Angel Food Cake – Light, Fluffy, and Heavenly Sweet
Soft, airy, and as light as a cloud — Angel Food Cake is the ultimate celebration of simple, sweet baking. It’s the kind of cake that feels almost magical, with each bite disappearing into pure vanilla-scented softness.
Made with whipped egg whites and a delicate hint of vanilla, it’s a cake that feels almost weightless yet satisfies with every tender bite. If you love elegant, classic bakes, you might also enjoy our Classic Brownies, offering a rich, fudgy contrast to this light and airy treat.
Perfect for spring celebrations, afternoon tea, or simply when you crave something sweet but not heavy, this homemade Angel Food Cake is pure joy — and surprisingly easy to make from scratch. And if you’re looking for another festive baking idea, our Easter Cookies bring colorful, cheerful sweetness to any gathering.
✅ Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12 slices
- Difficulty: Moderate
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup cake flour, sifted (120g)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar, divided (300g)
- 12 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1½ teaspoons cream of tartar (6g)
- ¼ teaspoon salt (1g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, 2.5ml)
👩🍳 How to Make a Perfect Angel Food Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Do not grease the pan.
- In a bowl, sift together cake flour and half the sugar. Set aside.
- In a large, clean bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
- Add cream of tartar and salt. Beat until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold in vanilla and almond extract.
- Sift the flour mixture over the whipped egg whites in batches, folding gently each time.
- Pour into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
- Invert the pan upside down and let cool completely before removing.
📌 Handy Tips for Success
- Make sure no yolk sneaks into your egg whites — it will prevent whipping.
- Use a clean, grease-free bowl and beaters.
- Cool the cake upside down to keep it tall and airy.
🔄 Fun Variations to Try
- Add lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor.
- Top slices with fresh berries and whipped cream.
- Drizzle with a light glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
🥄 Nutrition Information (Per Slice)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 18g
🌍 The Heavenly Origins of Angel Food Cake
Angel Food Cake emerged in the United States in the late 19th century, prized for its ethereal texture and minimal ingredients.
Using only whipped egg whites, sugar, and flour, it offered a lighter alternative to butter-rich cakes — and quickly became a favorite at church gatherings, picnics, and celebrations across America.
🍽️ Best Ways to Serve Angel Food Cake
Serve slices simply with fresh berries and a dusting of powdered sugar.
It’s also wonderful layered with whipped cream or topped with a silky fruit sauce for a special occasion.
❓ FAQs About Angel Food Cake
Can I make Angel Food Cake without a tube pan?
It’s best with a tube pan, but you can improvise with a loaf pan — just watch baking times carefully.
Can I freeze Angel Food Cake?
Yes — cool completely, slice, and freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
Why didn’t my cake rise properly?
The egg whites may not have been whipped enough, or folding may have deflated the batter too much.
✨ Final Thoughts
Light, sweet, and effortlessly beautiful, homemade Angel Food Cake is a timeless classic that brings a little lift to every table.
One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s truly heaven-sent.
Sandra Bizzolo blends her passion for travel, cooking, and books into every adventure. From global food tours to literary explorations, she brings a warm, personal touch to her recipes, travel stories, and cultural insights.