There’s nothing quite like a classic angel food cake—light as air, sweet, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This heavenly dessert is a favorite for its delicate texture and simplicity, made with just a few key ingredients. Whether you’re serving it with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or enjoying it plain, this angel food cake recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Angel Food Cake
Light & Airy – Whipped egg whites give it that signature fluffy texture. Low in Fat – Made without butter or oil, it’s a lighter dessert option. Versatile – Perfect on its own or dressed up with toppings. Classic & Timeless – A crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (120g) cake flour (sifted)
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar, divided
- 12 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 ½ tsp cream of tartar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional, but adds great flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Pan & Preheat Oven
- Use an ungreased 10-inch tube pan (angel food cake pan).
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Sift Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, sift together cake flour and ¾ cup (150g) sugar twice to ensure lightness. Set aside.
3. Whip the Egg Whites
- In a clean, grease-free mixing bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt on medium speed until foamy.
- Gradually add the remaining ¾ cup (150g) sugar, 1 tbsp at a time, while beating on high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form (about 5-7 minutes).
- Gently fold in vanilla and almond extracts.
4. Fold in the Flour
- Sift the flour mixture over the egg whites in small batches, gently folding with a spatula after each addition. Be careful not to deflate the batter!
5. Bake to Perfection
- Pour batter into the ungreased tube pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and springs back when lightly pressed.
- Invert the pan (hang it upside down over a bottle or place on cooling rack) and let cool completely (about 1-2 hours).
6. Release & Serve
- Once cooled, run a thin knife around the edges and center to loosen the cake.
- Gently remove from the pan, slice, and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Angel Food Cake
Room temperature egg whites whip up better for maximum volume. No grease in the pan! The cake needs to cling to the sides to rise properly. Don’t overmix when folding in flour—keep it light and airy. Cool upside down to prevent collapsing.
Serving Suggestions
Top with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Drizzle with fruit compote or lemon glaze.
Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a simple finish.
Final Thoughts
This angel food cake recipe is a classic for a reason—it’s simple, elegant, and irresistibly fluffy. Perfect for birthdays, summer gatherings, or anytime you crave a light, sweet treat.
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! 
