Angel Food Cake With Strawberries

🍰🍓 Angel Food Cake with Strawberries 🍓🍰

What is it?
Angel Food Cake with Strawberries is a delightful dessert that combines a light and fluffy angel food cake with fresh, juicy strawberries. It’s a classic American dessert that’s perfect for warm summer days or any special occasion. This dessert is known for its airy texture and sweet, slightly tangy taste.

History:
Angel Food Cake is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century. Its exact origins are a bit hazy, but it gained popularity during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The cake earned its name because of its light and ethereal texture, which was said to be fit for angels. Strawberries have been enjoyed as a sweet treat for centuries, and the combination of angel food cake with fresh strawberries likely emerged as a delicious pairing.

Components:

1. Angel Food Cake: This is the star of the dessert. It’s a sponge cake made from egg whites, sugar, flour, and flavorings like vanilla extract. It has a characteristic light and airy texture due to the beaten egg whites.

2. Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are the perfect complement to the cake. They provide a burst of sweet, juicy flavor and a vibrant red color. You can slice them, macerate them with sugar for added sweetness, or even create a strawberry sauce.

Steps to Prepare:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cake flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 12 large egg whites
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced and sweetened if desired)

Instructions:

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

2. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the cake flour and 3/4 cup of sugar together three times to ensure they are well combined.

3. Whip Egg Whites: In a large, clean, and dry bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add cream of tartar and salt, and continue beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

4. Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg white mixture, being careful not to deflate the batter.

5. Bake: Transfer the batter to an ungreased angel food cake pan. Bake for about 40-45 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when touched.

6. Cool: Invert the cake pan onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely before removing from the pan.

7. Prepare Strawberries: While the cake is cooling, slice the fresh strawberries and sweeten them with sugar if desired. This allows them to release their juices.

8. Serve: Once the cake has cooled, serve it with a generous portion of sliced strawberries on top or alongside. You can also add whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Angel Food Cake with Strawberries can vary, but on average, it takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, including baking and cooling time.

Enjoy your heavenly Angel Food Cake with Strawberries! 🍰🍓 It’s a delightful dessert that’s sure to please both your taste buds and your emoji-loving heart!

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angel Food Cake with Strawberries:

Nutrition Facts (per serving, without additional toppings like whipped cream):

• Calories: Approximately 160-180 calories per slice of Angel Food Cake (1/12 of a 10-inch cake).
• Carbohydrates: About 38-42 grams.
• Protein: Roughly 3-4 grams.
• Fat: Almost zero grams (virtually fat-free).
• Sugar: Around 25-30 grams from the cake, plus any added sugar for sweetening the strawberries.
• Fiber: Negligible fiber content.

Health Information:

1. Low in Fat: Angel Food Cake is naturally low in fat since it doesn’t contain egg yolks or butter. This can be a good choice if you’re looking to reduce your fat intake.

2. Low in Protein: While it provides some protein, it’s not a significant source compared to other desserts.

3. High in Carbohydrates: The majority of the calories come from carbohydrates, primarily sugar and starch from the cake flour. Be mindful of your carbohydrate intake if you’re watching your blood sugar levels.

4. Low in Fiber: The cake lacks significant fiber content, so it’s not particularly filling.

5. Calorie Count: The calorie count is relatively moderate, making it a reasonable dessert option when consumed in moderation.

6. Strawberries: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They are a healthier addition to the dessert, providing essential nutrients.

7. Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.

8. Toppings: Keep in mind that additional toppings like whipped cream or ice cream will add more calories and fat to the dessert.

While Angel Food Cake with Strawberries can be enjoyed as an occasional treat, it’s important to balance it with a well-rounded, nutritious diet to maintain a healthy lifestyle.