Description
Delicate angel food cupcakes promise heavenly sweetness with each light, airy bite. Delightful clouds of meringue-like perfection invite you to savor a guilt-free dessert that melts gracefully on your palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1 14 cups granulated sugar (divided)
Stabilizing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare workspace by lining a cupcake tray with delicate paper liners and warming the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Create a fine powder blend by sifting cake flour with half of the sugar, ensuring a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- Transform egg whites into a cloud-like texture by whipping with cream of tartar and salt at medium speed until soft peaks emerge.
- Gradually introduce remaining sugar while continuing to beat, creating a glossy and voluminous meringue.
- Enhance the mixture with vanilla and almond extracts, whisking until stiff, elegant peaks form.
- Gently incorporate the sifted flour mixture into the whipped egg whites, using a delicate folding technique to maintain maximum airiness.
- Distribute the ethereal batter evenly into cupcake liners, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow room for rising.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until the tops turn a light golden hue and a toothpick emerges perfectly clean.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely within the pan, preserving their delicate structure.
- Serve as a pristine dessert or embellish with billowy whipped cream and vibrant fresh fruit for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Achieve cloud-like texture by ensuring egg whites are at room temperature before whipping for maximum volume.
- Prevent flour from clumping by sifting twice, creating ultra-light and smooth cupcake batter.
- Use a metal or glass bowl when beating egg whites, avoiding plastic surfaces that can retain grease and prevent proper whipping.
- Substitute almond extract with other flavors like orange zest or lavender for unique taste variations without compromising the delicate structure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg