Heavenly Almond Angel Food Cake
Indulge in the light and fluffy texture of this Heavenly Almond Angel Food Cake, a timeless dessert that has graced my kitchen for years. This cake is a true delight with its delicate sweetness and nutty aroma, thanks to the almond extract. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat any day, it pairs beautifully with a luscious strawberry glaze or a light frosting like cream cheese or whipped cream. Remember, for the best results, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature and free of yolk as this will allow them to whip up to their fullest potential, resulting in a cake that is airy and sublime. Enjoy a slice of nostalgia with each bite!
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
cake flour
1 cup (sifted)
white sugar
1 1/2 cups (divided (3/4 cup and 3/4 cup for beating))
egg whites
1 3/4 cups (room temperature)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
cream of tartar
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
almond extract
1 1/2-2 teaspoons (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
2
Select an angel food cake pan and do not grease it; the batter needs to cling to the sides to rise properly.
3
In a mixing bowl, sift the cake flour and 3/4 cup of the sugar together 4-5 times to aerate the mixture — this step is crucial for a light cake.
4
In a separate, clean bowl, begin beating the egg whites with the salt until they form stiff peaks.
5
Once stiff peaks form, gently mix in the cream of tartar and almond extract. Continue beating until combined.
6
Gradually add the remaining sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy and forms stiff peaks.
7
Carefully sift or spoon the flour mixture over the egg whites in the bowl, a little at a time, and fold in gently with a spatula — avoid beating to maintain volume.
8
Once combined, pour the batter into the ungreased angel food cake pan, smoothing the top as needed.
9
Place in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden and springs back when lightly pressed.
10
Once done, immediately invert the cake in the pan to cool completely before removing it from the pan. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Heavenly Almond Angel Food Cake?
It is a light and fluffy dessert characterized by its delicate sweetness and nutty almond aroma, making it a timeless favorite.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (163 degrees Celsius).
Do I need to grease the angel food cake pan?
No, do not grease the pan. The batter needs to cling to the sides of the pan to rise properly.
Why do I need to sift the cake flour and sugar 4-5 times?
Sifting the flour and sugar multiple times is crucial for aerating the mixture, which results in a light and airy cake.
What is the secret to getting the egg whites to whip up to their fullest potential?
Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature and completely free of any yolk before beating them.
How many egg whites are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 3/4 cups of egg whites.
How much almond extract should be added?
You should use between 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of almond extract depending on your preference.
What role does cream of tartar play in the recipe?
Cream of tartar is added to the beaten egg whites to help stabilize them and maintain their structure.
How should I add the sugar to the egg whites?
Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar one tablespoon at a time while continuing to beat the mixture until it is glossy.
What is the best way to combine the flour mixture with the egg whites?
Carefully sift or spoon the flour mixture over the egg whites a little at a time and fold it in gently with a spatula.
Can I use a mixer to combine the flour and egg whites?
No, avoid beating the mixture once you start adding flour to maintain the volume of the egg whites.
How long does the cake need to bake?
Bake the cake for approximately 40 to 60 minutes.
How can I tell if the angel food cake is done?
The cake is done when the top is golden and it springs back when lightly pressed.
Why must the cake be inverted after baking?
Immediately inverting the cake while it cools prevents it from collapsing and helps maintain its airy texture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 16 servings.
What are some recommended toppings for this cake?
It pairs beautifully with strawberry glaze, whipped cream, or a light cream cheese frosting.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
You should use 1 cup of sifted cake flour for the best results.
What happens if there is yolk in the egg whites?
Even a small amount of yolk can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly, resulting in a dense cake.
How much total sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of white sugar in total, divided into two equal portions of 3/4 cup.
What type of pan is recommended?
An angel food cake pan (tube pan) is recommended to allow the cake to rise and cool correctly.
When do I add the salt?
The 3/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the egg whites at the beginning of the beating process.
What should the texture of the egg whites be before adding cream of tartar?
You should beat the egg whites with salt until they form stiff peaks before adding the cream of tartar.
Is this cake suitable for celebrations?
Yes, it is a perfect dessert for celebrations or any day you want a sweet, light treat.
How do I smooth the top of the cake batter?
Once the batter is in the pan, you can gently smooth the top with a spatula as needed before baking.
How long should the cake cool?
The cake should be allowed to cool completely while inverted before you attempt to remove it from the pan.
What gives this cake its nutty aroma?
The almond extract provides the signature nutty aroma and flavor profile.
Can I use regular granulated sugar?
The recipe specifies white sugar; standard granulated white sugar is typically used.
What makes this cake airy and sublime?
The combination of properly whipped egg whites, sifted cake flour, and gentle folding techniques ensures an airy result.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, the description refers to it as a timeless dessert that offers a slice of nostalgia with each bite.
What is the total ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: cake flour, white sugar, egg whites, salt, cream of tartar, and almond extract.