Fallen Angel Cake Recipes

ANGELS' AND DEVILS' FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• For the raspberry sauce: Combine the raspberries and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 15 minutes. Add the basil and lime juice and allow the sauce to cool in the fridge.
• For the meringue: Combine 1/2 cup water and the rum in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a simmer. Slowly stir in 1 cup of the sugar to combine, and use a pastry brush dipped in water to remove any sugar crystals from the side of the pot. Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer using a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Slowly stream in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and beat to soft peaks.
• When the sugar syrup reaches the soft-ball stage (238 degrees F), remove from the heat. Increase the mixer speed to medium high and slowly stream the sugar syrup into the egg whites in the space between the beaters and the side of the bowl with the mixer running. Continue to beat until the meringue forms soft, glossy peaks.
• To assemble the cake: Place the angel food cake onto a cake stand or plate. Pour the raspberry sauce into the center hole. Spread the meringue evenly all over the sides and top of the cake, covering the hole at the top. Use your spatula to create peaks along the tops and sides if desired. Use a kitchen torch to toast the meringue all over before serving.

ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Adjust the oven rack to the lower middle position and preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
• In a food processor or blender, pulse the sugar until fine and powdery. Remove 1 cup and set aside to use in step 3; keep the rest inside the food processor. Add the cake flour and salt to the food processor. Pulse 5-10 times until sugar/flour/salt mixture is aerated and light.
• In a large bowl using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip egg whites and cream of tartar together on medium-low until foamy, about 1 minute. Switch to medium-high and slowly add the 1 cup of sugar you set aside. Whip until soft peaks form, about 5-6 minutes. See photo and video above for a visual. Add the vanilla extract, then beat just until incorporated.
• In 3 additions, slowly sift the flour mixture into the egg white mixture using a fine mesh strainer, gently folding with a rubber spatula after each addition. To avoid deflating or a dense cake, don't add the flour mixture all at once. Sift and very slowly fold in several additions. This is important! Pour and spread batter into an ungreased 9 or 10 inch tube pan. Shimmy the pan on the counter to smooth down the surface.
• Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 40-45 minutes. Rotate the pan halfway through baking. The cake will rise up very tall while baking. Remove from the oven, then cool the cake completely upside-down set on a wire rack, about 3 hours. (Upside-down so the bottom of the tube pan is right-side up, see photo and video above.) Once cooled, run a thin knife around the edges and gently tap the pan on the counter until the cake releases.
• If desired, dust with confectioners' sugar. Slice the cake with a sharp serrated knife. Regular knives can easily squish the cake. Serve with whipped cream and fresh berries.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

CHOCOLATE ANGEL CAKE

Steps:

• Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Sift together confectioners' sugar, flour and cocoa three times; set aside. , Add cream of tartar and salt to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, beating on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Gradually fold in flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time., Spoon into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on the lowest oven rack at 375° for 35-40 minutes or until lightly browned and entire top appears dry. Immediately invert pan; cool completely, about 1 hour. , Run a knife around side and center tube of pan. Remove cake to a serving plate. , In a large bowl, combine the first five frosting ingredients; cover and chill for 1 hour. Beat until stiff peaks form. , Spread over the top and sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator. Garnish with chocolate leaves if desired.

LEMON MERINGUE ANGEL CAKE

Steps:

• Place 12 egg whites in a large bowl. Sift 1/2 cup sugar and flour together twice; set aside. , Add cream of tartar, vanilla and salt to egg whites; beat on medium speed until foamy. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Gradually fold in flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time. , Gently spoon batter into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on lowest oven rack at 350° until golden brown and entire top appears dry, 35-40 minutes. Immediately invert pan; cool completely, about 1 hour., Run a knife around side and center tube of pan. Remove cake; split into 2 horizontal layers. Place cake bottom on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread with lemon curd; replace cake top. , For meringue, in a small bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread over top and sides of cake., Bake at 350° until golden brown, 15-18 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate. Refrigerate leftovers.