 g) cake flour, 0.75 cup (150 g) sugar, and 0.5 teaspoon (3 g) salt many times, making sure that all of the ingredients are well-combined and evenly distributed.Adding them to the egg white mixture will make it impossible for the chef to blend them properly.
- In a separate dish, she should whisk 12 egg whites with 1 tablespoon (14.78 mL) warm water, 1 tablespoon (14.78 mL) lemon juice, 1 teaspoon (3 g) cream of tartar, and 1 teaspoon (4.92 mL) vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Other flavorings, such as orange or almond extract, might be used at this point as well.
- As soon as the egg whites begin to froth, the chef should slowly add 0.75 cup (150 g) sugar and continue to beat the mixture until it forms soft, glossy peaks.
- This is the stage at which the cook gently folds the flour mixture into the egg whites, taking care not to deflate the air bubbles.
- After that, she should pour the mixture into a tube pan that has not been oiled and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Before applying the glaze, the cake must be totally cooled.
- The cake should be left to rest for at least six hours before serving, according to the experts, because it can have an eggy flavor for a few hours after cooking.
- Mary McMahon is a well-known actress.
- Mary has enjoyed the exciting task of being a researcher and writer for the site ever since she began contributing to it some years ago, and she continues to do so.
- Mary holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Goddard College and enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors in her spare time.
- Mary McMahon is a well-known actress.
- Mary has enjoyed the exciting task of being a researcher and writer for the site ever since she began contributing to it some years ago, and she continues to do so.
- Mary holds a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Goddard College and enjoys reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors in her spare time.
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How to Make Angel Food Cake
- Angela, TBSP, contributed to this article.
- Created on the 10th of March, 2017.
- Follow these simple criteria to create the lightest, moistest angel food cake that is just the right amount of sweet (but not too sweet).
What distinguishes angel food cake from other yellow cakes such as pound cake, sponge cake, and others?First and first, angel food cake is not the same as yellow cake.It’s a dessert that’s white in color.That is, it is made entirely of egg whites (and plenty of them), with no egg yolks whatsoever.
The egg whites contribute to the fluffy meringue-like texture of angel food cake.One way to think of angel food cake is as a mix of meringue and cake all rolled into one.Additionally, all angel food cakes have a similar shape: they are round with a hole in the center, like a huge doughnut, with a rounded top and a flat bottom, similar to a pound cake.
Ingredients
- Angel food cake is made with flour, egg whites, and sugar, just like many other cakes.
- However, there are several specifics about these components that make all the difference in how perfectly your angel food cake comes out.
- For starters, cake flour is the greatest; it is significantly superior to all-purpose flour.
The majority of angel food cake recipes ask for either superfine sugar or granulated sugar that has been processed in a food processor until it has become ″superfine.″ In a similar vein, sifting the sugar and flour together is essential in achieving the light and airy texture of a flawless angel food cake.Angel food cake also contains cream of tartar, which is a crucial component that should not be omitted from the recipe.The acidity provided by the cream of tartar contributes to the texture’s light airiness and airiness in appearance.Angel food cake is a type of cake that is neither leavened or shortened.
The cream of tartar is responsible for the ″rising.″ Besides eggs, vanilla extract is another often used component in angel food cake, however some recipes will include additional flavors to enhance the flavor of the cake (instead of or in addition to vanilla), such as almond or peppermint extract.Other variations on the basic angel food cake recipe include the addition of a citrus or chocolate glaze or a chocolate malted batter, as well as the addition of almonds or pumpkin pie spices.
Preparing the Batter
- It is possible to divide the preparation of an angel food cake batter into two main steps: mixing and baking.
- The process begins with the preparation of a meringue, which is subsequently filled into a cake with flour.
- The secret to the first step, which is the creation of the meringue, is to stop before the peaks get too rigid.
The best peaks are those that appear like waves and that sink back into the bowl when the whisk or beaters are lifted.Working carefully and methodically with the flour/sugar combination in the second step will ensure that the frothy egg white mixture does not collapse as you fold it in is the key to success in this step.
Baking the Cake
- Pour the mixture into a tube pan, which is a type of baking pan that is specifically designed for this type of cake, to get the iconic angel food cake form.
- It might take anything from 30 minutes to an hour to bake an angel food cake at 350 degrees, depending on the recipe you choose.
- The cake is done when it springs back when you softly touch on the top of it.
Allowing the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it from the pan is highly recommended.After that, run a butter knife around the outside of the container to prevent it from sticking when you remove it.Serve your angel food cake with ice cream to add a touch of indulgence to your dessert.
Angel food cake blessed with less fat, fewer calories
- No matter how healthy we strive to eat, the majority of us have a want for something sweet from time to time.
- Having just a bowl of fruit isn’t enough, and low-calorie or low-fat sweets aren’t particularly filling either.
- Eating a little taste of something you really desire, such as a tablespoon of ice cream, an ounce of chocolate, or a single chocolate chip cookie, might be the greatest solution.
However, some sweets, such as angel food cake, are naturally lower in calories and fat than others, so indulging in a full-size serving on occasion will not wreck an otherwise balanced diet.The beaten egg whites in angel food cake give the cake its lift.The absence of egg yolks and butter means that the cake is low in fat.Furthermore, because of the absence of fat, the cake has less calories than, for example, pound cakes, cupcakes, or ice cream.
A handmade angel food cake is not only simple to create, but it also tastes considerably superior to the majority of store-bought versions.Another advantage is that it goes very well with freshly picked local berries, which are now in season.By crushing a few berries and combining them with honey, cooks may make a simple sauce that can be tossed with more whole berries once they’ve finished cooking the meat.Keep in mind that, despite the fact that this cake contains no fat or cholesterol, it does include sugar.Dispatch.com/[email protected]@DispatchKitchen has a lower-sugar version produced with artificial sweeteners that may be obtained there.* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Traditional ANGEL FOOD CAKE with BerriesMakes a delicious dessert.
12 servings (per recipe) You won’t feel bad about indulging in a few modest slices of this cake, which is bursting with fresh local raspberries.Visit Dispatch.com/health for a recipe for angel food cake made with less sugar than usual.Otherwise, the cake will not rise properly if the pan is not greased or floured.The cake will retain its height if it is allowed to cool inverted in the pan.1 1/2 cups sugar and 1 cup flour are needed for the cake.
1 1/2 cups egg whites at room temperature (optional) (from about 12 large eggs) a quarter teaspoon of salt 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (strained) 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract Fruit: 2 cups fresh raspberry or blackberry (or a mix of the two) or 2 cups frozen raspberry (or combination of the two) honey (about 2 teaspoons) 1 tbsp.freshly squeezed lemon juice To create a cake, follow these steps: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.In a large mixing basin, sift 3/4 cup sugar and the flour together.
- In a separate dish, whisk together the egg whites and salt.
- Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture becomes frothy.
- Pour in the lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- Continue to beat until the whites begin to keep their form (around 5 minutes).
- Increase the speed to a medium-high setting.
- Beat in the remaining 3/4 cup sugar in a slow, steady stream.
- In a separate bowl, whisk until the whites form a delicate, glossy peak.
- Using a third of the flour mixture, sift it over the egg whites.
- With a rubber spatula, gently fold in the ingredients.
- Repeat the process twice more.
- Pour the batter into an angel food cake pan that is 10 inches in diameter.
- Top with a smooth finish.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the cake is well risen, deep golden brown, and firm to the touch.
Inverting the pan onto the neck of a bottle will work just fine.Allow to cool fully.Remove the cake from the mold.
- To create the berries, begin by mash 1/2 cup berries in a basin while the cake is cooling.
- Stir in the honey and lemon juice until the honey is completely dissolved.
- Fold in the remainder of the berries.
- Make slices out of the cake.
- Each person should be served with a huge scoop of berries.
- Per serving: 174 calories; 5 grams of protein; 39 grams of carbs; 2 grams of fiber; 29 grams of sugar; zero grams of fat; 0 grams of cholesterol; 100 milligrams of sodium
How To Make a Classic, Foolproof Angel Food Cake
- Known as ″angel food cake,″ this delectable, sky-high confection is what dessert fantasies are made of.
- It’s a versatile dish that can be dressed up in a variety of ways, such as by serving it with fruit, topping it with whipped cream, or flavoring it with coffee, chocolate, or citrus zest, among other things.
- In need of a traditional recipe that you can trust, look no farther than our angel food cake, which will satisfy your after-dinner appetite while providing you with double the taste and twice the fluff you’ve been craving.
Why Make This Angel Food Cake?
- There are two things that any decent angel food cake needs: height and taste.
- Once you grasp the fundamental physics underlying the traditional cake, it becomes quite simple to achieve the ideal mix of sweetness and airy texture.
- As a result of extensive study and multiple rounds of testing, our angel food cake recipe has the optimal ratio of ingredients, as well as the precise technique and procedure, guaranteeing that your angel food cake is a success every time.
The production of an egg white foam, which gives the cake its height and fluffiness, is the most critical phase to master in the baking process.Angel food cake is easy to make if you’ve ever beaten egg whites or produced a meringue, which means you’ve already completed the first step.During the whipping process, the proteins in egg whites expand and rearrange, resulting in a configuration that can be six to eight times larger in volume than the initial volume.Aerating a variety of foods, including angel food cake, may be accomplished with the help of a well-prepared, stable foam.
What Ingredients Do I Need for Angel Food Cake?
- A basic angel food cake requires only three ingredients: egg whites, sugar, and flour.
- However, the way those three elements are mixed may make or break the cake’s texture and flavor.
- The greatest results will be obtained by using room-temperature, yolk-free egg whites.
To prevent foam production from occurring, make sure there is no trace of fat or oil in the mixture.We like to separate the eggs while they’re still cold, and then let the whites get to room temperature on their own once they’ve been separated.This recipe calls for the use of two forms of sugar, each of which has a different function.It is the granulated sugar, which you will add while beating the egg whites, that will aid to stabilize the froth and give the cake its structural integrity.
A subsequent addition of powdered sugar provides extra airy sweetness, tenderization, and taste to the dish.Cake flour is used to help hold the cake together while also keeping the batter soft.Cake flour should be sifted prior to being folded into the foam in order to prevent it from collapsing for the best results.Salted ice cubes, vanilla essence, and cream of tartar (which is used to increase foam stability) complete the list of ingredients.Because angel food cake is inherently fat-free, you’ll note that there is no oil or butter in this recipe.
What Pan Do I Need for Angel Food Cake?
- When baking bigger angel food cakes, a tube pan is ideal because the middle tube gives more support for the cake to expand on while it bakes, making the cake more stable.
- A lengthy upside-down resting period is required for angel food cakes after baking in order to reinforce their lofty structure, and the little feet around the upper lip of a tube cake pan assist with the stability of the inverted pan while cooling.
- We found that using a conventional (not nonstick) light-colored pan yielded the greatest results.
It is not suggested to use elaborately formed Bundt pans since angel food cake will become stuck in them, even though you won’t need to oil the tube pan (the batter adhering to the walls of the tube pan actually aids the cake in rising).It is possible to bake lesser amounts of batter in loaf pans if you do not have a tube pan on hand.Because the cake will still need to cool for a short period of time upside-down, make careful not to overfill your loaf pans prior to baking.
How Can I Flavor Angel Food Cake?
- It is possible to customize a basic angel food cake recipe in a variety of ways.
- This recipe contains a tiny quantity of vanilla and almond extract, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
- In addition to the dry ingredients, you may fold in some citrus zest (such as lemon, orange, or lime) as well as a tiny quantity of ground spices (such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, or ginger).
Alternatively, you may add finely grated bittersweet chocolate to the dough before mixing in the flour to produce a chocolate angel food cake.Consider using light brown sugar for the granulated sugar in this recipe if you like a cake with a more robust taste profile.
How Do I Serve Angel Food Cake?
- Angel food cake should be consumed as soon as possible after preparation because it has a tendency to dry up rapidly.
- You could also use the cake as the foundation for strawberry shortcakes, sliced and strewn throughout a trifle, or under an airy cloud of whipped cream, if you prefer not to consume large pieces of cake on their own.
- Angel food cake is extremely light, so instead of slathering it with heavy buttercreams or ganache, choose for light whipped frostings, a sprinkling of powdered sugar, or even a simple glaze to provide a finishing touch.
Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; CC Buckley/Kitchn is responsible for the food styling. A traditional recipe for light and fluffy angel food cake, complete with step-by-step directions for foolproof results every time, as well as a video demonstration.
Ingredients
- 12 big egg whites that have been left at room temperature
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
Equipment
- 10-inch tube pan (with detachable bottom) with whisk attachment, or hand mixer with whisk attachment, or big mixing bowl with wire balloon whisk
Instructions
- Begin beating the egg whites until they are stiff. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit with a rack in the centre of the oven. Place the egg whites in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on high speed until stiff peaks form. (Alternatively, a big mixing bowl and an electric hand mixer or whisk can be used.) Beat the egg whites on low speed for about 2 minutes, or until foamy bubbles begin to form.
- Soft peaks should appear after a few minutes of beating. Add the cream of tartar and salt and increase the speed to medium-high, beating for 1 to 2 minutes, or until soft peaks form.
- Slowly incorporate the sugar into the batter. Mix on medium speed for about 30 seconds while you gently pour in a steady stream of sugar into the egg whites.
- Add the extracts and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and then continue beating on medium-high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until stiff peaks form.
- Combine the dry ingredients by folding them in. Disconnect the mixer from the power source. Pour in the flour and powdered sugar and gently mix them in with a rubber spatula until everything is well-combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Pour the batter into a 10-inch tube pan with a removable bottom that has not been oiled. To level out the top, gently run a knife through the batter in the pan to burst any air bubbles that may have formed.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 40-45 minutes. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back slightly when touched.
- Allow the cake to cool. If you want to cool the cake faster, turn the pan onto a wire rack and allow it to cool (upside-down!) in the pan for about an hour. The pan will essentially be balanced on the insert in the center of the central tube.
- Take the cake out of the oven. After flipping the pan right side up, carefully run a small knife over the edges of the cake to free it from the pan’s sides. Then, using a knife, carefully pry the cake out of the pan and tube insert, making sure to free it from the bottom of the insert as well.
Recipe Notes
- The tube pan: We found that utilizing a conventional (not nonstick) light-colored tube pan produced the greatest results.
- Prepare ahead of time: Angel food cake can be cooked ahead of time, carefully covered in plastic wrap, and kept at room temperature for up to one day.
- The cake should be frozen on a level surface in the freezer after being wrapped in a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil.
Allow for thawing at room temperature.Storage: Angel food cakes are prone to drying out, so keep the cake securely wrapped in plastic wrap while not serving.It is preferable if the cake is consumed within 2 days of baking.Kate Wood is a baker, writer, and photographer located in Birmingham, Alabama.
More of her recipes may be found on her blog, Wood & Spoon.We at Kitchn understand how vital it is to find recipes that are both delicious and worth your time.Every lesson — such as this one — includes recipes that have been tried and tested by our team of developers and at-home cooks from all around the country before being posted online.Do you have any questions or feedback for us?Send an email to [email protected] to introduce yourself.Kate Wood is a young woman who grew up in a little town in the United Kingdom.
Contributor Kate Wood is the self-taught baker, writer, and photographer behind the Wood and Spoon blog, an award-winning site that features Southern-inspired baked products and sweets.Wood is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.Kate, a registered dietician by profession, now lives by the slogan ″everything in moderation.″ Keep up with Kate
When It Comes to Angel Food Cake, God Is in the Details – How-To
- I’m a member of a group of bakers who get together once a month to talk about anything from the mechanics and bolts of small-business baking to our favorite brands of butter, among other things.
- We had so much in common that some of us wondered what would happen if we all cooked a cake using the same recipe.
- We were right to be curious.
Would we wind up with cakes that were exactly the same?We made the decision to find out.Everyone in the group contributed to the creation of an angel food cake by following a recipe developed by one of the members.The outcomes were rather striking.
The 35 contestants turned up with 35 very different cakes, which made for an interesting display.Some were five inches tall, while others were three inches short; some stood straight, while others were crooked; there were brown cakes, tan cakes, and ones that were immaculate white; smooth cakes, crumbly cakes; soft cakes, chewy cakes; and there were brown cakes, tan cakes, and pristine white.In the words of one witness, ″the only thing they had in common was that they both had a hole in the centre.″ I was sure after comparing all of the cakes that it takes more than a decent, well-balanced recipe to produce a wonderful angel food cake; it also takes a thorough grasp of baking processes to make a great angel food cake!After years of experimenting with various proportions and baking procedures, I’ve discovered that many factors are critical to the success of an angel food cake.First and foremost, the ingredients: cake flour and a combination of confectioners’ and granulated sugar create a delicate texture, while fresh, slightly chilled egg whites create a tall, well-structured cake with a tall, rounded top.On to the techniques: how you manage the ingredients will decide whether your cake will be tall and supple or flat and chewy in appearance.
The maximum volume and softness may be achieved by carefully beating the whites and gently mixing in the dry ingredients before baking.Using a temperature that is appropriate for the cake helps it to properly expand and bake all the way through before the cake’s structure is established.
Cake flour makes a tender cake; Sugar makes it stable
- Cake flour is used to create a fine-crumbed, soft angel food cake.
- Because it is low in protein, it has less gluten, which can cause a cake to become difficult.
- Furthermore, the small particles of cake flour make it particularly simple to incorporate into the mixture.
Using a blend of granulated sugar and confectioners’ sugar allows me to take use of the greatest characteristics of each sugar.When you combine egg whites with granulated sugar, you get a meringue, which produces a froth that is more stable and considerably lighter than egg whites alone.The problem is that if you use too much sugar or add it too rapidly, a thick syrup will develop, which will burden the whites and weigh down the cake during the baking process.When confectioners’ sugar is put to egg whites, it dissolves far too rapidly.
An icing-like slurry is produced instead of the expected stable foam formation.Adding confectioners’ sugar to the dry ingredients, on the other hand, aids in dispersing the flour particles more uniformly, which makes it simpler to fold into the egg whites later.Its microscopic grains result in a cake that is delicate and tightly grained.
Underwhip the whites for a loftier cake
- Because egg whites are the only leavening in angel food cake, it is critical that they are whipped properly.
- Softly beaten egg whites, rather than stiffly whipped egg whites, provide a high-rising cake.
- The optimum aeration and structure are achieved by using freshly separated egg whites.
The majority of the volume of an angel food cake is created by the steam produced by the evaporation of the liquid from the egg whites during the baking procedure.During the passage of steam through the air cell, the cells expand and raise the batter off the ground.In addition to losing moisture, egg whites that have been frozen or refrigerated after being separated lose their protein structure, which causes them to expand less than fresh egg whites.When whites are at 60°F, they whip the best.
Separate your eggs from the refrigerator while they are still cold and let them to rest at room temperature for about an hour before using.As a result, the whites that are whipped at this stage are viscous and less likely to overwhip.Additionally, the air bubbles that develop are more stable at this stage.The whites whip more quickly when they are at room temperature (approximately 70°F), but there is a larger risk of overwhipping them.Increase, not decrease, the whites’ optimal, not maximum, capability.When the egg whites are properly beaten, they blend readily with the other ingredients and continue to expand in the oven.
The batter should be light and fluffy, but not runny, and should be pourable rather than spoonable.It will take more time and effort to incorporate the dry ingredients if the whites are whipped too stiffly, and the batter will lose volume as a result.In addition, overextended air cells are more prone to collapse in the oven, resulting in a cake that is tough and chewy rather than supple and melt-in-your-mouth tender when it comes out.In a clean, large basin, whisk the egg whites until stiff.The bowl, beaters or whisk attachment, and spatula, as well as any other equipment that comes into touch with the whites, must be completely free of oil.
Even tiny levels of fat can impair an egg white’s capacity to catch and hold air, making it less effective.To be sure, wipe off all of your equipment with a paper towel that has been soaked with a small amount of white vinegar.Once the whites have been beaten, use a deep stainless-steel mixing bowl with at least a four-quart capacity to accommodate the increased volume of the whites.
- Plastic bowls are difficult to keep grease-free, while glass bowls are difficult to handle.
Gentle folding keeps air in the whites
- The secret to successful folding is to gently integrate the dry ingredients with the egg whites while keeping as much of the aerated volume as possible during the process.
- Instead of pouring the dry ingredients on top of the whipped whites, sprinkle the dry ingredients over the top to prevent the flour mixture from clumping and deflating the whites.
- The following is my folding technique: Hold a rubber spatula over the middle of the bowl with the rounded edge facing you, and the blade facing you, and scrape the sides of the bowl.
Simply cut straight down into the mixture, pulling along the bottom and up one side of the bowl closest to your hand before lifting it up and over itself and allowing it to gently fall back into the bowl (or vice versa).Make a quarter turn with the bowl and then repeat the move.Bring the spatula up through the surface of the batter a few times throughout the process to ensure that the dry ingredients are being spread evenly.Given that both the flour mixture and the egg whites have the same color, it might be difficult to tell whether the folding process has been completed successfully.
To combine the dry ingredients into the egg whites, fold only as much as is necessary to incorporate them.
The right oven temperature ensures a high rising cake
- A temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended for baking angel food cake.
- Once the cake is in the oven, the sugar begins to interact with the egg whites and the proteins in the flour.
- Because of the low temperature of the oven, the sugar will absorb liquid from the egg whites, turn syrupy, and weep out of the batter, causing the air cells to collapse and reducing the overall volume of the cake.
If the oven is too hot, on the other hand, the cake’s outside structure will set before the cake has had a chance to fully expand and bake through, resulting in a thick and short cake.A few cracks may occur on the surface of the cake towards the conclusion of the baking period, when the cake has reached its maximum height and has turned golden.Despite the fact that the structure has set, the cake may settle in the pan by about 1/4 inch as the steam subsides.When the surface is golden brown and bounces back when softly touched, the cake is finished.
The toothpick test should not be used since it might be deceiving when used to angel food cake.Even if the cake hasn’t finished baking, a toothpick can easily glide straight through the porous batter and come out clean.
Angel Food Cake Vs Pound Cake: What’s The Difference?
- We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links in this page.
- Because cake is one of the most popular sweets, it has undergone a plethora of varieties that are ideal for special events such as birthdays and other holidays.
- It’s understandable that you would be asking what the distinction is between an angel food cake and a pound cake.
Despite the fact that they are both classified as cakes, the methods used to prepare each dessert are vastly different.We have done extensive study to determine what distinguishes angel food cake from pound cake.The fundamental difference between angel food cake and pound cake is the amount of fat they contain, which is decided by the amount of shortening used in their preparation.Angel food cake is an unshortened cake that has no fat, unlike pound cake contains fat.
Angel food cake is a tall, delicate pastry with a light texture and mild tastes, whereas pound cake is shorter and denser in structure and flavor.It is always crucial to understand the flavor and components of your dessert, whether you intend on making it yourself or getting it from a bakery.Continue reading to find out what distinguishes angel food cake and pound cake from other types of cakes, as well as how nutritious each of these desserts may be for you.
What makes angel food cake different?
- The main distinguishing feature of angel food cake is that it is made without the use of butter.
- In fact, it is recommended that the pan in which it is baked be kept uncoated.
- Angel food cake, on the other hand, is a sort of foam cake, which is a fundamental categorization for cakes that rise as a result of the use of either eggs or egg whites rather than typical leaveners such as baking powder or yeast.
Angel food cake, on the other hand, does not include egg yolks.It is produced from egg whites that have been beaten till stiff before being folded in half.This causes air to build, which may then be incorporated into the cake batter.When you use this easy strategy, the batter will rise when it is baked, resulting in an exceptionally tall cake when it is finished.
On Amazon, you can get this tube pan with a detachable base by clicking here.Because of this, angel food cake is often baked in a tube pan, which is known as an angel food cake pan in the culinary community.When compared to a traditional cake pan, tube pans are significantly taller.A tube pan is typically spherical with straight edges, and it has a hollow tube in the centre that is hollow within.This design enables the angel food cake to safely adhere to the sides of the pan and rise without collapsing in on itself during the baking process.It’s also important to note that when an angel food cake has been taken from the oven, it must be flipped upside down.
As a result, most tube pans feature a detachable base, which makes it simple to remove the angel food cake once it has cooled completely.Due to the extraordinary lightness, fluffiness, and airiness of the resultant cake, it will often be too delicate to be iced with icing.As a result, different forms of glazing and fruit are utilized as garnishes instead of frosting.Angel food cake, on the other hand, is still adaptable since the foundation can be flavored at the time of preparation.It is important to note that fresh angel food cake will typically be moist, as opposed to the dry store variety.
If you want to make your own angel food cake, you should read the page ″What Flour Should I Use For Angel Food Cake?″
Is there a difference between angel food cake and sponge cake?
- Due to the fact that the name sponge cake is commonly used to refer to all foam cakes, it is simple to become confused between the two varieties of cake.
- As a result, typical sponge cakes and angel food cakes are both light and unshortened desserts to enjoy.
- The most significant distinction between the two is that sponge cake contains both egg whites and egg yolks.
These egg yolks will offer sponge cakes a richer flavor than angel food cake since they contain more fat.Some sponge cakes can also be made in the European style, which is described below.Due to the fact that this variety is drier than the American variant, it is usually served with syrup.The post ″How To Store A Sponge Cake″ might help you ensure that a newly prepared or purchased sponge cake will keep as long as pos