Perfect Angel Food Cake
So many feel that angel food is hard to make, but it really is a simple cake. Try it when you have extra egg whites. This really is a perfect nonfat dessert when paired with fresh berries.
Makes12 slices (1 slice per serving)
Cooking Methodbaking
CostInexpensive
Total Timeunder 2 hours
Make Ahead RecipeYes
Kid FriendlyYes
OccasionCasual Dinner Party, Family Get-together
Recipe Coursedessert
Dietary Considerationdiabetic, halal, kosher, lactose-free, low cholesterol, low saturated fat, low-fat, peanut free, soy free, vegetarian
Equipmentelectric mixer
Mealbrunch, dinner, tea
Taste and Texturechewy, light, sweet
Type of Dishcake
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 mL) cake flour
- 1½ cups (375 mL) granulated sugar, divided
- 12 egg whites (about 1¼ cups/300 mL), very cold
- 1½ tsp (7 mL) cream of tartar
- 1½ tsp (7 mL) vanilla
- 1 tsp (5 mL) almond extract
- ½ tsp (2 mL) salt
- 10-inch (4 L) tube pan, ungreased
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
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Make sure all tools, including tube pan, mixer and whip attachment, are free of any oil, very clean and dry. If any traces of oil are on any of your tools, your cake will not work.
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Sift cake flour together with ¾ cup (175 mL) of the granulated sugar. Set aside.
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In a mixer bowl fitted with whip attachment, whip egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla, almond extract and salt on high speed until soft peaks form, about 4 minutes. With mixer running, gradually sprinkle in remaining sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gradually fold in flour mixture just until incorporated.
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Pour batter into pan, smoothing top and gently removing any large bubbles. Bake in preheated oven until golden brown and top springs back when lightly touched, 40 to 45 minutes. Invert pan, balancing on tube, and let cake cool completely. The cake should fall out of pan when cool. If it needs a little help, run a rubber spatula around the sides of pan to loosen.
2008 Barbara Selley, BA RD
