Vegan Angel Food Cake? Yes, you read that right! This recipe proves that you don’t need eggs to enjoy this light-as-air, delicately sweet dessert. This recipe guides you through creating a perfectly textured, melt-in-your-mouth vegan angel food cake that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The Secret to Fluffy Vegan Angel Food Cake
The key to achieving a fluffy texture in traditional angel food cake lies in whipping egg whites to stiff peaks. Since we’re going vegan, we need an egg replacement that can mimic this magic. Enter aquafaba!
Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, is a miracle worker in vegan baking. When whipped, it transforms into a fluffy, stable meringue that perfectly replicates the role of egg whites in angel food cake.
Vegan Angel Food Cake with Aquafaba
Ingredients for Heavenly Vegan Angel Food Cake
For this recipe, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 cup aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas)
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cake flour, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Step-by-Step Guide to Vegan Angel Food Cake
Ready to create your own cloud of vegan heaven? Let’s get baking!
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure you have an ungreased 10-inch tube pan ready. Do not grease the pan; we want the cake to cling to the sides for proper rising.
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Whip the Aquafaba: In a large, clean bowl, whip the aquafaba and cream of tartar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This is crucial for achieving that light and airy texture.
Whipping Aquafaba for Vegan Angel Food Cake
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Gradually Add Sugar: Gradually add the sugar to the whipped aquafaba, about a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whisk on medium speed. Make sure the sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture remains glossy.
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Fold in Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour and salt. Gently fold this dry mixture into the whipped aquafaba in two additions. Be careful not to overmix, as it could deflate the batter.
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Add Vanilla: Gently fold in the vanilla extract.
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Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the batter into the ungreased tube pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool Upside Down: Once baked, immediately invert the cake pan onto a wire rack. This is an essential step to prevent the cake from collapsing. Let it cool completely upside down before removing it from the pan.
Cooling Vegan Angel Food Cake Upside Down
Enjoying Your Vegan Angel Food Cake
This delicately sweet cake is amazing on its own, but you can elevate it further with your favorite toppings.
“The beauty of angel food cake lies in its versatility,” says renowned vegan pastry chef, Claire Dubois. “Its subtle sweetness pairs beautifully with a variety of flavors.”
Consider serving it with:
- Fresh berries and vegan whipped cream
- A dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce
- A dollop of coconut yogurt and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes
FAQs About Vegan Angel Food Cake
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Granulated sugar is recommended for this recipe as it helps create the light and airy texture. Other sweeteners might alter the results.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Can I freeze vegan angel food cake?
While you can freeze the unfrosted cake, keep in mind that freezing can sometimes impact the texture.
What can I do if my aquafaba doesn’t whip up?
Make sure your bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of any grease. Using a copper bowl or adding a pinch of cream of tartar can also help stabilize the aquafaba and promote whipping.
This recipe for vegan angel food cake is proof that you can enjoy delicious and decadent desserts without compromising your ethics. It’s easy to make, impressive to serve, and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
For more plant-based inspiration and delicious recipes, explore our vegan meal prep recipes or try our comforting vegan instant pot soup. Looking for protein-packed options? Check out our vegan high protein recipes. And don’t forget to explore the versatility of navy beans in our collection of vegan navy bean recipes.
