This lemon angel food cake is wonderfully light and fluffy, practically melting in your mouth. It has just the right amount of lemon zest, making it an ideal dessert for spring or summer. I love pairing it with strawberry compote and fresh whipped cream for the perfect finish.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 large egg whites
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Strawberry compote and whipped cream for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
- Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Place the granulated sugar in a food processor or blender and pulse for 10 to 20 seconds to make it superfine. Set aside 3/4 cup of the sugar in a separate bowl.
- In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar, cake flour, and salt.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed for about 1 minute, until foamy. Add the reserved 3/4 cup of sugar and increase the speed to high. Whip for 5-6 minutes until soft peaks form.
- Add the vanilla extract, lemon extract, and lemon zest, and mix until just combined.
- Sift the flour mixture over the whipped egg whites in three separate additions. Gently fold the flour into the egg whites with a rubber spatula after each addition.
- Transfer the batter to a 10-inch angel food cake pan (tube pan). Do NOT grease the pan.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the pan halfway through the baking time for even results.
- Let the cake cool upside down on a wire rack for about 3 hours. Once cooled, run a knife around the edges of the pan and gently tap the sides until the cake releases.
- Serve slices of cake with a spoonful of strawberry compote and a dollop of whipped cream. Store the cake and compote separately in airtight containers. To reheat the compote, microwave for a few seconds to thin it out.
