Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Name: Strawberry Angel Food Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cake flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (divided); 12 large egg whites (room temperature); 1 tsp cream of tartar; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ¼ tsp almond extract; ½ tsp salt; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced (for topping); Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

About Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Strawberry Angel Food Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every fluffy bite. With its light, airy texture and sweet, fresh flavor, this cake stands out as a beacon of sweetness on any dessert table. Originating from the United States, the name “angel food” pays homage to its ethereal lightness—a stark contrast to the denser pound cakes or butter cakes we often indulge in.

What You’ll Need for Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Complete Ingredients List

1 cup of cake flour
1 ½ cups of granulated sugar (divided)
12 large egg whites (room temperature)
1 teaspoon of cream of tartar
½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon of almond extract
½ teaspoon of salt
2 cups of fresh strawberries (sliced, for topping)
Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Ingredient Substitutions & Alternatives

For Gluten-Free Diets: Substitute cake flour with a gluten-free cake flour blend or use almond flour; adjust the measurements accordingly.
For Lower Sugar Options: Use a sugar substitute blend suitable for baking that measures cup-for-cup like erythritol or stevia.
Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Vegan Version: Substitute egg whites with aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) using approximately 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg white. Add a pinch of baking powder to stabilize it.

Feel free to experiment with flavors! Instead of strawberries, you can integrate other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or add citrus zests for a zesty twist.

How to Make Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry, as any fat residues can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. Measure out all your ingredients.

Step 2: Whip the Egg Whites

In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt. Using an electric mixer, whip on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. This process should take about 3–5 minutes. Gradually add in 1 cup of granulated sugar, continuing to whip until the egg whites are glossy and form stiff peaks. This step is crucial, as the structure of the cake relies on properly whipped egg whites.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour and the remaining ½ cup of sugar. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and helps aerate the mixture, contributing to the cake’s lightness.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Carefully fold the flour mixture into the egg whites in three additions. Use a spatula to gently fold, being careful not to deflate the whipped egg whites. It’s important to maintain volume while achieving a uniform mixture.

Step 5: Flavor and Bake

Once combined, gently mix in the vanilla extract and almond extract. Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes or until the cake springs back when lightly touched and is just golden around the edges.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Remove the cake from the oven and invert the pan immediately. Allow it to cool completely upside down. This cooling method helps retain the cake’s lofty height. Once cool, run a knife around the edges to release the cake, and carefully remove it from the pan.

Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Angel Food Cake

How to Serve Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Strawberry Angel Food Cake can be enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. For slicing, a serrated knife works best to preserve the delicate texture. Consider serving the cake on a beautiful serving platter, topped generously with fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.

Perfect Pairings & Toppings

This cake pairs wonderfully with various toppings. Fresh whipped cream complements the lightness of the cake, while a drizzle of strawberry sauce or a sprinkle of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch. Pair it with a refreshing mint leaf for color and aroma or serve it alongside a bowl of mixed berries for added texture and flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream can also turn this dessert into a decadent finale.

Storing & Preserving Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Best Storage Methods

To store your Strawberry Angel Food Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week. If freezing, ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn; it can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating or Freezing Tips

Reheating isn’t typically necessary for Angel Food Cake as it is best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled. If frozen, allow the cake to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This gentle thawing helps maintain the cake’s texture.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Angel Food Cake Every Time

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Using Old Eggs: Fresh egg whites whip better. Ensure your eggs are fresh and at room temperature for added volume.
Not Folding Gently: When incorporating the flour, be careful not to deflate the egg whites. Use a gentle folding motion to maintain volume.
Greasing the Pan: Do not grease the tube pan. The batter needs to cling to the sides to rise properly.

Helpful Tricks for Success

For increased flavor, consider folding in the zest of a lemon or orange into the batter.
Dip your strawberries into a little sugar before placing them on the cake to enhance their sweetness and create a syrupy effect.
Make the whipped cream more stable by adding a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla while whipping, which helps it hold its shape longer.

Fun Variations of Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Flavor Variations or Recipe Twists

Chocolate Strawberry Angel Food Cake: Add cocoa powder to the flour mixture for a chocolate twist.
Coconut Strawberry Angel Food Cake: Incorporate shredded coconut into the batter for added flavor and texture.
Citrus Delight: Add lemon or orange zest for a refreshing citrus-infused cake.

Dietary-Friendly Adjustments

For a sugar-free option, consider using erythritol or other sugar substitutes. To create a keto version, use almond flour and ensure all additional ingredients are low-carb.

FAQs

What If My Strawberry Angel Food Cake Doesn’t Turn Out Right?

If your cake is dense or doesn’t rise, it’s possible the egg whites were not whipped sufficiently, or the mixture was overmixed after incorporating the flour. Alternatively, if the cake collapsed after baking, it may have been underbaked or not inverted correctly during cooling.

Can I Prepare This in Advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance. Allow it to cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. The cake can also be frozen if you wish to prepare it even earlier.

What Ingredients Can I Swap?

You can swap cake flour for a gluten-free blend or use different extracts like lemon or hazelnut for flavor alterations. For egg allergies, aquafaba serves as an excellent replacement for egg whites in this recipe.

Creating a Strawberry Angel Food Cake is a rewarding project that combines simplicity with elegance. Each slice is a celebration of flavors and textures, making it a favored choice for any dessert lover.