This Angel Food Cake recipe is the only one you will ever need! It’s an incredibly soft, light, and airy dessert that turns out perfectly every time. Ideal for birthdays, celebrations, or just a sweet treat at home, this cake impresses with its fluffy texture and delightful flavor. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with fresh fruit or whipped cream, it’s sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Fluffy: The secret to a perfect Angel Food Cake lies in the egg whites, creating a texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can achieve success.
- Versatile Topping Options: Enjoy it with fresh fruits, whipped cream, or your favorite glaze for added flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake suits everything from casual family dinners to fancy events.
- Low in Fat: Made without butter or oil, it’s a lighter dessert option compared to traditional cakes.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or electric mixer
- 10-inch angel food cake pan or tube pan
- Sifter
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand Mixer or Electric Mixer: These tools ensure that your egg whites are beaten to perfection, achieving those stiff glossy peaks easily.
- Sifter: Sifting the flour and sugar helps incorporate air into the dry ingredients for a lighter cake.
- Angel Food Cake Pan: This pan allows for proper airflow during baking, resulting in a beautifully risen cake.

Ingredients
This the only Angel Food Cake recipe you will ever need! This homemade cake is super soft, light, airy, and turns out perfect every single time!
For the Cake
- 1 cup (115 grams) cake flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups (180 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
How to Make Angel Food Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Position oven rack to the lower third position.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
- Sift the cake flour and powdered sugar together three times.
- Set aside.
Step 3: Beat Egg Whites
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment—or in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer—add the egg whites.
- Beat on low-medium speed until foamy.
Step 4: Add Cream of Tartar and Salt
- Add cream of tartar and salt.
- Increase speed to medium-high.
Step 5: Incorporate Granulated Sugar
- Gradually add granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time.
- Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form.
- Add vanilla extract and mix on low speed until just combined.
Step 6: Fold in Dry Ingredients
- Sift about one-fourth of the dry ingredients over the beaten egg whites.
- Gently fold it in using a rubber spatula.
- Repeat this process until all dry ingredients are incorporated.
Step 7: Transfer Batter to Pan
- Scoop batter into an ungreased 10-inch angel food cake pan or tube pan.
- Cut a knife through the batter to remove air pockets; smooth it out into one even layer.
Step 8: Bake
- Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 40-45 minutes.
- The top should be lightly golden brown; test with a toothpick inserted into the cake—it should come out clean.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
- Remove from oven; invert the cake pan onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, use a knife to loosen sides from the pan; carefully remove it.
- Slice into pieces, serve, and enjoy!
How to Serve Angel Food Cake
Angel Food Cake is a delightful dessert that pairs wonderfully with various toppings and accompaniments. Whether you want to keep it simple or create an extravagant display, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.
Fresh Fruits
- Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add a burst of flavor and color.
- Sliced Peaches: Juicy peaches complement the lightness of the cake beautifully.
- Cherries: Fresh cherries provide a sweet and tart contrast that enhances the cake’s texture.
Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy richness that balances the airy cake.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Mix in vanilla or almond extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Sauces
- Strawberry Sauce: A vibrant strawberry glaze drizzled over the top creates a beautiful presentation.
- Chocolate Drizzle: A simple chocolate sauce can add richness and decadence to each slice.
Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Classic vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the fluffy cake.
- Sorbet: A fruit sorbet offers a refreshing, dairy-free option that pairs well with angel food cake.
How to Perfect Angel Food Cake
Creating the perfect Angel Food Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out light, fluffy, and delicious every time.
- Use Room Temperature Egg Whites: This helps achieve maximum volume when beating.
- Sift Ingredients Thoroughly: Sifting the flour and sugar together aerates them, resulting in a lighter batter.
- Fold Gently: When combining wet and dry ingredients, fold gently to retain air in the egg whites.
- Use an Ungreased Pan: An ungreased pan allows the cake to climb up the sides as it bakes, leading to its signature height.
- Cool Upside Down: Inverting the pan while cooling prevents the cake from collapsing.
- Check for Doneness Carefully: Use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Best Side Dishes for Angel Food Cake
Pairing side dishes with Angel Food Cake can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some great options that complement this light treat.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your dessert table.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side dish that contrasts nicely with the cake’s sweetness.
- Citrus Salad: A salad made with oranges and grapefruits provides a zesty brightness that balances rich flavors.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These treats add indulgence and pair perfectly with angel food’s fluffiness.
- Panna Cotta: A creamy panna cotta offers an elegant touch alongside your airy dessert.
- Nut Brittle: Crunchy nut brittle brings texture and sweetness as a delightful accompaniment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Angel Food Cake can be simple, but certain missteps can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold egg whites: Cold egg whites do not whip properly. Always use room temperature egg whites for the best volume.
- Not sifting dry ingredients: Failing to sift flour and powdered sugar can create lumps. Sift them together three times to ensure a light texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can deflate the airy batter. Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined to maintain fluffiness.
- Using a greased pan: Greasing the pan prevents the cake from climbing up the sides. Bake in an ungreased pan for optimal rise and texture.
- Opening the oven door too soon: Checking on the cake too early causes it to collapse. Wait until at least the last 15 minutes of baking before checking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- To keep it fresh, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.
Freezing Angel Food Cake
- Freeze slices of cake wrapped in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 2 months.
- For best results, freeze the cake before frosting or topping.
Reheating Angel Food Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a covered skillet on low heat for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring it warms through without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Angel Food Cake:
Can I use other flavors for Angel Food Cake?
Yes! You can infuse different flavors by adding citrus zest, extracts, or even pureed fruits into the batter.
How do I know when my Angel Food Cake is done?
The cake should be lightly golden brown on top and spring back when gently pressed. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Why is my Angel Food Cake dense?
A dense cake may result from underwhipped egg whites or overmixing. Ensure you achieve stiff peaks and fold gently.
Can I make a gluten-free version of Angel Food Cake?
Absolutely! Substitute regular cake flour with a gluten-free blend that’s designed for baking, ensuring it has similar properties.
What toppings go well with Angel Food Cake?
Fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries, whipped cream, or flavored glazes enhance this dessert beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Angel Food Cake recipe is incredibly appealing due to its light texture and versatility. You can customize it with various flavors and toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and explore different ways to enjoy this delightful dessert!

Angel Food Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the lightest and fluffiest Angel Food Cake that will elevate any dessert table! This homemade cake is a delightful treat, known for its airy texture created by whipped egg whites. Perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home, this cake shines with its subtly sweet flavor. Enjoy it plain or topped with fresh fruits and whipped cream to create an impressive dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 and 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 and 1/2 cups egg whites (room temperature)
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and position the rack in the lower third.
- Sift the cake flour and powdered sugar together three times; set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat egg whites on low-medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and salt, then increase speed to medium-high.
- Gradually add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until stiff glossy peaks form. Mix in vanilla extract gently.
- Fold dry ingredients into egg whites in four additions using a rubber spatula.
- Transfer batter to an ungreased angel food cake pan, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown; test with a toothpick for doneness.
- Cool upside down before removing from the pan; slice and serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: <0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg