Heavenly Angel Food Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup unbleached flour, sifted
• 1 1/2 cups egg whites (approximately 12 large eggs)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla bean paste
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the powdered sugar and flour. Set aside.
3. Beat Egg Whites: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, vanilla bean paste, almond extract, and salt at high speed until well blended. Gradually add the granulated sugar, 2-3 tablespoons at a time, while continuing to beat at high speed. Beat until the sugar is dissolved and the egg whites form stiff peaks. Avoid scraping the sides of the bowl during this process to maintain the airiness of the egg whites.
4. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour mixture, one-third at a time, using a rubber spatula. Mix just until the flour disappears.
5. Prepare the Pan: Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch bundt pan. Use a metal spatula to cut through the batter to break any large air bubbles.
6. Bake: Bake for 30-45 minutes, or until the cake is a nice golden color and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and invert the pan to cool completely.

Nutritional Information

Angel Food Cake is not only delicious but also a healthier dessert option. Here are some nutritional highlights:

• Calories: Approximately 72 calories per slice (1/12 of the cake)
• Fat: Less than 0.2 grams per slice
• Protein: About 2 grams per slice
• Carbohydrates: Around 16 grams per slice

Interesting Facts

• Low Fat: Angel Food Cake is naturally low in fat because it contains no butter or oil. This makes it a popular choice for those watching their fat intake.
• Egg Whites: The key to its light texture is the use of egg whites, which are whipped to incorporate air. This process is crucial for the cake's rise and fluffy texture.
• Historical Note: Angel Food Cake is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It became popular due to its light texture and the fact that it was a good use of leftover egg whites.

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating. This helps them whip up more easily and achieve greater volume.
• Avoid Grease: Make sure your mixing bowl and utensils are completely free of grease. Any fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
• Cooling: Inverting the pan while cooling helps maintain the cake's structure and prevents it from collapsing.

Pairing Suggestions

• Fresh Berries: Serve with a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a burst of flavor and color.
• Non-Fat Whipped Topping: Add a dollop of non-fat whipped topping for a creamy contrast to the light cake.
• Citrus Zest: Sprinkle some lemon or orange zest over the cake for a refreshing twist.

For more detailed baking tips and recipes, you can visit King Arthur Baking or Food Network.

By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to create a heavenly Angel Food Cake that's sure to impress. Enjoy your baking!