Gluten Free Angel Food Cake

Gluten Free Angel Food Cake is a delightful dessert that brings a light and fluffy texture to your table. This cake is perfect for celebrations, summer picnics, or just a sweet treat at home. With its airy structure and subtle sweetness, it pairs beautifully with whipped cream and fresh berries, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Impossibly Light Texture – This cake boasts an airy quality that melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can master this recipe.
• Versatile Serving Options – Serve it plain or top it with whipped cream and berries for a stunning presentation.
• Naturally Gluten-Free – Made with gluten-free flour, this cake caters to those avoiding gluten without compromising on flavor.
• Low in Calories – At just 90 calories per serving, you can indulge without the guilt!

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Gluten Free Angel Food Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment simplifies the process and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand-held mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Nonstick angel food cake pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand-held mixer – These tools whip egg whites to the perfect consistency for fluffy cakes.
• Nonstick angel food cake pan – Designed specifically for angel food cakes, this pan allows for easy release after baking.

Ingredients

The following ingredients will help you create a delicious Gluten Free Angel Food Cake:

For the Cake

• 3/4 cup gluten free baking flour blend WITH binder (see notes)
• 1/4 cup corn starch
• 1-1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1-1/2 cups egg whites (~10-11 large eggs)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

For Serving

• Whipped cream
• Fresh berries

How to Make Gluten Free Angel Food Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Adjust oven racks to the top and lower third positions then preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Combine the gluten free flour blend and cornstarch in a bowl. Whisk them together thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Create Super-Fine Sugar

Add granulated sugar to a blender or food processor. Pulse briefly to create super-fine sugar. Avoid making powdered sugar; the finer texture helps it dissolve easily in the batter.

Step 4: Beat Egg Whites

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or using a large glass bowl if using a hand-held mixer), add egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt. Beat on medium speed until very foamy (about 1 minute). Add vanilla and beat to combine.

Step 5: Incorporate Sugar Gradually

Set your mixer speed to medium-low while slowly adding in the super-fine sugar. Once all sugar is added, increase speed to medium-high and continue beating until glossy medium peaks form (approximately 3–4 minutes).

Step 6: Add Flour Mixture

Gently fold in the flour and corn starch mixture in three additions. Mix until just combined after each addition.

Step 7: Transfer Batter to Pan

Use a spatula to mix well one last time before transferring into an UNGREASED nonstick angel food cake pan. Smooth out the top with a spoon or offset spatula. Bake for 45–47 minutes until deep golden brown.

Step 8: Invert Cake

Immediately invert the pan over a bottle (like an apple vinegar bottle covered in foil) or use any clean bottle you have available. Let it cool upside down completely.

Step 9: Release from Pan

Once cooled completely, turn the pan right side up. Use a knife around both edges of the cake to release it gently from the pan.

Step 10: Serve

Slice into wedges using a serrated knife and serve with whipped cream and fresh berries for an exquisite finish!

Enjoy your delightful Gluten Free Angel Food Cake!

How to Serve Gluten Free Angel Food Cake

Gluten Free Angel Food Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in many delightful ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or fancy it up for a special occasion, here are some serving suggestions.

With Whipped Cream

• Freshly whipped cream adds a rich and creamy texture to the light cake. Top generously for a classic pairing.

Fresh Berries

• Serve with an assortment of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Their natural sweetness complements the cake beautifully.

Citrus Glaze

• Drizzle a light citrus glaze made from lemon or orange juice and powdered sugar over the cake for a zesty twist.

Fruit Compote

• A warm fruit compote made from your favorite seasonal fruits provides an excellent contrast to the airy cake.

Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the cake creates a decadent treat.

Ice Cream

• Pair slices with dairy-free ice cream for an indulgent dessert that everyone will enjoy.

How to Perfect Gluten Free Angel Food Cake

Achieving the perfect Gluten Free Angel Food Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some essential tips for success.

• Use a quality flour blend: A good gluten-free baking flour blend with a binder will provide structure and help the cake rise properly.
• Ensure egg whites are at room temperature: Room temperature egg whites whip better, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake.
• Sift dry ingredients: Sifting flour and cornstarch helps eliminate lumps and creates a finer texture that blends easily into the batter.
• Do not grease the pan: An ungreased pan allows the batter to climb up the sides, resulting in a taller cake.
• Cool upside down: Inverting the pan while cooling prevents sagging and maintains its height.
• Be gentle when folding: When adding dry ingredients, fold gently to keep as much air in the mixture as possible.

Best Side Dishes for Gluten Free Angel Food Cake

Pairing your Gluten Free Angel Food Cake with side dishes enhances its flavor profile. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad
   A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds natural sweetness and balances the cake’s fluffiness.

2. Coconut Whipped Cream
   This dairy-free alternative offers a tropical flair that pairs wonderfully with the lightness of angel food cake.

3. Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
   These sweet treats add an elegant touch and are perfect for those who love chocolate with their desserts.

4. Lemon Sorbet
   The tartness of lemon sorbet complements the sweetness of the cake while providing a cool contrast.

5. Caramel Sauce
   A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce introduces rich flavors that elevate your dessert experience.

6. Chia Seed Pudding
   This healthy option adds texture and can be flavored with vanilla or fruit puree for added taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Gluten Free Angel Food Cake can be tricky. Here are some common pitfalls to watch for.

• Using regular flour: Regular flour won’t work in this recipe; ensure you use a gluten free baking flour blend with a binder for the right texture and rise.
• Not measuring egg whites correctly: The success of this cake relies on having the right amount of egg whites. Use approximately 10-11 large eggs to get about 1-1/2 cups.
• Overmixing the batter: After adding the flour mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and airy one.
• Skipping the cooling step: Letting the cake cool completely upside down prevents it from collapsing. Don’t rush this important step!
• Greasing the pan: An ungreased pan is essential for angel food cakes. Greasing can prevent the cake from climbing up the sides and achieving its signature height.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Gluten Free Angel Food Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Gluten Free Angel Food Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Gluten Free Angel Food Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 10-15 seconds until just warm. Be careful not to overheat as it can become rubbery.
• Stovetop: Use a nonstick skillet on low heat, cover with a lid, and warm until heated through, around 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make Gluten Free Angel Food Cake dairy-free?

You can easily make this cake dairy-free by using plant-based whipped cream and ensuring all other ingredients are dairy-free certified.

Can I use different flavorings in my Gluten Free Angel Food Cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon to add a unique flavor twist to your cake.

What should I serve with Gluten Free Angel Food Cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with fresh berries and whipped cream, but you could also try serving it with fruit compote or chocolate sauce.

How do I know when my Gluten Free Angel Food Cake is done baking?

The cake should be deep golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s fully baked.

Can I substitute egg whites in this recipe?

Egg whites are crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture in angel food cakes. It’s best not to substitute them unless using an appropriate egg replacer specifically designed for baking.

Final Thoughts

Gluten Free Angel Food Cake is not only delightful but also versatile! It’s perfect for special occasions or as an everyday dessert. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or flavors, making each experience unique. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its lightness paired with fresh fruits!