Strawberry Angel Food Cake With Cream

Name: Strawberry Angel Food Cake With Cream
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 12 egg whites; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Inspiration

I absolutely love making Strawberry Angel Food Cake with Cream. There's something incredibly delightful about the light and airy texture combined with the sweet, juicy strawberries. This dessert is perfect for warm afternoons or special gatherings, making it a favorite of mine. The best part? It's surprisingly easy to whip up, and the fresh cream makes it even more luscious. I can’t wait for you to taste it, as every bite brings a burst of strawberry flavor that simply dances on your palate.

Created by

Victoria Hall

Last updated on 2026-02-27T16:37:40.364Z

When I first tried making Strawberry Angel Food Cake, I was surprised by how well the lightness of the cake pairs with the creamy whipped topping. I experimented with different proportions of strawberries, and the fresh ones added just the right amount of sweetness! The process of folding the whipped egg whites into the batter is a vital step; it’s where the magic happens.

My biggest tip is to ensure that your mixing bowl is grease-free to achieve maximum volume in your egg whites. This cake doesn’t just look beautiful, it brings a smile to everyone who gets to enjoy a slice. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Light and fluffy texture that melts in your mouth
Juicy strawberries add a refreshing burst of flavor
A stunning dessert that impresses at any gathering

Understanding Angel Food Cake

Angel food cake is distinguished by its light, airy consistency, which primarily comes from whipped egg whites. This is crucial for achieving that fluffy texture. Ensure your mixing bowl and utensils are free from grease; any residue can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly. When you whip the egg whites, start on a low speed to incorporate air gently before increasing to medium speed. Look for soft peaks first, then proceed to stiff peaks, which will give the cake its characteristic rise when baked.

The use of cream of tartar is essential in this recipe as it stabilizes the whipped egg whites, allowing them to hold their volume better during baking. This ingredient also helps achieve a glossier surface, enhancing the cake’s presentation. If you do not have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor profile.

Selecting Strawberries for Topping

When choosing strawberries for this dessert, look for firm, bright red berries with a rich aroma. Avoid overripe or mushy strawberries, as they can make the dessert soggy and less appealing. Fresh strawberries will bring vibrant flavor and color to your cake. If strawberries are out of season, feel free to experiment with other berries like raspberries or blueberries, which can provide a different but equally delightful taste.

To prepare your strawberries, wash them gently under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cutting them into even, thin slices ensures they distribute evenly over the whipped cream and cake. For an extra touch, you can macerate the strawberries with a sprinkle of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice for about 30 minutes before serving. This will enhance their sweetness and create a delightful syrup that can drizzle over the cake.

Serving and Storing Tips

This Strawberry Angel Food Cake is best enjoyed fresh, as the texture of the whipped cream can change if stored for too long. However, if you need to prepare it ahead of time, I recommend keeping the cake and whipped cream separate until you are ready to serve. The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, while the whipped cream should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours for best results.

For a fun twist, consider adding a layer of lemon curd or chocolate ganache between the cake layers before topping with whipped cream and strawberries. This variation adds depth and richness that pairs beautifully with the cake's lightness. Additionally, you can easily scale this recipe to make mini cakes in individual servings, perfect for parties or picnics. Just decrease the baking time by a few minutes, and keep an eye on them as they bake.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to make a delightful Strawberry Angel Food Cake.

For the Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
12 egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

For the Topping

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

With these fresh ingredients, you're ready to create something magical!

Instructions

Follow these steps to achieve a light and airy cake.

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, sift together the flour and half of the granulated sugar. In a separate mixing bowl, whip the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the flour mixture and vanilla extract.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden and springs back when touched. Once done, invert the pan to cool completely before removing the cake.

Prepare the Cream Topping

While the cake cools, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Once the cake has cooled, slice it and serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices on top.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Angel Food Cake with Cream!

Pro Tips

Make sure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume. Also, using fresh strawberries will enhance the overall flavor of your dessert.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your angel food cake collapses after baking, the most common reason is underbaking. Make sure the cake is not only golden on top but also springs back when gently pressed. Another troubleshooting tip is to ensure you are using aged egg whites; fresh egg whites contain more moisture, which can hinder the amount of air incorporated during whipping.

If you find your cake sinking in the middle, it may be due to overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Gently fold in the flour mixture just until incorporated; avoid vigorous mixing. Keep in mind that the texture should look light and airy, with visible egg white streaks mixed through the flour, ensuring that the cake rises properly.

Variations and Flavor Enhancements

For a delightful flavor twist, consider infusing the whipped cream with flavors such as almond extract or a splash of orange zest. This subtle enhancement can elevate the dessert and surprise your guests. You can also mix in some finely chopped mint leaves for a refreshing note, providing an exciting contrast to the sweetness of the cake and strawberries.

If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating other fruits into the mix. Peaches, mangos, or even thinly sliced kiwi can offer vibrant color and unique flavor combinations. Just ensure you adjust the sugar in the whipping cream to balance the fruits' natural sweetness for an impeccably delicious dessert.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just add the toppings and strawberries before serving.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. It’s best to eat them within 2-3 days.

→ Can I substitute egg whites with egg replacer?

While it can be done, the texture of the cake may not be as fluffy since egg whites help provide volume and structure.

→ What can I use instead of strawberries?

Feel free to replace strawberries with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for a delightful twist!