π° Angel Cake with Strawberries and Citrus Cream ππ
What is it?
Angel Cake with Strawberries and Citrus Cream is a delightful dessert that combines the light and airy texture of angel food cake with the freshness of strawberries and the zesty flavor of citrus cream. It’s a perfect summer treat, and its combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser.
History:
Angel food cake itself dates back to the 19th century in the United States. It gained popularity for its unique preparation method, which involves using whipped egg whites to create a light, fluffy texture. The addition of strawberries and citrus cream is a modern twist, adding a burst of fruity and tangy flavors to this classic cake.
Components:
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Angel Food Cake:
- Egg whites
- Sugar
- Cake flour
- Cream of tartar
- Vanilla extract
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Strawberries:
- Fresh strawberries
- Sugar (for macerating)
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Citrus Cream:
- Heavy cream
- Lemon zest
- Orange zest
- Sugar
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Angel Food Cake:
a. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
b. In a bowl, sift together cake flour and half of the sugar.
c. In another bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
d. Gradually add the remaining sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
e. Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the egg white mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.
f. Spoon the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan.
g. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when touched.
h. Invert the pan onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely before removing the cake. -
Prepare the Strawberries:
a. Wash and hull the strawberries.
b. Slice them and place in a bowl.
c. Sprinkle sugar over the strawberries and gently toss to macerate. Set aside. -
Prepare the Citrus Cream:
a. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, lemon zest, orange zest, and sugar.
b. Whip the mixture until it reaches stiff peaks. -
Assemble the Cake:
a. Slice the cooled angel food cake horizontally into two layers.
b. Place one layer on a serving plate.
c. Spread a layer of citrus cream on top of the first layer.
d. Add a generous portion of macerated strawberries.
e. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with citrus cream and strawberries. -
Serve and Enjoy! π΄
Time Needed:
- The preparation and baking of the angel food cake may take approximately 1-1.5 hours.
- Preparing the strawberries and citrus cream will take an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Assembling the cake is quick and should take about 10 minutes.
- So, in total, you can expect to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours to prepare this delicious Angel Cake with Strawberries and Citrus Cream.
Enjoy your heavenly dessert! π°ππ
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angel Cake with Strawberries and Citrus Cream:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 250-300 calories (mainly from the cake and cream)
- Protein: 3-4 grams (from egg whites and cream)
- Carbohydrates: 55-60 grams (from cake and strawberries)
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams (from strawberries)
- Sugars: 35-40 grams (from sugar and strawberries)
- Fat: 1-2 grams (mainly from cream)
- Saturated Fat: 0.5-1 gram (from cream)
- Cholesterol: 10-15 mg (from egg whites and cream)
- Sodium: 120-150 mg (mainly from cream)
Health Information:
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Low in Fat: This dessert is relatively low in fat, which can be beneficial for those watching their fat intake.
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Low in Saturated Fat: It contains a small amount of saturated fat, which is the type of fat linked to heart disease. It’s a better choice compared to desserts high in saturated fats.
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Moderate Calories: The calorie content is moderate, making it suitable as an occasional treat. Be mindful of portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
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Source of Protein: Angel food cake contains egg whites, providing a modest amount of protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
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Carbohydrate Content: The primary source of carbohydrates comes from the cake and strawberries. While it contains sugars, the natural sugars from strawberries are a healthier option compared to added sugars.
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Fiber from Strawberries: Strawberries contribute some dietary fiber, which is good for digestion and can help keep you feeling full.
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Low Sodium: It’s relatively low in sodium, which is important for individuals monitoring their salt intake.
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Cholesterol: The cholesterol content is relatively low, mainly from the egg whites and cream.
Overall, Angel Cake with Strawberries and Citrus Cream can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. It provides a light and fruity dessert option with moderate calories and relatively low levels of fat and saturated fat. However, as with any dessert, portion control is key to maintaining a healthy diet.