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–+ servings
Angel Food Cake
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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 26 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 165 kcal

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
Keyword angel food cake, classic cake, egg white cake, light dessert, retro recipe, vintage baking
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