Homemade Angel Food Cake

Name: Homemade Angel Food Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups cake flour; 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar; 1 ½ cups egg whites (about 12 eggs); ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar; ¼ teaspoon clear vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon almond extract

Published: August 13, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and Fluffy Texture: This cake’s unique structure makes it incredibly airy, providing a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Versatile Pairings: Top it with strawberries, whipped cream, or any fruit of your choice for a delicious twist.
Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create something extraordinary without complex ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive celebration or an everyday dessert, this cake fits right in.
Satisfying to Make: There’s joy in beating egg whites to soft peaks and watching the cake rise beautifully in the oven.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started on your Homemade Angel Food Cake, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Ungreased 10-inch tube pan
Large metal bowl
Wire whisk
Metal spatula
Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

Ungreased 10-inch tube pan: This pan allows the cake to cling as it rises, creating that signature light texture.
Wire whisk: Essential for beating egg whites to the right consistency; it helps incorporate air effectively.
Metal spatula: Ideal for cutting through the batter and ensuring an even bake without deflating the mixture.

Ingredients

Delicious, classic Homemade Angel Food Cake recipe that you will love! It comes out perfect every time and is worth making it from scratch. The texture and flavor is out of this world. Grab your strawberries and whipped cream to top it off!

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. It’s essential to have the oven ready before you begin mixing your ingredients.

Step 2: Sift the Flour Mixture

Sift together the cake flour and ½ cup of granulated sugar four times. This step aerates the flour and ensures a light cake.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Whites

In a large metal bowl combine:
– 1 ½ cups egg whites
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 1 ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
– ¼ teaspoon clear vanilla
– 1 teaspoon almond extract

Beat with a wire whisk until soft peaks form.

Step 4: Add Sugar Gradually

Add:
– 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar

Do this in four additions (⅓ cup at a time). Beat until blended after each addition. It’s crucial not to scrape the sides of the bowl during this step.

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 maintain volume.

Step 6: Transfer Batter

Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan without scraping. 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 or until golden brown. Once baked, cool upside down for best results.

How to Serve Homemade Angel Food Cake

Homemade Angel Food Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

Fresh Fruit Topping

Strawberries: Slice fresh strawberries and sprinkle them with a bit of sugar. Let them sit for a few minutes to release their juices before placing them on top of the cake.
Mixed Berries: A blend of blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries adds a colorful and tangy touch to your cake.
Peaches: Grilled or fresh peach slices pair beautifully with the lightness of the cake.

Whipped Cream

Classic Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream is perfect for topping slices of homemade angel food cake. It adds richness without overwhelming the flavor.
Flavored Whipped Cream: Try infusing your whipped cream with vanilla or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Sauces

Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over individual slices for a decadent treat.
Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce provides a sweet contrast that complements the fluffy texture.

Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy consistency of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the airy cake.
Sorbet: A refreshing fruit sorbet can be a light alternative that balances out the sweetness.

How to Perfect Homemade Angel Food Cake

To achieve the best results with your Homemade Angel Food Cake, follow these tips for flawless baking.

Use Room Temperature Egg Whites: Room temperature egg whites whip up better and create more volume in your cake.
Sift Flour Properly: Sifting flour multiple times helps aerate it, ensuring a lighter texture in your finished cake.
Don’t Overmix: When folding in the flour mixture, be gentle. Overmixing can deflate the batter and compromise its fluffiness.
Cool Upside Down: Allowing the cake to cool upside down prevents it from collapsing, maintaining its airy structure.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Angel Food Cake

Homemade Angel Food Cake pairs well with various side dishes that complement its delicate taste. Here are some excellent options to consider serving alongside this delightful dessert.

Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a nutritious accompaniment.
Pudding Cups: Chocolate or vanilla pudding can offer a creamy contrast to the lightness of angel food cake.
Cheesecake Bites: These small bites provide rich flavors that contrast nicely with the airy texture of the cake.
Ice Cream Sundae Bar: Set up a sundae station where guests can customize their desserts with various toppings.
Coffee or Tea Service: Offering coffee or tea enhances the overall dessert experience, providing warmth and comfort alongside the sweet treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Homemade Angel Food Cake can be a rewarding experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out flawlessly.

Using the wrong flour: Always use cake flour for the best texture. All-purpose flour will yield a denser cake.
Not separating egg whites properly: Ensure no yolk gets into your egg whites. Even a tiny amount of yolk can prevent the whites from whipping up properly.
Overmixing the batter: Once you fold in the flour mixture, do it gently. Overmixing can deflate the batter and result in a dense cake.
Skipping the cooling step: Cooling the cake upside down is crucial. This prevents it from collapsing and helps maintain its airy structure.
Using a greased pan: Always bake in an ungreased tube pan. Greasing can prevent the cake from climbing the sides and rising properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration: Store your Homemade Angel Food Cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Container: Use an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap to maintain freshness.

Freezing Homemade Angel Food Cake

Duration: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months.
Container: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.

Reheating Homemade Angel Food Cake

Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm the cake for about 10 minutes to preserve its texture.
Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds on medium power; avoid overheating as it may become dry.
Stovetop: Place slices in a covered pan on low heat for a few minutes until warmed through, ensuring it stays moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Homemade Angel Food Cake made of?

Homemade Angel Food Cake primarily consists of egg whites, sugar, and cake flour. The lightness comes from whipped egg whites, which create its signature airy texture.

Can I add flavors to my Homemade Angel Food Cake?

Absolutely! You can customize your cake by adding extracts like lemon or coconut for unique flavor profiles that complement the basic recipe.

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

Your cake is done when it springs back lightly when touched and has a golden top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Why did my Homemade Angel Food Cake collapse?

If your cake collapses, it might be due to overmixing or not cooling it upside down. These steps are essential for maintaining its structure.

Final Thoughts

Homemade Angel Food Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its light and fluffy texture makes it perfect for any occasion, whether topped with fresh fruit or served plain. Feel free to experiment with different flavors or toppings to make this classic dessert uniquely yours!

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