Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of an Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling Recipe lies in its simplicity. While the angel food cake itself requires some specific ingredients and a bit of technique, the end result is well worth the effort. Let’s gather everything you’ll need to begin.
For the Angel Food Cake:
Egg Whites: Approximately 12 large, fresh egg whites. Using fresh eggs is always recommended for the best results. Ensure there are no traces of yolk, as this can hinder the egg whites from whipping properly.
Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups, divided. This will be used both to sweeten the cake and to stabilize the egg whites.
Cake Flour: 1 cup, sifted multiple times. Sifting is crucial for incorporating air and creating the signature airy texture of an angel food cake.
Cream of Tartar: 1 teaspoon. This helps stabilize the egg whites, allowing them to whip up to stiff peaks.
Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. This adds a subtle sweetness and warmth.
Salt: ¼ teaspoon. Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
For the Pie Filling:
The star of the show is, of course, the pie filling! You have numerous options here, and the choice is truly yours. Consider the season, your personal preferences, or what you already have in your pantry.
Store-bought Pie Filling: A jar or can of your favorite store-bought pie filling (approximately 19-21 ounces). Apple, cherry, blueberry, and peach are popular choices.
Homemade Pie Filling: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can create your own filling from scratch. This offers complete control over the ingredients and level of sweetness.
Optional Toppings:
Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream is a classic accompaniment that adds richness and complements the airy cake and fruity filling.
Fresh Berries: For a touch of freshness and visual appeal, consider garnishing with fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries.
Powdered Sugar: A dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch and a hint of sweetness.
Creating Your Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s move to the exciting part! This Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling Recipe might seem intimidating, but by following these straightforward instructions, you can create a stunning dessert that will impress your friends and family.
Making the Angel Food Cake
First, grab your ingredients, and let the baking begin. This Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling Recipe is surprisingly easy to make.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step in this recipe. There’s a reason why people can’t get enough of the fluffy texture of angel food cake! Next, prepare your angel food cake pan. **Important: Do NOT grease the pan.** Angel food cake needs to cling to the sides of the pan to rise properly. This is essential for the distinctive texture we are aiming for.
In a clean, dry, and grease-free mixing bowl (a glass or stainless steel bowl works best), whisk the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt until frothy. The absence of any grease is extremely important for your egg whites to whip up properly. This step is essential for creating the light and fluffy texture.
Gradually add half of the granulated sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whisk the egg whites. Continue whisking until stiff, glossy peaks form. This means the peaks should stand straight up when you lift the whisk.
Next, in a separate bowl, sift the cake flour. Carefully add the sifted cake flour to the egg white mixture, about a third at a time, gently folding it in with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the air in the batter.
Gently fold in the vanilla extract. The aroma will begin to fill your kitchen.
Now, pour the batter into the ungreased angel food cake pan. Use a knife or offset spatula to gently cut through the batter to remove any large air bubbles.
Bake for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately invert the pan onto a heat-safe bottle or a cake cooling rack (if your pan has feet) to cool completely. This will prevent the cake from collapsing. It’s absolutely crucial for the success of the cake. Allow it to cool completely upside down for at least 1-2 hours, or even longer. The longer it cools upside down, the better.
Assembling the Dessert
Now, let’s assemble this delicious Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling.
Once the cake has completely cooled, carefully remove it from the pan. Use a thin knife or a cake decorating spatula to gently loosen the edges of the cake from the pan. Turn the cake over and it should release easily.
Using a long serrated knife, carefully slice the cake horizontally into two or three layers. If the cake is not perfectly level, trim the tops and bottoms before slicing.
Place the bottom layer of the cake on a serving plate. Generously spread a layer of your chosen pie filling over the cake.
If desired, add a layer of freshly whipped cream over the pie filling. This is an optional step, but it adds richness and a beautiful touch.
Gently place the second layer of cake on top of the filling and repeat the process. If you have a third layer, repeat the process, but be sure to save some pie filling for the top.
Finally, top with the remaining pie filling and your desired toppings, such as whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enhancing the Experience: Tips and Variations
For the best results with this Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling Recipe, make sure to follow these tips and suggestions.
Tips:
When whipping egg whites, always use a clean, dry bowl and beaters. Even a small amount of grease or oil can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
Use room temperature egg whites. This helps them whip up to a greater volume. You can separate the eggs ahead of time and allow the whites to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before whipping.
If you have a stand mixer, it makes the process of whipping egg whites significantly easier.
Store any leftover cake, covered, at room temperature for a day. For longer storage, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
If your cake collapses after baking, it may be due to under-baking, over-mixing, or not cooling the cake upside down.
Variations:
While this Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling Recipe is delicious as is, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your taste.
You can experiment with different pie filling flavors. Consider pairing the cake with apple pie filling, cherry pie filling, blueberry pie filling, or peach pie filling.
You can add a teaspoon of almond extract or lemon extract to the batter for a unique flavor twist.
Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the batter for a refreshing burst of citrus flavor.
Serving Your Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling
The beauty of this dessert is also in its versatility for serving. Present this Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling in a way that shows off its charm. It is suitable for various occasions, from casual gatherings to formal celebrations. Serve individual slices on plates with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh berries for an elegant presentation. Or, simply slice and serve.
Final Thoughts
With this simple Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling Recipe, you can create a truly memorable dessert. The light, airy texture of the angel food cake combined with the sweet, fruity filling is a match made in heaven. You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. It is ideal for summer parties, holiday get-togethers, or even a simple after-dinner treat. Remember, baking should be a joyful experience. Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and savor every delicious bite. This Angel Food Cake with Pie Filling Recipe is sure to become a new favorite!
Do you have any favorite pie filling combinations or tips for making angel food cake? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
