Grandma'S Sunshine Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Grandma's Sunshine Cake is a light, fluffy angel food cake with delicate sweetness and vanilla aroma, perfect for celebrating special occasions or a delightful teatime treat.

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Ingredients

  • 5 eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1/2 cup boiling water
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  1. Separate the whites and yolks of 5 eggs.
  2. Add water to the yolks and beat well.
  3. Gradually add sugar into the yolks and beat until well combined.
  4. Add boiling water to the egg yolk mixture and beat well.
  5. Stir in flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla into the yolk mixture.
  6. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
  7. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture.
  8. Pour the batter into an angel food cake pan (which separates into two parts).
  9. Place the cake pan into a cold oven set at 300°F (150°C).
  10. Bake for 1 hour, then remove and cool before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

To ensure the cake rises beautifully, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating them to stiff peaks. If you don't have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or vinegar. For a twist, consider adding a hint of almond extract in place of the vanilla for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own but can also be served with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch. For a more decadent experience, pair it with Char'S Artichoke Dip as an appetizer before dessert. It makes an excellent addition to summer gatherings or special occasions.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Sunshine Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Sunshine Cake contains roughly 177 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value).

177 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.2g 2% DV
Total Fat 0.4g
Carbs 16.9g 6% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 5.7g 11% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 378.2mg 16% DV
Potassium 209.4mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 0.8mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 0.2mcg
Vitamin C 11.4mg 13% DV
Calcium 147mg 11% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 a different type of flour for this cake?

Yes, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture, but all-purpose flour works well too. Just ensure you measure it correctly to maintain the right consistency in your batter.

What can I do if my cake collapses after baking?

A collapsed cake may result from under-beating the egg whites or not baking it long enough. Make sure to beat the whites until they form stiff peaks and bake until the cake is golden and springs back when touched.

How can I make this cake more flavorful?

For added flavor, consider incorporating citrus zest, such as lemon or orange, into the yolk mixture. This will elevate the taste and provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

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).

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