If you are craving a dessert that’s light as a cloud yet bursting with fresh fruit flavors, the Strawberry Angel Food Cake is your perfect match. This delightful treat combines the airy texture of classic angel food cake with the bright, tangy sweetness of juicy strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, creating a truly unforgettable dessert experience. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply indulging yourself after dinner, the Strawberry Angel Food Cake offers a refreshing, elegant twist on a timeless favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Strawberry Angel Food Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but absolutely essential, each playing a key role in bringing the Strawberry Angel Food Cake to life — from fluffiness and moisture to vibrant flavor and gorgeous color.

All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Provides structure while keeping the cake delicately light.

Cornstarch (1 tbsp): Helps soften the flour for an even more tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup total): Sweetens perfectly, with a portion folded into the whipped egg whites for stability.

Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
Lemon zest (2 tsp): Adds a zesty brightness that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Egg whites (3/4 cup or about 5 large whites): The heart of angel food cake, whipped to airy perfection for that classic texture.
Warm water (2 tsp): Helps the egg whites whip up more easily.
Lemon juice (2 tsp): Works with the zest to lend a fresh, tangy note.

Cream of tartar (1/2 tsp): Stabilizes the egg whites to hold their peaks well.
Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Adds just the right hint of warm sweetness.
Whipping cream (1 cup at 33% fat): Whipped until soft peaks, it becomes the perfect creamy layer.

Granulated sugar for whipping cream (1 tsp): Sweetens the cream just enough.
Vanilla extract for whipping cream (1/4 tsp): Slightly enhances the cream’s luscious flavor.
Fresh strawberries (1 lb, hulled): The star ingredient bringing juicy bursts of vibrant color and sweetness in every bite.

How to Make Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients

Start by blending your all-purpose flour, cornstarch, half the sugar, and salt in a food processor until you get a fine powder. This step ensures your cake’s base is light and lump-free. Once done, sift the mixture into a bowl and add the lemon zest—this zest will infuse the cake with a delicate fragrance that wakes up your senses with every bite.

Step 2: Whipping the Egg Whites

In a large bowl, combine the egg whites, warm water, lemon juice, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whisk on low speed for one minute to start forming bubbles, then crank it up to high and whisk until soft peaks develop and the volume grows dramatically. This process creates the magnificent airy base essential for angel food cake’s signature fluffiness.

Step 3: Sweetening and Stabilizing

Next, slowly add the remaining quarter cup of granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whip on medium speed. This careful incorporation ensures that the meringue becomes glossy and stable, forming stiff peaks that will hold up beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Folding in the Flour Mixture

Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the whipped egg whites using a rubber spatula—do this gradually, about a third at a time. The secret here is to combine without deflating the batter, using a gentle cutting and folding motion so that the mixture remains airy while getting just enough flour mixed in to give it structure.

Step 5: Baking to Perfection

Transfer the delicate batter into a non-greased metal loaf pan, then gently tap it on the counter to release any large air bubbles. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 35 minutes until the cake turns a lovely golden brown and a cake tester comes out clean. The gentle baking ensures a chewy yet tender crumb, with a slight crispness on the outside.

Step 6: Cooling and Removing from Pan

Immediately invert the loaf pan to cool the cake upside down — this clever trick prevents the cake from collapsing under its own weight. Use two tin cans under the edges of the pan to keep it elevated. After it has completely cooled, run a sharp knife carefully around the edges and loosen the cake by gently tapping the pan. This technique preserves the delicate shape perfectly.

Step 7: Whipping the Cream

Whisk together the whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This luscious whipped cream is the perfect counterpoint to the light cake and adds a silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth.

Step 8: Assembling the Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Slice the cake lengthwise with a serrated knife to create two layers. Spread half of the whipped cream on the bottom layer, then add a generous amount of hulled fresh strawberries. Top with the second layer of cake, and repeat the whipped cream and strawberry topping. This assembly brings all the components together, layering texture and flavor in the most irresistible way.

How to Serve Strawberry Angel Food Cake

Garnishes

For an elegant finishing touch, sprinkle the top of the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra whole strawberries for that perfect pop of color. A small drizzle of fresh strawberry sauce or a mint leaf can elevate the presentation and add complexity to the flavor.

Side Dishes

This Strawberry Angel Food Cake pairs beautifully with light sides such as a fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a simple fruit salad featuring melon and kiwi. These refreshing sides complement the cake’s airy texture and fruity brightness without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can cut the cake into individual mini cakes or trifle layers inside clear glasses. Another idea is to serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lemon curd to bring a new layer of zing. The presentation possibilities for Strawberry Angel Food Cake are as endless as your creativity, making it a showstopper at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once assembled, store your Strawberry Angel Food Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to keep the cake’s texture fresh and the cream from breaking down. Covering it tightly prevents the cake from drying out and the strawberries from wilting.

Freezing

You can freeze the angel food cake before adding the whipped cream and strawberries. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before assembling with fresh cream and fruit for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

This cake shines best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer to warm a slice, a few seconds in the microwave can soften it slightly, but avoid overheating to keep its delicate crumb intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for the Strawberry Angel Food Cake?

While fresh strawberries provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to prevent extra moisture from soggying the cake.

Why is it important not to grease the pan for angel food cake?

Angel food cake needs to cling to the sides of the pan to rise properly. Greasing the pan would prevent the batter from climbing up the sides, resulting in a denser, flatter cake.

Can I make the cake in a round tube pan?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses a loaf pan, a traditional angel food cake is often baked in a tube pan, which helps with even rising and cooling. Just remember not to grease the pan.

How do I know when the Strawberry Angel Food Cake is done?

The cake is ready when it’s golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. Additionally, the cake should feel springy to the touch and pull slightly away from the sides of the pan.

Is it okay to use a hand whisk instead of an electric mixer?

Using a hand whisk is possible but very challenging, as achieving the stiff peaks necessary for the angel food cake’s structure requires vigorous, consistent whisking. An electric mixer will save time and effort and produce better results.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Strawberry Angel Food Cake that makes every slice feel like a celebration. Its light texture, combined with the fresh sweetness of strawberries and creamy layers, is a simple yet elegant dessert that never fails to impress. I urge you to give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you for it!

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