Angels Cake

Angel Cake

If you're looking for a light, fluffy dessert with a unique appearance, Angel Cake is the perfect choice. This cake, with its airy texture and delicate flavor, has become a favorite in many households due to its simplicity and refinement. It's the ideal dessert for special occasions or simply when you want to indulge in something sweet yet light!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

For the cake:
- 12 egg whites (size M)
- 175 g powdered sugar
- 150 g flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
- 200 g fine sugar (recommended brand Margaritar)

For the berry topping:
- 200 g mixed berries (you can use raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, or a mix)
- 150 g sugar
- juice from 2 oranges
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Recipe Description

Angel Cake is characterized by the aeration of the beaten egg whites, which creates a light, almost ethereal texture. This recipe requires no oil or butter, making it healthier yet just as delicious. The origins of this cake are shrouded in mystery, but it is known to have been popularized in the 20th century, quickly becoming a favorite among homemakers.

Preparation Steps

1. Preparing the ingredients:
- Ensure that the egg whites are at room temperature, as they whip better. It is essential that the bowl and whisk you use are completely clean and free of grease.

2. Sifting the dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the powdered sugar and baking powder. This step not only eliminates any lumps but also helps to incorporate air, making the cake fluffier.

3. Beating the egg whites:
- In another bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat them until frothy. Add the vanilla and almond extracts, continuing to mix.

4. Incorporating the sugar:
- When the egg whites start to form soft peaks, begin adding the fine sugar, 2 teaspoons at a time, mixing well after each addition. Continue beating until you achieve a firm meringue.

5. Incorporating the flour:
- Add 1/3 of the flour and sugar mixture over the meringue. Use a spatula to gently fold in the ingredients using a turning motion, being careful not to lose air in the mixture. Repeat with the remaining ingredients until everything is well combined.

6. Baking:
- Pour the batter into an ungreased cake pan. Bake at 170 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes. After the time has expired, check the cake with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

7. Cooling the cake:
- Remove the cake from the oven and turn the pan upside down, letting it cool on a rack. This step is important to prevent the cake from collapsing.

8. Serving:
- Once the cake has completely cooled, use a knife to detach the edges from the pan. Invert the cake onto a platter and dust it with powdered sugar.

Berry Topping

1. Preparing the topping:
- In a small saucepan, combine the mixed berries with the sugar. Place them over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves.

2. Thickening the sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the orange juice with the cornstarch. Add the mixture over the berries and simmer the sauce until it slightly thickens.

3. Finalizing the preparation:
- Once the sauce has thickened, let it cool slightly before pouring it over your angel cake.

Serving Suggestions

Angel Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, adding a delightful contrast of textures. Additionally, a fruit tea or fresh lemonade would make ideal accompaniments to complete the culinary experience.

Nutritional Benefits

Angel Cake is a healthier option than many other desserts, being low in fat due to the absence of butter or oil. Egg whites are an excellent source of protein, and the berries provide antioxidants and vitamins.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole eggs?
- No, the recipe relies on egg whites, which provide the characteristic airy texture.

2. What happens if the cake collapses?
- This may be due to either insufficient baking time or improper incorporation of air. Ensure that the egg whites are whipped well and that the batter is handled carefully.

3. Can I replace powdered sugar?
- While it's recommended to use powdered sugar, you can try substituting it with a natural sweetener, but the result may vary.

4. What are the best fruits for the topping?
- Berries are the most popular, but you can also use peaches, mangoes, or even a chocolate sauce for a more decadent version.

Possible Variations

To add a personal touch, you can experiment with different flavors by substituting the classic vanilla and almond extracts with other flavors like lemon or orange. You can also try adding ground nuts to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

I invite you to try this Angel Cake recipe and enjoy a dessert that will delight both family and friends! This is definitely a recipe that will add magic to every occasion!