Angel Food Cake is a classic American cake known for its cloud-like crumb and pristine white interior, achieved by relying entirely on whipped egg whites for structure rather than butter or oil. This recipe reflects mid-20th-century home baking practices, including the use of Swans Down cake flour and a cold oven start, a method once believed to encourage a taller rise. Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites, while careful folding preserves volume. Lightly sweet and delicately flavored with vanilla or almond, this cake became a favorite for celebrations and warm-weather desserts because of its airy texture and ability to pair beautifully with fruit, whipped cream, or glazes.
Ingredients
- 1 pint egg whites (about 14 large eggs, room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (sifted)
- 2 tsp cream of tartar (level)
- 1 ⅓ cups cake flour (Swans Down style, sifted)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (or 1 tsp almond extract)
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Sift the cake flour four times.
- Sift the sugar once.
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature and preferably a week old.
Step 2: Begin Whipping Egg Whites
- Place egg whites in a clean bowl.
- Start beating with an electric or wire beater.
- Add salt as beating begins.
Step 3: Add Cream of Tartar
- Add cream of tartar while egg whites are being beaten.
Step 4: Beat to Soft Peaks
- Continue beating until egg whites form soft peaks.
Step 5: Incorporate Sugar
- Gradually fold in the sugar a little at a time.
- Do not dump all at once.
Step 6: Add Flavoring
- Fold in vanilla or almond extract gently.
Step 7: Add Flour
- Gradually fold in sifted flour, taking care not to deflate the batter.
Step 8: Prepare for Baking
- Pour batter into an ungreased tube pan.
- Smooth the top lightly.
Step 9: Cold Oven Start
- Place cake into a cold oven.
- Set oven temperature to 325°F.
Step 10: Bake
- Bake for approximately 1 hour without opening the oven door.
Tips
- Use a metal tube pan for best structure
- Never grease the pan, this helps the cake climb
- Cool upside down to prevent collapse
- Use superfine sugar for smoother texture
- Add citrus zest for a fresh flavor twist
- Serve with berries and whipped cream
- Sift flour and sugar carefully for best lift
Nutrition
Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 5gFat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 55mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 5IUCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.6mg
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