Fat-Free Angel Food Cake With Lemon Glaze
A light, fluffy, fat-free angel food cake with a bright lemon glaze, ideal for those seeking a low-fat dessert that’s elegant and subtly sweet. Perfect for celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the cake flour with half of the sugar.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip the egg whites, cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the remaining sugar, two tablespoons at a time, whipping well after each addition, until stiff peaks form.
- Sift a quarter of the flour mixture over the egg whites and gently fold in with a spatula.
- Repeat the folding process with the remaining flour in quarters.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan and gently cut through the batter with a knife to remove air pockets.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until lightly golden on top.
- Cool the cake upside down on top of a funnel for one hour.
- Run a knife around the edges and carefully unmold onto a plate.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your mixing bowl and utensils are completely clean and dry, as any fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly. For a citrus twist, you can add lemon zest to the cake batter. If you're looking for a lower sugar option, consider using a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. This cake pairs beautifully with Lemon Filling For Cake for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the angel food cake plain or drizzled with a homemade lemon glaze for a refreshing twist. Fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, make an excellent topping, adding flavor and color. This cake is light enough to be a perfect ending to a meal, especially after hearty dishes. It also pairs well with Individual Strawberry Shortcake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep the cake fresh longer, you can refrigerate it, but be aware that this may alter the texture slightly. If desired, slice and freeze individual portions for up to two months, wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fat-Free Angel Food Cake With Lemon Glaze contains roughly 284 calories, with 4g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value) and iron (14% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
While you can use all-purpose flour, it may result in a denser cake. Cake flour has less protein and creates a lighter, fluffier texture essential for angel food cake. If you must substitute, consider sifting all-purpose flour and removing a tablespoon to approximate the lower protein content of cake flour.
What can I do if my egg whites aren't whipping up properly?
If your egg whites aren't forming stiff peaks, ensure that there is no grease in your bowl or on your whisk, as even a small amount of fat can prevent them from whipping. Additionally, using fresh eggs at room temperature can help achieve better volume. If all else fails, start with new egg whites.
How can I make this cake more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding extracts such as almond or lemon to the batter. For a fruitier version, fold in finely chopped fruits or zest, or pair the cake with fresh fruit toppings like berries. You could also serve it with a side of whipped cream for added richness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).