Description
Light and airy angel food cupcakes blend heavenly sweetness with delicate texture. Whipped egg whites and minimal ingredients create a cloud-like dessert perfect for celebrations and quiet moments alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cake flour (or sifted all-purpose flour)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 6 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Stabilizing Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and arrange cupcake liners in a standard muffin tin.
- Meticulously sift flour together with half of the sugar, repeating the process to achieve an ultra-fine texture.
- Utilize a large mixing bowl to whip egg whites with cream of tartar and salt until soft, cloud-like peaks emerge.
- Incorporate the remaining sugar gradually while continuing to beat the egg whites until they form sturdy, glossy peaks.
- Delicately introduce vanilla, optional almond extract, and lemon juice into the whipped egg white mixture.
- Gently integrate the sifted flour mixture into the egg whites, folding in small increments to maintain airy consistency.
- Carefully distribute the batter into cupcake liners, filling them nearly to the rim and smoothing the surface with a gentle touch.
- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, monitoring until the tops turn a golden hue and a toothpick emerges spotless.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before adorning with whipped cream, scattering fresh berries, or dusting with a delicate layer of powdered sugar.
Notes
- Separate eggs carefully to prevent yolk contamination, which can prevent egg whites from whipping properly.
- Ensure all utensils are completely grease-free, as any fat can deflate the delicate egg white structure.
- Use room temperature egg whites for maximum volume and smoother folding technique when incorporating dry ingredients.
- For gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a blend of almond flour and cornstarch to maintain light texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 47 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 33 mg
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg