Brunilda Schiavone An angel food strawberry cake recipe is a delightful confection, balancing the airy lightness of angel food cake with the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries. This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating this popular dessert, covering ingredient selection, baking techniques, and tips for optimal results. Understanding the nuances of this recipe ensures a consistently delicious outcome, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The combination of textures and flavors is a hallmark of this recipe, and careful attention to detail elevates the final product.
The angel food strawberry cake recipe relies on the delicate balance of egg whites, sugar, and flour to achieve its signature airy texture. Proper whipping techniques are crucial for incorporating sufficient air into the batter, leading to a light and fluffy cake. The addition of strawberries provides a juicy contrast to the cakes airy texture, adding both flavor and visual appeal. Careful attention must be paid to the baking process to prevent the cake from collapsing; a gentle hand and a watchful eye are key to success. The recipe’s versatility allows for customization; different types of strawberries or additional flavorings can be added to personalize the dessert.
The recipe is adaptable, allowing for creative substitutions and additions to personalize the final product. Success hinges on precise measurements and careful attention to detail during the mixing and baking process. The light and fluffy texture of the cake, combined with the refreshing sweetness of the strawberries, makes it a perfect dessert for various occasions.
Ingredients for Angel Food Strawberry Cake Recipe
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 12 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions for Angel Food Strawberry Cake Recipe
- Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Grease and flour a 10-inch angel food cake pan; do not grease the tube.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour and 1 cup of the granulated sugar until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites in thirds, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in the sliced strawberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Inverte the pan and let the cake cool completely upside down before removing from the pan.
- Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.
Estimated Baking Time and Servings for Angel Food Strawberry Cake Recipe
The angel food strawberry cake recipe generally requires approximately 40-45 minutes of baking time, yielding approximately 12 servings. The precise baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the specific ingredients used. The following table summarizes these details for better clarity:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Baking Time | 40-45 minutes |
| Servings | 12 |
Nutritional Information for Angel Food Strawberry Cake Recipe
The nutritional content of this angel food strawberry cake recipe will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. However, a general analysis reveals a moderate calorie count, with a significant portion coming from carbohydrates and sugars. The recipe provides a source of protein from the egg whites. Vitamins and minerals will be primarily derived from the strawberries. More detailed nutritional information can be obtained through online nutrition calculators using the exact ingredient amounts.
(Note: A detailed nutritional breakdown table would require specific ingredient weights and a nutrition calculation tool. This is not provided here due to the limitations of this response format. Consider using online nutritional calculators for precise values.)
Tips for Baking the Angel Food Strawberry Cake Recipe
Achieving a perfect angel food strawberry cake requires attention to detail throughout the process. Proper ingredient preparation, precise mixing techniques, and careful baking are crucial for optimal results. The following tips enhance the baking experience and result in a superior product.
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Room Temperature Ingredients:
Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for maximum volume. Cold egg whites will not whip as effectively.
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Fat-Free Equipment:
Use a clean, grease-free bowl and whisk to prevent the egg whites from deflating. Any trace of fat will inhibit the whipping process.
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Gentle Folding:
Fold the dry ingredients into the egg whites gently to retain maximum air. Overmixing will deflate the batter.
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Don’t Overbake:
Overbaking will result in a dry cake. Test for doneness using a toothpick, and remove from the oven as soon as it comes out clean.
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Cool Upside Down:
Cooling the cake upside down prevents it from collapsing. This allows for even settling and prevents the cake from becoming dense.
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Fresh Strawberries:
Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Slightly underripe strawberries may be preferable to prevent excess moisture.
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Optional Flavorings:
Consider adding a dash of almond extract or lemon zest for a more complex flavor profile.
The success of this recipe lies in its careful execution. Each step contributes to the final product’s unique texture and flavor. The result is a light, airy cake thats both visually stunning and delicious.
The recipe’s adaptability allows for creative experimentation. Different berry types, citrus zest, or even a subtle spice blend can be incorporated to personalize the cake’s flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions about Angel Food Strawberry Cake Recipe
Baking an angel food strawberry cake successfully often involves addressing common questions. Understanding these FAQs prepares one for potential challenges and ensures a smoother baking experience.
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Q: Why did my cake collapse?
A: Several factors can cause collapse, including under-whipped egg whites, overmixing the batter, opening the oven door too frequently during baking, or not inverting the pan immediately after baking. Ensure you carefully follow the recipe’s instructions to avoid these pitfalls.
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Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Its not recommended. Frozen strawberries contain excess moisture, which can make the cake heavy and dense. Fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor.
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Q: How can I store leftover cake?
A: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The cake’s delicate texture may be slightly affected by refrigeration.
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Q: What can I substitute for cake flour?
A: All-purpose flour can be substituted, but it will result in a slightly denser cake. You can also try using a gluten-free flour blend designed for cakes.
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Q: Can I add other fruits?
A: Yes! Raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries would be delicious additions.
Mastering the angel food strawberry cake recipe requires practice and attention to detail, but the delicious result makes the effort worthwhile.
The combination of airy cake and juicy strawberries creates a dessert that is both refreshing and satisfying. This recipe provides a solid foundation for culinary creativity and experimentation.
In conclusion, the angel food strawberry cake recipe offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it a rewarding baking project for any skill level. Careful adherence to the instructions and helpful tips will lead to a consistently successful and delicious outcome.