There is no butter or leavening here, so the whole rise comes from air beaten into a dozen egg whites. Whip them to stiff peaks and fold in the flour by hand, then bake in an ungreased tube pan and cool it upside down so it does not collapse.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep30 min
Cook40 min
Makes1 ten-inch cake
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · eggs · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1ten-inch cake
Egg whites
Twelve whites at room temperature are the only leavening; a speck of yolk will keep them from whipping.
Whip the whitesBeat the room-temperature whites with cream of tartar to soft peaks, then add 1 cup sugar a spoon at a time and whip to stiff glossy peaks.
Fold the flourSift the flour with the remaining sugar and fold it into the whites in three additions, cutting through gently so you keep the air.
Fill the panSpoon into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan and run a knife through the batter to pop large air pockets.
BakeBake at 350F for 38-42 min until the top springs back and a skewer comes out clean.
Cool invertedInvert the pan onto its feet or a bottle and cool completely upside down before releasing, or the cake sinks.
Can you make Angel Food Cake in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — bake it in a small pan or dish that fits the basket, at about 25°F below the recipe temperature. Air fryers run hot and fast, so check it early; no flipping needed.
Can you freeze Angel Food Cake? — Not ideal
Not really — the cream, custard, or emulsion turns grainy or splits once thawed. This one is best kept fresh in the fridge.
Can you make Angel Food Cake ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — bake it a day or two ahead; it keeps well-wrapped at room temperature and freezes cleanly. Add any frosting or glaze close to serving.
Is Angel Food Cake gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Angel Food Cake vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy and egg. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy, and a flax or aquafaba egg for the egg.
Community Notes
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