Angel Food Cake with Brown Sugar Bourbon Cream

Introduction

Angel food cake is a classic dessert known for its light, airy texture and subtle sweetness. This recipe elevates the traditional cake by incorporating brown sugar and bourbon cream, creating a delightful combination of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging yourself, this angel food cake with brown sugar bourbon cream is sure to impress.

Detailed Ingredients

Egg whites
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
All-purpose flour
Salt
Cream of tartar
Vanilla extract
Heavy cream
Bourbon

Prep Time

The prep time for this angel food cake is approximately 20 minutes, allowing you to easily whip up the batter and prepare the bourbon cream while the cake bakes.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 8 to 10 people

This light and flavorful dessert pairs beautifully with the rich and creamy bourbon topping, making it a standout treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

To make the Angel Food Cake, you will need the following ingredients: egg whites, granulated sugar, cake flour, and cream of tartar. To prepare the Brown Sugar Bourbon Cream, gather heavy cream, brown sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract.

Prepare the Angel Food Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and ensure you have an ungreased 10-inch tube pan ready. In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg whites and cream of tartar, beating them with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.

Add Sugar Gradually

Once soft peaks have formed, gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to beat on high speed until the mixture reaches stiff peaks and is glossy.

Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour and a pinch of salt. This ensures that there are no lumps and will help the cake rise properly.

Fold in the Flour Mixture

Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the egg mixture using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites; it’s important to keep the mixture light and airy.

Transfer to Pan

Once fully combined, pour the batter into the ungreased tube pan. Smooth the top gently with the spatula to ensure an even surface.

Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

Cool the Cake

When baking is complete, invert the cake onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely upside down in the pan. This helps maintain its height and structure.

Prepare the Brown Sugar Bourbon Cream

While the cake is cooling, prepare the Brown Sugar Bourbon Cream. In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, brown sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Assemble and Serve

Once the cake is completely cool, carefully remove it from the pan and slice it. Serve the angel food cake with generous dollops of the Brown Sugar Bourbon Cream on top.

Notes

For best results, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any fat to achieve the best volume in the egg whites. Additionally, this cake can be stored at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap for up to two days.

Preparing the Angel Food Cake

To start, you need to preheat your oven and prepare your cake pan. Be sure to separate the egg whites with precision, as any yolk will hinder the fluffiness of the cake. Whipping the egg whites to a stiff peak is crucial, followed by gradually adding the sugar until the mixture becomes glossy.

Incorporating Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour and remaining sugar before gently folding them into the whipped egg whites. This technique ensures that you maintain the airiness of the batter. Be careful not to deflate the mixture during this process.

Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake it in the preheated oven. It’s essential to allow the cake to cool upside down after baking, as this helps preserve its height and light texture.

Making the Brown Sugar Bourbon Cream

While the cake cools, whip together heavy cream, brown sugar, and bourbon. This gives the cream a rich sweetness that beautifully complements the angel food cake.

Serving the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, carefully remove it from the pan. Slice and serve with the brown sugar bourbon cream on top for an indulgent treat.

How long does angel food cake last?

Angel food cake is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

Can I use a different type of sugar?

While granulated sugar is preferred for the cake, you can experiment with other sugars, such as coconut sugar, though it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.

What can I substitute for bourbon in the cream?

If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute with vanilla extract or a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative for a similar flavor profile.

Conclusion

Angel food cake is a delightful dessert that combines light, airy texture with rich flavors. The addition of brown sugar bourbon cream elevates it to a new level, introducing a sweet and slightly smoky twist that pairs beautifully with the cake’s subtle sweetness. This dessert is perfect for celebrations or as a special treat to enjoy at home.

Fruit Compote

Serve your angel food cake with a fresh fruit compote made from seasonal berries or stone fruits. The natural acidity and sweetness from the fruit balance the richness of the bourbon cream.

Citrus Zest Whipped Cream

Enhance the richness of the cake with a citrus zest whipped cream. Incorporate lemon or orange zest into freshly whipped cream for a zesty brightness that complements the bourbon notes perfectly.

Chocolate Ganache

For a decadent twist, drizzle a silky chocolate ganache over the angel food cake. The rich chocolate flavor pairs wonderfully with the light cake and bourbon cream, satisfying any chocolate lover’s craving.

Caramel Sauce

A warm drizzle of homemade caramel sauce can add an irresistible element to the cake. The gooey sweetness accentuates the flavors of the cake, creating a delightful combination.

Nuts and Toasted Coconut

Add a crunch to your dessert by sprinkling toasted nuts or coconut flakes on top. This addition not only provides texture but also introduces a wonderful toasted flavor that complements the rest of the dish.