Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Name: Strawberry Angel Food Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz Strawberries (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup Superfine Sugar; 12 large Egg Whites; 1 1/2 cups Superfine Sugar; 1 tsp Cream of Tartar; 1 1/4 cups Cake Flour; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Published: May 28, 2025

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light and Fluffy Texture: The angel food cake is incredibly light, making it a refreshing dessert option.
Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Real strawberries are used in both the cake and the puree, giving it a vibrant taste.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with chantilly cream, fresh berries, or as a standalone dessert.
Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can successfully whip up this beautiful cake with straightforward steps.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just a treat for yourself, this cake fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline the process. Having everything ready will make baking this delicious strawberry angel food cake a breeze.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer
Whisk attachment
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Tube pan
High-sided saucepan
Fine mesh sieve
Food processor

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer: Essential for whipping egg whites to create that fluffy meringue base.
Fine mesh sieve: Helps achieve a smooth strawberry puree by removing seeds and chunks.
Tube pan: Allows the cake to cool upside down, ensuring it maintains its structure without collapsing.

Ingredients

The fluffiest strawberry angel food cake, made with real strawberries.

Ingredients:
– 16 oz Strawberries (450g) (fresh or frozen)
– 1/2 cup Superfine Sugar (100g)
– 12 large Egg Whites (400g)
– 1 1/2 cups Superfine Sugar (300g)
– 1 tsp Cream of Tartar
– 1 1/4 cups Cake Flour (140g)
– 1/4 tsp Salt
– 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
– 2 drops Pink Gel Food Color (optional)
– 1 batch Chantilly Cream (get my chantilly cream recipe)
– 2 cups Fresh Strawberries

How to Make Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Puree

Place the strawberries and 1/2 cup (100g) sugar in a high-sided saucepan with a splash of water over medium heat.
Heat until the strawberries start breaking down and boiling. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to squish them. Stir regularly until it thickens like jam (about 10-15 mins).
Let cool for 10 minutes; then add to a food processor and blitz until smooth.
Pass through a fine mesh sieve to remove any chunks or seeds and let cool completely.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C (or 160°C fan-assisted).

Step 3: Whip Egg Whites

Place room-temperature egg whites in your stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment. Whip on medium speed until frothy.

Step 4: Add Cream of Tartar

Once frothy, add cream of tartar and increase speed to medium-high until soft peaks form.

Step 5: Gradually Add Sugar

Increase mixer speed to high while adding sugar one tablespoon at a time. Let whip for about 15 seconds between additions until stiff peaks form.

Step 6: Mix in Strawberry Puree

Add 3/4 cup (180g) prepared strawberry puree and vanilla extract to meringue. Mix on low speed until combined. If desired, add pink food color now.

Step 7: Fold in Cake Flour

Mix salt with cake flour; sift into meringue in thirds, folding gently each time until combined.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Spoon batter into an ungreased tube pan and smooth out evenly. Bake for 34-40 minutes until golden brown and springy.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Remove from oven; immediately turn upside down using feet on the pan or over a wire rack. Allow cooling completely.

Step 10: Release from Pan

Run a spatula around the edge of the pan once cool, tap bottom gently to release the cake.

Step 11: Serve

Slice and serve with chantilly cream, fresh berries, and remaining strawberry puree on top for an added burst of flavor!

How to Serve Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Strawberry angel food cake is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make your dessert experience even more enjoyable.

Classic with Chantilly Cream

Top slices of the cake with a generous dollop of chantilly cream for a rich and creamy contrast against the lightness of the angel food cake.

Fresh Berries Medley

Add a combination of fresh berries like blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries alongside the cake for added texture and flavor.

Strawberry Puree Drizzle

Spoon some of the reserved strawberry puree over the cake for an extra burst of strawberry flavor that complements the lightness of the cake.

Ice Cream Scoop

Serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a cool, creamy addition that pairs well with the fluffy texture.

Mint Garnish

Decorate with fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and a refreshing hint that enhances the overall presentation.

Layered Dessert Cups

Crumble pieces of strawberry angel food cake into glasses, layer with chantilly cream and fresh strawberries for an elegant dessert presentation.

How to Perfect Strawberry Angel Food Cake

To achieve the fluffiest strawberry angel food cake possible, consider these helpful tips:

Use room temperature egg whites: This helps them whip up to maximum volume, resulting in a lighter cake.
Sift flour and sugar: Sifting prevents clumps and ensures an even mix, which is crucial for achieving a delicate texture.
Don’t grease the pan: Leaving the pan ungreased allows the batter to cling to the sides while baking, helping it rise properly.
Fold gently: When incorporating flour into the meringue, use gentle folding motions to maintain airiness in your batter.
Cool upside down: Inverting your pan after baking allows steam to escape and helps set the structure of your cake.
Serve fresh: For best taste and texture, serve your strawberry angel food cake on the day it is made.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Serving sides can elevate your strawberry angel food cake experience. Here are some perfect accompaniments:

Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt topped with granola provide a creamy contrast while adding crunch.
Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce creates a delicious flavor pairing with strawberries.
Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet cuts through the sweetness for a refreshing palate cleanser.
Pistachio Crumble: Chopped pistachios add crunch and nutty flavor that enhances each bite.
Coconut Whipped Cream: This dairy-free alternative offers a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with strawberries.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Strawberry Angel Food Cake can be tricky. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

Ignoring Egg White Temperature: Using cold egg whites can prevent them from whipping up properly. Always use room-temperature egg whites for a fluffier cake.
Overmixing the Batter: Folding the flour too vigorously can deflate your meringue. Be gentle when incorporating the flour into your meringue to keep that light texture.
Not Prepping the Pan: Skipping the ungreased pan step can lead to a cake that sticks. Always bake angel food cakes in an ungreased tube pan to allow it to rise and release correctly.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Removing the cake from the pan too soon can cause it to collapse. Letting it cool upside down is crucial for maintaining its height.
Using Low-Quality Strawberries: Poor quality strawberries can affect the flavor of your puree. Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best taste in your Strawberry Angel Food Cake.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep for up to 3 days for best freshness.
Optionally, cover with plastic wrap to minimize drying out.

Freezing Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This helps maintain its light texture.
Microwave: Heat on low power in 10-second intervals until warm. Avoid overheating as it may dry out.
Stovetop: Place slices in a covered pan over low heat for a few minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Strawberry Angel Food Cake more flavorful?

Adding more strawberry puree or mixing in other berries can enhance flavor. You could also infuse flavors like lemon zest or almond extract into the batter.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just ensure they are thawed and drained of excess liquid before making your puree.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

The cake should be golden brown on top, and a skewer inserted into the middle should come out clean when it’s perfectly baked.

What should I serve with my Strawberry Angel Food Cake?

Serve it with chantilly cream, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a delightful twist on this classic dessert.

How long does Strawberry Angel Food Cake last at room temperature?

At room temperature, it lasts about 1-2 hours safely before needing refrigeration, especially if it’s hot outside.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Angel Food Cake is not only light and fluffy but also bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different fruits or toppings. Don’t hesitate to try this delectable recipe and impress your family and friends!

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