Heavenly Birthday Angel Food Cake
Celebrate your special day with this delightful Heavenly Birthday Angel Food Cake. A cherished recipe passed down from my mother, this cake brings back fond memories of birthday dinners filled with love and laughter. Fluffy and light, each slice is a heavenly treat that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of almond. Every birthday, I eagerly selected this angel food cake alongside my favorite Swiss steak, and to this day, it remains a timeless classic that never fails to bring joy to the table. Whether served plain or with your favorite fruit and whipped cream, this cake is sure to delight both children and adults alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
cake flour
1 cup (sifted)
sugar
1 1/2 cups (divided)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
egg whites
1 1/2 cups (about 12 eggs, at room temperature)
cream of tartar
1 teaspoon
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon
almond flavoring
1/2 teaspoon
Instructions
1
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
2
Sift the cake flour and 3/4 cup of sugar together in a bowl, repeating this process about three times to ensure proper mixing and aeration.
3
In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the salt and egg whites. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes frothy.
4
Add the cream of tartar to the whipped egg whites and continue beating until stiff peaks form. This is crucial for the cake's texture.
5
Gradually fold in the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, adding it only 2 tablespoons at a time, while being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
6
Once the sugar is fully incorporated, gently fold in the vanilla and almond flavorings until evenly distributed.
7
Sift the prepared flour mixture into the egg whites, adding it in small batches. Carefully fold the flour mixture into the egg whites, ensuring not to overmix.
8
Pour the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan or tube pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to distribute evenly.
9
Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 60 to 70 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.
10
Remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert the pan upside down. Allow the cake to cool in this position for about 1 hour. Once cool, gently remove the cake from the pan.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the texture of the Heavenly Birthday Angel Food Cake?
The cake is described as fluffy, light, and perfectly balanced in sweetness with a hint of almond.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 cups of egg whites, which is approximately 12 eggs.
What type of flour is used in this angel food cake?
This recipe uses 1 cup of sifted cake flour.
How many times should I sift the flour and sugar together?
You should sift the cake flour and 3/4 cup of sugar together about three times to ensure proper mixing and aeration.
Why should ingredients be at room temperature?
Ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature helps achieve the best results for the cake's volume and texture.
How do I start the egg white mixture?
Combine the salt and egg whites in a large mixing bowl and beat them on medium speed until they become frothy.
When should I add the cream of tartar?
Add the cream of tartar to the whipped egg whites once they have become frothy.
What consistency should the egg whites reach?
The egg whites should be beaten until stiff peaks form, which is crucial for the cake's structure.
How should I add the remaining sugar to the egg whites?
Gradually fold in the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, adding it only 2 tablespoons at a time to avoid deflating the egg whites.
What flavorings are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon of almond flavoring.
How is the flour mixture incorporated into the egg whites?
Sift the prepared flour mixture into the egg whites in small batches and gently fold them together, taking care not to overmix.
What kind of pan should I use for baking?
Use an ungreased angel food cake pan or a tube pan.
What is the recommended baking temperature?
The cake should be baked in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C).
How long does the Heavenly Birthday Angel Food Cake take to bake?
It takes between 60 to 70 minutes to bake.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when the top is golden brown and it springs back when lightly touched.
What is the cooling process for an angel food cake?
Immediately invert the pan upside down and allow the cake to cool in this position for about 1 hour.
How much sugar is used in total?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of sugar, divided into two portions.
What is the quantity of cream of tartar required?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
Is the pan greased before pouring the batter?
No, the batter should be poured into an ungreased pan to allow the cake to climb the sides and maintain its height.
What are some suggested toppings for this cake?
It can be served plain or topped with your favorite fruit and whipped cream.
What is the amount of salt used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
What is the quantity of almond flavoring?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of almond flavoring.
What is a classic dinner pairing mentioned for this cake?
In the description, it is mentioned that the cake was traditionally served alongside Swiss steak.
How many ingredients are in the Heavenly Birthday Angel Food Cake?
There are 7 main ingredients in this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include angel food cake, birthday cake, dessert, light cake, sweet, homemade, classic recipe, and celebration cake.
Can I use a regular round cake pan?
It is highly recommended to use a tube pan or angel food cake pan to ensure the cake bakes and cools correctly.
How do I remove the cake from the pan?
Once the cake has cooled upside down for an hour, you can gently remove it from the pan.
Who is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is a cherished one passed down from the creator's mother.
Is this cake suitable for children?
Yes, the cake is described as a treat that will delight both children and adults alike.