Do you remember angel food cake? As a child, I believed it was the most enchanting dessert — light and airy, akin to a subtly sweetened cloud. It experienced a surge in popularity during the ‘90s when it was sadly touted as a miracle diet food because of its lack of fat (“fat free” was also a major trend in ‘90s dietary habits). Then came the 2000s, where carbs were suddenly the enemy, and poor angel food cake was left behind. But today, I’d like to remind you of this cake’s existence and that it should definitely make a comeback. Here’s why…
1. It’s fool-proof. Angel food is a one-bowl marvel that’s virtually impossible to ruin. Unless you really overbake it, you’ll end up with a big, fluffy, moist-but-light-as-air cake. Even if you do forget it is in the oven (I’m not certain how that would happen, considering it makes your whole house smell like a heavenly treat), you can clean the pan and put another one in within 10 minutes. Why?
2. Box is best. Or rather, boxed is just as good as homemade. I learned this from my mother, a chef: Most of the time, home-cooked is better, but occasionally it makes no difference. In those situations, it’s smarter to save the time and hassle for other parts of the meal. Angel food cake is essentially just sugar and a heap of egg whites (which come powdered in the box—you just add water). It’s a personal choice, but if I’m separating 15 eggs, I want everyone to realize I put in the effort, thank you very much. Plus, I’d like to find a use for all those yolks. Eggs aren’t exactly inexpensive, as you may know!
3. It’s good, not fancy. There’s no flawless bake where the outcome is evenly browned and smooth. Instead, it resembles a toasted marshmallow, showcasing little ridges and crunchy edges with an incredibly soft center. There’s no way to avoid this because, with angel food cake, the primary rule is you cannot grease the pan. The batter must cling to the pan to rise, which means that once it’s baked and cooled, you have to coax it out a bit — running a butter knife around the edges and gently shaking it until the cake falls out in all its toasted, uneven beauty.
4. You can easily dress it up. You won’t frost angel food cake with buttercream or ganache. It’s too delicate and too sweet for anything rich on top. This light, simple cake craves a light, simple topping. Thaw some frozen cherries and pour them on — juice and all — finished. Powdered sugar dusting at the table — there you go. Add whipped cream and fun sprinkles — how adorable is that? On the flip side, if you feel adventurous, angel food is among the most “hackable” cakes out there. Slice it into thirds and layer with strawberries and cream. Fill the center with ice cream for a delightful surprise ice-cream cake. Or tear it into pieces and transform it into individual trifles (with whipped cream and berries). I crafted this messy version for my five-year-old, who declared it was the best thing she’d ever tasted. Just saying!
5. It’s a delightful surprise. Angel food cake isn’t the type of dessert that prompts folks to furrow their brows and whisper, “Oh, wow, am I detecting cardamom in here?” But it is the kind of dessert that makes people grin and exclaim, “Angel food cake?! I haven’t enjoyed this in ages!” And sometimes, that’s precisely what you’re after.
Are you a fan of angel food as well? What other nostalgic classics should I explore again?
P.S. More delicious recipes, including soup with turkey meatballs, and eight spooky Halloween snacks.
**Angel Food Cake: The Ultimate Answer**
Angel food cake is a traditional dessert that has been adored for its light, airy consistency and gentle sweetness. This delicacy, which originated in the late 19th century, has continued to be a favorite among dessert enthusiasts for its unique qualities and adaptability. It is often regarded as the ultimate answer for those in search of a delightful treat that is both enjoyable and relatively low in calories.
**A Feather-Light Delight**
One of the most striking characteristics of angel food cake is its incredibly light texture. This is achieved by whipping a significant amount of egg whites to create stiff peaks before gently incorporating them into the batter. The exclusion of egg yolks and fats like butter or oil contributes to its low-calorie nature, making it an attractive option for those mindful of their caloric intake. The cake’s airy quality is further optimized by using cake flour, which has a lower protein level than all-purpose flour, resulting in a delicate crumb.
**The Ideal Base for Creativity**
The subtle flavor of angel food cake makes it an excellent foundation for various toppings and accompaniments. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, which add vibrant color and natural sweetness. For a more indulgent touch, it can be topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate or fruit sauce. Additionally, its neutral flavor makes it possible to infuse it with numerous extracts, such as vanilla, almond, or lemon, offering endless customization possibilities.
**A Fitter Dessert Alternative**
For those on the lookout for a healthier dessert choice, angel food cake stands out as an exceptional option. Its low-fat nature and reliance on egg whites rather than whole eggs make it a lighter alternative to conventional cakes. Furthermore, it can be prepared using alternative sweeteners or whole grain flours to enhance its nutritional value. This makes it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or those seeking to uphold a balanced diet.
**A Sophisticated Addition to Any Event**
Angel food cake’s elegant look and versatility render it a perfect choice for any event, from casual meetups to formal occasions. Its simplicity allows it to be styled up or down based on the gathering. For a refined presentation, it can be baked in a tube pan and adorned with edible flowers or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Alternatively, it can be cubed and utilized in trifles or other layered desserts.
**In Summary**
To conclude, angel food cake is the ultimate answer for anyone in search of a light, adaptable, and healthier dessert choice. Its unique texture and ability to complement a vast array of flavors keep it a perennial favorite. Whether relished on its own or as part of a more intricate creation, angel food cake continues to enchant dessert lovers with its simple elegance and delightful flavor.
