Angel food cake is a classic dessert that is light, airy, and delicious. It's made with egg whites, sugar, and flour and is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Alton Brown is a celebrity chef who is known for his love of science and cooking techniques. He has a recipe for angel food cake that is easy to follow and produces a cake that is light as air.
Ingredients
For Alton Brown's angel food cake recipe, you will need:
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cake flour, sifted
- 12 egg whites, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Here are the steps to follow to make Alton Brown's angel food cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a food processor, pulse the sugar until it is superfine.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the salt and cake flour.
- In a large bowl, beat the egg whites until they are frothy.
- Add the warm water and cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the superfine sugar, beating until stiff peaks form.
- Add the vanilla extract and beat until just combined.
- Sift the flour mixture over the egg whites in three additions, gently folding until just combined after each addition.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.
- Invert the pan onto a cooling rack and let cool completely.
- Run a knife around the edges of the pan to release the cake.
- Serve with whipped cream and fresh berries, if desired.
Tips
Here are some tips to ensure that your angel food cake turns out perfectly:
- Use room temperature egg whites for best results.
- Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry before beating the egg whites.
- Be careful not to overbeat the egg whites, as this can cause them to become dry and crumbly.
- When folding in the flour mixture, be gentle and do not overmix, as this can cause the cake to become dense.
- Do not grease the angel food cake pan, as this can cause the cake to not rise properly.
- After baking, cool the cake upside down in the pan to prevent it from collapsing.
Conclusion
Alton Brown's angel food cake is a delicious and light dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its fluffy texture and delicate flavor, it's sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Follow these tips and instructions to ensure that your cake turns out perfectly every time.
