What is the proper technique for making an angel food cake?
I made one this weekend for the first time in 2 years, following a recipe. As I was following the instructions, I felt like it was missing something and when I looked at the end product I determined I absolutely did not have the proper technique.
I know now that the egg whites should have been at room temperature, but what else did I miss?
Is confectioners sugar better than granulated? Is cake flour (over all purpose) a must? Should the sugar be whipped with the egg whites or folded in with the flour? What is the proper temperature? (375 for 40 mins was too much in my oven)
Best Answer
Answering your specific questions, since there's no way for us to know exactly how you did it just by linking to the recipe:
- Confectioners' sugar has smaller granules than granulated sugar, which means that you actually get more of it in a cup than you do granulated. However, if you're making your batter properly, the sugar should completely dissolve, so if you're going by weight there should be no difference. (And you should be going by weight.)
- Cake flour is much lower-gluten, so you get a lighter, fluffier texture. All-purpose flour has much more gluten and you'll end up with a chewier end product.
- The proper temperature is that which will bring the center of the cake up to temperature before the exterior burns. In order to get your temperature just right you should preheat the oven well in advance and allow it to stabilize first; give it at least 15 minutes after coming up to temperature. Also, get a proper oven thermometer rather than relying on the one that's built-in to your oven, and if your temperature is particularly unstable you might consider doing the baking inside of a cloche or a Dutch oven (which needs to be preheated as well, of course). And, the time stated in the recipe is just a guideline - you should be keeping an eye on it and using a bamboo skewer or similar to test doneness, rather than just looking at the outside.
And one which you didn't ask about but which is a common problem:
- When you fold the flour into the batter, do exactly that - fold it in, gently, so that you don't disrupt the airy texture. Don't stir it or mix it or whip it or anything else, and certainly don't overwork it.
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What is the mixing method for angel food cake?
4 Basic Mixing Methods \u2013 Angel Food MethodWhy do you put an angel food cake upside down?
Every angel food cake has to be cooled upside down in the pan. Why? Until the cake is completely cooled, its spongy structure hasn't set. Flipping it upside down makes sure it doesn't collapse during that process.What are the techniques used in cake making?
5 Different Methods of Cake Making- Creaming Method. We start with perhaps the most technically accomplished of the methods known as the creaming method. ...
- All-in-one method. If you want to save on washing up, go for a simple all-in-one bake. ...
- Melting Method. ...
- Whisking Method. ...
- Rubbing Method.
How long does an angel food cake need to be upside down?
How long do you leave angel food cake upside down? Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until cracks feel dry and top springs back. Immediately turn pan upside down onto a heatproof bottle or funnel. Let hang about 2 hours or until cake is completely cool.Professional Baker Teaches You How To Make ANGEL FOOD CAKE!
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