Angel food cake is a light, fluffy, and ethereally delicious dessert that has taken the world by storm. It’s not just a tasty treat, but also a healthier option compared to regular cakes. Whether you’re an expert baker or a beginner, this cake is a must-try for everyone.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the history, ingredients, recipe variations, and nutritional benefits of angel food cake. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about this heavenly cake.
History of Angel Food Cake
The origin of angel food cake is shrouded in mystery, but many food historians believe that it was introduced in the nineteenth century in the United States. The cake’s name comes from its light texture and white color, which are reminiscent of fluffy clouds and angelic purity.
Angel food cake became popular in the early twentieth century, and its popularity soared during World War I and II, when food rationing made baking ingredients such as butter and eggs scarce.
Today, angel food cake is a staple dessert that’s enjoyed all over the world. Its signature fluffy texture, delicate sweetness, and versatility make it an ideal choice for any occasion.
Ingredients in Angel Food Cake
Angel food cake is made with only a few basic ingredients, which include:
- Egg whites: This is the main ingredient in angel food cake and gives it its signature airy texture. The egg whites are whipped until stiff peaks form and then folded into the batter.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is added to the egg whites to make them thick and glossy.
- Flour: Cake flour is the preferred flour to use for angel food cake as it has a lower protein content than all-purpose flour, which helps to create the tender texture of the cake.
- Cream of tartar : A small amount of this acidic ingredient is added to the egg whites to help stabilize them and prevent overbeating.
- Vanilla extract: This adds flavor to the cake.
However, there are many variations of the recipe that call for different ingredients, such as pineapple, 7-Up soda, and other flavorings.
Classic Angel Food Cake Recipe
Here’s a classic angel food cake recipe that’s easy to make and always delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 12 large egg whites
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Sift the cake flour and 3/4 cup of sugar three times.
- Beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the flour mixture, one-third at a time, using a spatula.
- Add the vanilla extract and continue to fold until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Invert the pan onto a cooling rack and let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.
This recipe makes a large cake, so if you’re looking for a smaller batch, you can easily cut the recipe in half.
Recipe Variations
Angel food cake is a versatile dessert that lends itself well to many variations. Here are some popular variations to try:
7-Up Angel Food Cake Recipe
This recipe uses 7-Up soda as a leavening agent instead of cream of tartar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 12 large egg whites
- 1/3 cup 7-Up soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- In a small bowl, sift together the flour, 3/4 cup of sugar, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and 7-Up soda until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in the flour mixture, one-third at a time, using a spatula.
- Add the vanilla extract and continue to fold until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Invert the pan onto a cooling rack and let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan.
Angel Food Cake Recipe Without Cream of Tartar
If you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, you can still make an excellent angel food cake. Simply omit the cream of tartar and add a pinch of baking powder to the flour mixture.
Angel Food Cake Recipe With Pineapple
Adding pineapple to an angel food cake is a delicious way to add flavor. Simply fold a cup of crushed pineapple into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
Small Angel Food Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a smaller batch of angel food cake, you can easily cut the recipe in half. Use a smaller tube pan or even a loaf pan to bake your cake.
Angel Food Cake Recipe Without Cake Flour
If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can easily make a substitute by combining all-purpose flour and cornstarch. For every cup of all-purpose flour, remove two tablespoons and replace it with two tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift the mixture together before using it in your recipe.
Health Benefits of Angel Food Cake
Angel food cake is a healthier option compared to other cakes because it’s fat-free, low in calories, and high in protein. It’s also a good source of essential vitamins and minerals.
The high protein content of the egg whites in angel food cake makes it a satisfying dessert that can help you feel fuller for longer. It’s also a good option for people with dietary restrictions, such as those following a vegan or gluten-free diet.
What is the Secret to Angel Food Cake?
The secret to making a perfect angel food cake is in the egg whites. You need to beat them until they reach stiff peaks, which means they hold their shape when the beaters are lifted. Overbeating or underbeating the egg whites can lead to a dense cake that doesn’t rise properly.
Another secret to making a great angel food cake is to fold the flour mixture into the egg whites gently. Use a spatula to gently fold the flour into the egg whites in three parts, being careful not to overmix.
Devils Food Cake Vs. Angel Food Cake
Devil’s food cake is the complete opposite of angel food cake. It’s rich, dense, and chocolatey, and it’s made with ingredients like butter, cocoa powder, and sugar. Devil’s food cake is often served with a rich frosting, while angel food cake is served plain or with a light topping like whipped cream or fresh fruit.
What Do You Eat Angel Food Cake With?
Angel food cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of toppings. Here are some delicious ways to serve angel food cake:
- Fresh fruit: Sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or peaches make a refreshing topping for angel food cake.
- Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and creamy texture to angel food cake.
- Chocolate sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce over angel food cake is a decadent way to enjoy this dessert.
- Lemon glaze: A tangy lemon glaze is a perfect complement to the sweet and light flavor of angel food cake.
- Ice cream: A scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream alongside a slice of angel food cake is a classic combination.
Conclusion
Angel food cake is a delightful dessert that’s easy to make, low in calories, and packed with protein. There are plenty of variations to try, from pineapple to 7-Up soda, and it’s the perfect choice for any occasion. Use this guide to perfect your angel food cake recipe and impress your family and friends with your baking skills.