Ina Garten Angel Food Cake Recipe is a light, fluffy dessert that feels like a cloud. It is simple but special. This cake is made with egg whites and a little sugar.
It does not use butter, so it is light and airy. Ina Garten’s version is elegant and easy to make at home. It tastes sweet, soft and slightly vanilla.
You can serve it with fresh berries or whipped cream. This cake is perfect for parties, birthdays or just a sweet treat. If you want a dessert that feels fancy but is easy, this is for you.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Angel Food Cake
I first made this cake for a family dinner. The cake rose tall and looked beautiful. The texture was soft and airy. I loved how it melted in my mouth. The house smelled like vanilla and sugar.
My family said it was like a bakery cake. I felt proud because it was so easy. The best part was how light it felt after a big meal.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Angel Food Cake
- Servings: 10 slices
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 180 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Angel food cake pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Angel Food Cake
- 1 cup egg whites (about 10 large eggs)
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide
Preheat the oven
Preheat oven to 350°F. Do not grease the angel food pan.
Sift dry ingredients
Sift cake flour and half of the sugar together. Repeat for a light mix.
Beat egg whites
Beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form.
Add vanilla and almond
Add vanilla and almond extract. Beat for one more minute.
Add sugar slowly
Add remaining sugar slowly while beating. Beat until stiff peaks form.
Fold in flour mixture
Gently fold in the flour mixture in small parts. Do not deflate the egg whites.
Transfer to pan
Pour batter into the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the cake
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and firm.
Cool upside down
Invert the pan and cool for one hour. This keeps the cake tall.
Remove from pan
Run a knife around the edges and center tube. Remove cake carefully.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Angel Food Cake
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume.
- Make sure no yolk gets into the whites.
- Do not grease the pan; the cake needs to cling.
- Use a clean, dry bowl to beat the whites.
- Cool the cake upside down to prevent collapsing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding sugar too fast can deflate the egg whites.
- Overmixing the batter makes the cake dense.
- Greasing the pan makes the cake fall.
- Using cold egg whites reduces volume.
- Not cooling upside down causes the cake to shrink.
Serving Suggestions
This angel food cake tastes amazing with fresh strawberries. You can also add whipped cream or a berry sauce.
A drizzle of chocolate or caramel is delicious too. It is a great dessert for summer days. You can serve it after dinner or at a picnic.
Variations You Can Try
- Lemon zest for a citrus twist.
- Cocoa powder for a chocolate angel food cake.
- Strawberry puree folded into the batter.
- Almond extract only for a nutty flavor.
- Serve with fruit salad for a fresh touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store the cake in an airtight container for 2 days.
- Keep it in the fridge if your kitchen is hot.
- Do not freeze the cake, it may lose its texture.
- If it feels dry, serve with whipped cream.
- Slice only when ready to serve for best freshness.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbs | 42 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Sugar | 28 g |
Health Benefits
Angel food cake is lighter than many desserts. It has no butter or oil. It is mostly egg whites and sugar.
Egg whites provide protein without fat. Still, it is a sweet treat. Enjoy it in small portions. Pair it with fruit for a healthier feel.
Ina Garten Angel Food Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup egg whites about 10 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Do not grease the angel food pan.
Sift dry ingredients
- Sift cake flour and half of the sugar together. Repeat for a light mix.
Beat egg whites
- Beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until soft peaks form.
Add vanilla and almond
- Add vanilla and almond extract. Beat for one more minute.
Add sugar slowly
- Add remaining sugar slowly while beating. Beat until stiff peaks form.
Fold in flour mixture
- Gently fold in the flour mixture in small parts. Do not deflate the egg whites.
Transfer to pan
- Pour batter into the pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake the cake
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown and firm.
Cool upside down
- Invert the pan and cool for one hour. This keeps the cake tall.
Remove from pan
- Run a knife around the edges and center tube. Remove cake carefully.
Notes
- Use room temperature egg whites for better volume.
- Make sure no yolk gets into the whites.
- Do not grease the pan; the cake needs to cling.
- Use a clean, dry bowl to beat the whites.
- Cool the cake upside down to prevent collapsing.
FAQs about Ina Garten Angel Food Cake
1. Can I use a regular cake pan instead of an angel food pan?
It is not recommended. The cake needs the tube in the center to rise well.
2. Why did my cake fall after baking?
The cake may have cooled too fast. Or the pan was greased.
3. Can I add fruit inside the cake?
Fruit can add moisture and may deflate the cake. Better to serve on top.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day before. Store it in an airtight container.
5. Is angel food cake gluten-free?
This recipe uses cake flour, so it is not gluten-free. You can use gluten-free flour mix.
Final Thoughts
Ina Garten angel food cake is a classic dessert. It is light, fluffy and sweet. The recipe is easy to follow and fun to make. You will feel proud when it rises tall.
Serve it with berries for a fresh touch. This cake is perfect for any celebration. Try it and enjoy a slice of cloud-like happiness.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!