How to Bake an Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is a light and airy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Here's how to bake one:

Ingredients: - 1 cup cake flour - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar - 12 large egg whites, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon cream of tartar - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Optional: fruit or whipped cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Sift the cake flour and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar together in a bowl. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy.

4. Add the cream of tartar and salt and continue to beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.

5. Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, a few tablespoons at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites on medium speed.

6. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form and the mixture is glossy.

7. Add the vanilla extract and gently fold it into the egg white mixture.

8. Sift about 1/3 of the flour mixture over the egg whites and gently fold it in with a rubber spatula.

9. Repeat this process, sifting and folding in the flour mixture in three additions, until it is all incorporated.

10. Spoon the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan (tube pan) and smooth the top.

11. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

12. Remove the cake from the oven and immediately turn the pan upside down onto a wire rack.

13. Let the cake cool completely in the pan, for at least one hour.

14. Run a knife around the edges of the cake and remove it from the pan.

15. Serve the angel food cake with fresh fruit or whipped cream, if desired.

Enjoy your light and fluffy angel food cake!