Happy First Day Of Spring An Angel Food Cake To Celebrate
Angel Food Cake
It’s the first day of Spring and guess what, in NYC we are waiting for a snow storm, kind of dismal so to cheer myself up I made an Angel Food Cake, which is one of my all time favorites, I love how light it is, that it’s fat free and so moist. I usually serve it simply with berries and whipped cream or if I make cupcakes I will sometimes frost with a chocolate swiss meringue buttercream. This cake is perfect for spring and summer when berries are in season and plentiful. It’s a little early for berries at the farmers market but the berries I got in the supermarket weren’t bad. I have been making this cake recipe for years, It’s from James McNair’s “Cakes”. I love his cookbook the angel food and chiffon cakes are the best and always consistently good. I made a raspberry whipped cream frosting and decorated with fresh berries.
I am bringing this cake to Fiesta Friday #111 this week. A super light cake with loads of assorted berries and gently sweetened whipped cream makes a lovely dessert. This week Angies wonderful co hosts are Naina @ Spice in the City and Julianna @ Foodie On Board.
Angel Food Cake
Recipe by James McNair from his book “Cakes”
1 cup cake flour
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar divided
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups egg whites at room temperature (approximately 16 large eggs)
2 tsp cream of tartar
zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pre heat oven to 325 degrees. No need to prep your pan all you need is a 10 inch tube pan with removable bottom and feet (so you can invert while cake cools). Sift flour, salt, and 3/4 cup sugar and set aside. In stand mixer with whisk attachment start whipping the egg whites, when they are frothy add the cream of tartar increase speed to medium high and whip until the egg whites are billowy and form soft peaks. Add the remaining 3/4 cup sugar a little at a time (about a tbs) whip until the egg whites form stiff peaks being careful not to overwhip. It takes about 5-6 minutes, now add the lemon zest and vanilla. Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the dry ingredients with either a spatula or balloon whisk in 3 increments making sure that all the dry ingredients are incorporated. Spoon into tube pan, smooth the top and bake for approximately 50 minutes. Cake will be golden brown and springy when touched.
Invert cake pan so it is standing on the feet, if your tube pan does not have feet you can invert onto a wine bottle. Let cool completely approximately 1 1/2 -2 hours. To remove cake run flexible offset spatula around the edge of the pan and around the tube. Gently remove the cake by pushing the tube part. When the cake is out of the pan you can free it from the tub by running a spatula or butter knife along the bottom of the tube, the cake will come off and you can place on serving dish.
Frosted Cake
Raspberry Whipped Cream Frosting
2 cups heavy cream very cold and divided
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp corn starch
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 pint fresh raspberries mashed.
Place 1/2 cup of the heavy cream in a small saucepan, add the cornstarch and powdered sugar and whisk so there are no lumps. On medium heat stirring constantly stir or whisk the cream mixture until it thickens, it is like pudding, spoon into a bowl and let cool to room temperature stirring occasionally.
While the stabilizer is cooling place whisk attachment and bowl of mixer in the freezer to get cold. When it’s sufficiently cold add the cold cream, stabilizer, and the vanilla. Whip until thick and spreading consistency. Gently fold in the raspberries and frost the cake immediately.
apuginthekitchen 
Oh my yes please…..I’ll be right over my friend…Gorgeous, beautiful, I want some…
I wish that you could thank you so much❤️😄💐
Me too, me too. Let me know if you do get some snow-eck…Spring…Think Spring…xo
Pretty! I love the smashed berries in the icing!
Made me feel like Spring even though it’s cold and going to snow today😄thank you so much
You have had quite a winter there!
It’s been weird, warmer than usual with one huge snow. It will barely snow today but was hoping for nice warm sunny day rather a snowstorm.
Happy Spring Suzanne! A good angel food cake is always welcome and yours has an amazing frosting!
Hi Viviana, thank you so much. I guess you are getting ready for fall and winter. Have a lovely day!😄
Indeed! Though I would love to live somewhere that felt like Spring all year round! 😉 Enjoy the incoming season!
If I could bypass Winter and summer and just have spring and fall I would be very happy!!
Gladly, it seems the storm is not going to be as bad as they told us and spring is coming…
I love angel food cakes, and your version with the whipped cream and berries makes me love it even more. It looks stunning!
No the storm will almost be non existent I think. Thank goodness, Thank you so much, I love angel food cake as well, it’s so light
Oh my Suzanne, what a gorgeous cake to celebrate the first day of Spring with ! It looks absolutely divine, light, fresh and so summery. I love it !!! Happy Spring to you Suzanne. 🙂
Happy Spring Lynne and thank you so much.
Very lovely…my mouth is watering.
Thank you so much Connie.
Wow, this cake looks so tasty with all those berries 🙂
Thank you so much Silvia and Happy Spring.
Happy Spring 🙂
Happy🌻Spring
Even tho it feels like Autumn around here…
I know right, just took Percy out wearing a sweat shirt, down jacket, gloves and hat. Not right for the first day of spring. LOL! Looking forward to celebrating the passing of winter.
I’ve actually never made angel food cake before. I tell myself every Spring that I will and it just never happens lol Yours looks BEAUTIFUL Suzanne. So light and airy. Good job 🙂
Hi Jess, you should give this recipe a try if you want to make one, It’s super easy and so delicious, Thanks so much.
Such a pretty cake! It definitely says “springtime” along with the bunnies and sweet bouquet of flowers. I’m going to focus on this yumminess and ignore the snow heading our way. 😊
Exactly thank you I will focus on the spring like food. Thank you so much.
Fantastic. Angel cakes are always a treat and a great way to welcome Spring
Thank you so much Philip, I thought it would be nice and light and a good start to the season.
What a gorgeous cake Suzanne. And Happy Spring to you and Percy! Glad the snow storm didn’t pan out for you. 🙂
Thanks Kathryn, it’s cold but the snow fizzled or at least thats what it appears to have done, saw a few flakes. Hope you had a great Sunday and first day of Spring,
It poured buckets of rain today, but at least it wasn’t snow! I went and did some shopping and got some workout clothes. I signed up for a fitness class that starts on Tuesday, YIKES! I haven’t exercised in years, I’ve lost strength and my core, and I ain’t getting any younger! 😀
It was cold here but sunny and dry at least almost the whole day. Good for you, I need to do the same. Keep meaning or wanting to sign up for Pilates, love it but I honestly have not found a place around here and going into the city to exercise isn’t happening. Best of luck with the workout.
Happy first day of spring to you too, Suzanne! And so sorry to hear about the snow storm! two days ago I was sitting with a friend on the deck with a glass of wine… not that I’m being smug or anything….. oh, OK… I’m being a bit smug! But we west coasters are known to be that way this time of year! 😉 I love your cake. Angel food cakes make me happy too! 😀
You have every right to be smug!!! So far so good here cold but no sign of snow yet!! Thank you so much💐
Happy first day of spring to you too. I am sorry to hear about your snowstorm – the sun shone here this afternoon, I am hoping the good weather will continue. Your angel cake looks so pretty. 😉
Happy Spring to you as well. No snow yet, cold but bright blue sky. Maybe good fortune will smile on us and we will be snow free
Happy Spring Suzanne! We just love Angel food cake, and I’ve never made one from scratch. I’ve got to give this a try. We like it with berries and whipped cream too!
It’s a super recipe Julie so easy to make. I always seem to have a surplus of egg whites around and when it reaches the 2 cup mark I make angel food cake. Thank you so much😄
I will too! I go through a lot of eggs and will have extras sometimes too.
This cake looks amazing! I’ve never made Angel food cake before, but this recipe looks like a good one to start with, although i’ll need to go shopping for a tube pan and its always dangerous when I go shopping for bakeware as I always buy more than what I went in for! Looks gorgeous with the raspberries in the frosting and also the strawberries and blackberries on top. Definitely makes me feel like Spring is in the air! Hope the weather improves with you soon xx
It’s a fantastic recipe, have been making this cake for years and love it. James McNair has some really wonderful cakes in his book.
I will have to get my hands on a copy of James McNair’s book.
Perfect way to welcome spring!
Thank you so much Michelle.
Reblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine and commented:
The cake is pretty, almost looks to pretty to eat:) Happy first day of spring to you too.
Happy First Day of Spring and thank you so much,
This looks beautiful! Happy spring!🐣
Thank you so much. Happy Spring to you as well.
🌷
Spring has sprung, well, at least the cake has that vibe! Am fascinated by the icing/topping and will try it soon. Looks delish.
Thank you Lisa, I thought it would be nice to smash some berries and add to the whipped cream, it’s delicious, Like Fool but used as a cake topping.
What a cheery and gorgeous cake! Happy spring Suzanne!
Happy Spring to you as well Lynn hope you had a great day.
You brought spring into your house when you made this great looking cake. I haven’t made Andes food cake for ages. Your recipe looks divine.
Thanks so much Gerlinde. It’s a fantastic recipe. Very Springy, light and a lovely dessert.
I don’t know about those spell checks, of course I mean angle food cake. I hope your weather is improving.
Suzanne,
We are expecting about 6 inches of snow overnight too so your happy spring cake is a double treat for the eyes! Oh how I wish I could grab that plate with the slice of your mouth watering cake on it!
I love teh texture of angel food cake and your cake with the scrumptious frosting and the berries is truly a treat.
Oh no Sandhya, 6 inches. I was walking Percy a little while ago and saw them spreading salt on the roads, maybe we are still in danger of getting some snow here. Here’s hoping the temps will warm and the snow will melt. Thank you so much and hope you have a wonderful week.
This is one gorgeous cake, Suzanne!! It’s pouring rain here today, with snow coming back to the mountains. So you’re in good company 🙂 This is one of my favorite kinds of cakes too!
We got a dusting of snow overnight, it’s almost completely melted now. Hope the sun is shining where you are. Thank you so much.
This is one of my favorite kinds of cakes too! And yours is gorgeous!! Snow moving into the mountains here too – happy spring to you 🙂
Happy Spring and thank you so much.
Luscious cakes Suzanne!! Angel food is Larry’s favorite, but I’ve only ever made it from a mix. But I am really going to try this! — and hope the cold front passed you by and are getting a little real spring there!! I love it when everything starts blooming around here. thanks for the super recipe friend. xo
Thank you Rhonda, do try this recipe. It’s the best and always works so well. There was a dusting of snow, the temp is moderate and the sun is shining it’s a beautiful day today. Happy Monday and Happy Spring and thank you.
It does sound beautiful Suzanne–I think I’ll try the cake for Easter. Family is coming and the grand-girls would like all the berries! thanks1
Happy spring! The cake looks so inviting! 🙂
Thank you so much Nivedita. Happy Spring.
Oh yes, this is a perfect way to celebrate!
Thank you so much Sheryl. Happy Spring. Looking forward to your gardening posts.
Absolutely loved the cake Suzanne! I think I loved the gorgeous raspberry icing the most!
Stay warm and safe for the snow storm. I am sure the cake will keep you a good company :).
Thank you Sonal, the icing is really like a Fool. Fresh smashed berries and whipped cream. I Stabilized the whipped cream so it would be stiff enough to stay on the cake, a la James McNair. Thanks so much and Happy Spring.
Happy Sprjng ❤️
What a beautiful cake. Happy spring. Here in Southern California the weather is great. Hopefully, you will feel the beautiful spring weather soon!
The weather is always beautiful in California. Lucky you! Thank you so much.
Happy Spring!!! I am listening to the birds signing outside as I eat my breakfast 😀😀 I hope the cake kept you warm and snuggly! xx
The cake was such a lovely reminder of Spring for me. Thank you so much Elaine and Happy Spring.
It’s been beautiful here today, Bob just loves it 🙂
This looks so delicious!!!
Thank you so much.
Heck Suzanne, you could do all of your 5 a day at once with this cake.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
Lol, thank you so much David a very Happy Spring to you my friend. Massive hugs!!!
This looks wonderful!
Thank you so much, so nice to see you here and Happy Spring.
This cake is screaming my name and I can’t resist the urge to take 3 slices for me. 😀 This looks really beautiful and delicious! 🙂
LOL, Jhuls you are too sweet, thank you so much.
Oh, a truly angelic angel food cake, Suzanne. The berries, the whipped cream frosting… Back when I could eat it, angel food was my favorite. I liked it plain, but your description of the toppings is tantalizing. Yes, food for angels. Happy spring — and mega hugs.
Next time it’s Devils food I love contrast. Thank you so much. Must say angel food because it’s so light and ethereal is one of my favorite cakes.🙏🏻❤️💕
😉
What a gorgeous cake, the height, the berries and the whipped cream create such a dramatic effect…..of course love your cake stand too. You are definitely celebrating spring with a bang Suzanne. It’s all so beautiful! We were supposed to have had snow last night, but fortunately for us, it did not arrive. Yipeeeeeeeeee. Enjoy your week. 🙂
Thank you so much Loretta and a very Happy Spring to you as well.
This looks absolutely divine!!!
So sweet of you Holly, thank you so much.
I love your work, this cake is stunning Suzanne. Perfect to celebrate Spring! 🙂
Thank you so much Linda and the feeling is mutual. Happy Spring, wouldn’t we have a nice party with your orange loaf and the angel food cake. YUM!!
What a lovely cake! I have always loved angel food cake! Some day I should try making one at home. I never have. Happy Spring to you too!
It is so simple and worth the effort. Thank you so much.
It looks so light and airy! Thanks for sharing a great recipe – I will have to check it out for Easter!
Thanks Jasmine, yes I am kind of test running recipes for Easter. This one is definitely a contender. So light and spring like. Thank you so much.
It looks so light and fluffy!!! Perfect for the 1st day of spring 🙂
Thank you so much, yes it was such a nice light dessert.
What a yummy Cake! I’m a huge fan of Angel food cakes but never realized had the guts to try it! Have to now after reading your post 😊
Oh Lina, you should give it a go, very simple and delicious. Thank you so much.
It has been crazy weather here too, but we finally got some sunshine over the weekend 🙂 That Angel food cake looks just beautiful Suzanne! So very light and such a gorgeous rise to it! Thank you for sharing at Fiesta Friday!!
Thank you so much Naina. Thank you for co hosting the party this week.
A really beautiful recipe, Suzanne. I love a nice, light sponge, too, and that raspberry cream frosting looks to die for! It definitely has that WOW factor!
Thank you so much Millie. It’s a light as a feather cake and the raspberry whipped cream is also a nice light frosting, It reminds me of Spring.
Happy Spring Suzanne! I’ve never frosted an angel food cake before, I usually just serve whipped cream on the side. Your recipe for the frosting sounds wonderfully light and refreshing though, I’ll have to give it a try!
I only frost an angel food cake occasionally, I was on the fence about whether to do but decided why not, It turned out so nice. Thank you so much Heather,
Happy spring! Snow’s over now! Let the warm breezes blow gently!
Happy Spring Susan, yep the snow is gone, only a dusting over night and today is sunny and the temps are a bit warmer. Have a great week.
You too😘
Oh my what a gorgeous looking cake. … just love it …. yummm…Happy Spring Suzanne. ..
Happy Spring to you too Chitra and thank you so much.
So light and fluffy! The bits of raspberry in the frosting look delicious 🙂
Thank you so much Mary Frances, I was originally going to just make a raspberry syrup and make it as the stabilizer for the frosting but decided to use the whole fruit. It really tasted nice,
My Mom use to make angel food cakes and I don’t know why I haven’t. Looks lovely and refreshing actually with that fresh raspberry icing 🙂
Thanks Judi, I love making angel food and chiffon cakes. They are so light and a favorite here,
I love angel food cake too and it is just perfect with whipped cream and berries. Your cake looks amazing and your presentation is gorgeous. Happy spring!
Happy Spring Antonia, thank you so much.
Beautiful looking cake and perfect for spring, if only it would arrive, we are also expecting a big snow storm on Thursday 😦
Oh no, the snow came and went and tomorrow will be close to 70. I am so looking forward to Spring. Thank you so much.
Now that’s a cake! Stunning, Suzanne… love all the fruity goodness. Bookmarked and making! I finally can use my new tube pan…yay!
Thank you so much Nancy, Happy Spring.
Thank goodness it wasn’t that bad! The snow melted really quickly here.
I love how your cake looks like. And that frosting??? So, so beautiful!
We barely got a dusting but it was quite cold, it’s all melted now and and the temps are getting nice. Love it when it’s just a little cool and the sun shines. Thanks so much Francesca.
This is one gorgeous cake and look at your itty bitty flowers already!! 🙂 You’re making it feel like spring!
Those little flowers are always the first to pop up in my yard, also the crocus. The harbingers of Spring. Thank you so much Mollie.
Happy Spring, dear Suzzane! A beautiful cake to start spring! A light cake with delightful frosting with crushed berries. Yum! And of course, the spring motif decorations. Perfect for Easter too. We Iranians are still celebrating our Nowruz (New Year). A week ago, I posted our Persian food bloggers’ Nowruz recipe round-up. Please check it out. 🙂
Thank you Fae and Happy New Year, Nowruz to you and your family,. I will certainly check out your post Immediately. Thank you so much.
Really splendid! What artistry.
Thank you so much, Happy Spring.
Just delicious!!! The frosting is beautiful Suzanne, love the idea of the fresh raspberries rippled through (heart eye emoji!!!). I am definitely going to try this xx
Thanks Laura, the frosting was really nice, I love it because it’s not too sweet and goes so well with the cake. Both light and so spring like. Happy Easter.
wow that looks delicious!
Thank you so much Peter.
Omg what a beautiful cake… so tempting!!!! You are so talented.
You are very kind, thank you so much.
Your cake looks beautiful with all the fruit on top! I’ve been wanting to try making an Angel Food Cake-you are inspiring me to do it! 🙂
It’s a wonderful recipe Nancy, I have been making it for years and it’s very simple and straightforward and delicious. Happy Spring and thank you!!
What an absolutely stunning cake Suzanne! Spring is on its way… I know that mostly from the fact that our trees are all losing their leaves and it’s getting cold at night time already. 😞
So funny how we are exactly the opposite. Yes, flowers are blooming, hoping soon to see the tell tale signs of Spring produce wise at the market, the temps are off and on warm and still quite cold though. Stay warm and Happy Fall to you!!
Gorgeous bake ! I’m a big fan of angel food cake too ! Was amazed at how light it is when I first made it 🙂 Perfect to welcome spring !
Thank you so much Freda, Happy Easter
Thanks Suzanne 🙂
This cake looks amazing! Even without the icing it looks amazing!
So ironic you’re waiting for a storm just when spring arrives. We had a quite warmish winter here in Spain and during all of March just before spring arrived the weather went all freezing and very winterlike! We have lovely spring weather now (and me complete with hayfever in combination with ANOTHER flu! UUGHH!). xx
Thank you so much Sofia. The weather has been just plain weird here all winter. I have hay fever also as well and have been sick. Take care of yourself and thank you😄