Step into my sweet recipe haven, where I’m baking an Angel Food Cake, the ultimate Summer Dessert! This light, fluffy cake, paired with a dreamy brown sugar bourbon cream, delivers delicate texture and rich flavor in every bite. Perfect for warm evenings or festive gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make and feels like a heavenly treat.
Why You’ll Love This Angel Food Cake
I love this Angel Food Cake because it’s a breezy Summer Dessert that’s both elegant and effortless. Its airy texture melts in your mouth, while the bourbon-infused cream adds a touch of indulgence without being heavy. Ready in about an hour, it’s ideal for beginners and budget-conscious bakers, using simple ingredients like egg whites and flour. Whether served at a picnic or a dinner party, this cake’s versatility and stunning presentation make it a summer favorite.
Ingredients for Angel Food Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Angel Food Cake (serves 10-12):
For the Cake:
- 1 ¼ cups cake flour, sifted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 12 large egg whites (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 ¼ tsp cream of tartar
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Brown Sugar Bourbon Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp bourbon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Ingredient Tips:
- Cake Flour: Ensures a tender crumb; sift with ½ cup sugar for smoothness in this Summer Dessert.
- Egg Whites: Use fresh, room-temperature whites for maximum volume; avoid any yolk traces.
- Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the meringue for a lofty cake; don’t skip it.
- Bourbon: Adds a warm, caramel note to the cream; substitute with vanilla for a non-alcoholic version.
- Heavy Cream: Whips into a rich topping; keep cold for best results.
Directions for Angel Food Cake
Preheat the Oven
- I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure an ungreased 10-inch tube pan is ready.
Sift Dry Ingredients
- I sift 1 ¼ cups cake flour with ½ cup granulated sugar into a bowl, ensuring a fine, lump-free mix for the Angel Food Cake.
Whip the Meringue
- In a large, clean mixing bowl, I beat 12 egg whites with a hand mixer until foamy. I add 1 ¼ tsp cream of tartar and ¼ tsp salt, then gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. I fold in 1 tsp vanilla extract gently.
Fold in Flour
- I gently fold the sifted flour-sugar mixture into the meringue in small batches, using a spatula to keep the batter light and airy.
Bake the Cake
- I pour the batter into the ungreased tube pan, smoothing the top. I bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden and springy.
- I invert the pan immediately to cool completely, about 1 hour.
Make the Bourbon Cream
- While the cake cools, I whip 1 cup heavy cream with ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tbsp bourbon, and ½ tsp vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a rich topping.
Serve
- I carefully remove the cooled Angel Food Cake from the pan, slice with a serrated knife, and serve with a dollop of bourbon cream, garnished with berries if desired, for a perfect Summer Dessert.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling)
Servings: 10-12
Calories: ~220 kcal per serving (with cream)
Macros per Serving: 35g carbs, 5g protein, 7g fat, 0g fiber
Variations for Angel Food Cake
I love tweaking this Angel Food Cake to suit different tastes. Here are some ideas:
- Non-Alcoholic: Swap bourbon in the cream for 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract for a family-friendly Summer Dessert.
- Berry Bliss: Serve with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or a mixed berry compote for extra color.
- Citrus Zest: Add 1 tsp lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, summery twist.
- Vegan Cream: Use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free topping.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted dark chocolate for a decadent touch.
Storage and Reheating
I store the Angel Food Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days to maintain its texture. For longer storage, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2-3 months, thawing at room temperature before serving. The brown sugar bourbon cream keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; I re-whip it lightly before using. To avoid sogginess, I add the cream only when serving. No reheating is needed, as this cake is best enjoyed at room temperature.
FAQs About Angel Food Cake
Can I make an Angel Food Cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake and cool the cake, then store it airtight at room temperature for 2-3 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months; thaw before serving.
How do I ensure my Angel Food Cake rises properly?
Use a clean, grease-free bowl and beaters, whip egg whites to stiff peaks, fold flour gently, and bake in an ungreased tube pan.
Can I make the bourbon cream non-alcoholic for this Summer Dessert?
Absolutely, replace bourbon with extra vanilla extract or a non-alcoholic bourbon flavoring.
How do I store leftover brown sugar bourbon cream?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; re-whip lightly before serving to restore fluffiness.
Can I use a different pan for Angel Food Cake?
A 10-inch tube pan is best for proper rising; other pans may not allow the batter to climb and set correctly.
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Conclusion
This Angel Food Cake is a light, fluffy Summer Dessert that’s perfect for warm days and special occasions. I love how its airy texture pairs with the rich bourbon cream, creating a treat that’s both simple and sophisticated. Try this easy recipe, share your creations on social media, and explore more delicious ideas at Food and Tips. It’s sure to become a summer favorite in your kitchen!

Angel Food Cake with Brown Sugar Bourbon Cream
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 12 large egg whites
- 1 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Brown Sugar Bourbon Cream:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp bourbon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Sift the cake flour and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together.
- Make Meringue: Beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and salt. Gradually add the remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold in the vanilla extract.
- Combine and Bake: Gently fold in the sifted flour mixture. Pour the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Invert the pan and cool completely.
- Prepare Cream: Whip the heavy cream with brown sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Serve: Slice the cooled cake and serve with brown sugar bourbon cream.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are free of any yolk or grease for best results.
- Store any leftover cake at room temperature for up to 2-3 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Store leftover cream in the refrigerator and re-whip before serving.
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