Best Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake Recipe – Gluten-Free Palate (2024)

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Wendy Stoltz

/ Last Modified On January 14, 2024

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Indulge in a heavenly treat with this gluten-free angel food cake recipe - light, airy, and absolutely scrumptious! Not only is it easy to make, but you can also get creative and add some fresh berries and whipped cream for a touch of elegance. Perfect for any occasion, even breakfast!

Best Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake Recipe – Gluten-Free Palate (1)

With my step-by-step photos and tips, you'll make a perfect gluten-free angel food cake every time.

If you like my classic fluffy angel food cake, you'll love my collection of gluten-free cake recipes. I recommend my gluten-free pound cake, a gluten-free lemon cake perfect for holiday celebrations, this easy gluten-free vanilla cake recipe, or try my best gluten-free sponge cake for a special occasion. And if you're looking for a show-stopping dessert, my gluten-free trifle recipe will impress.

If you want to learn more about gluten-free diets or improve your gluten-free cooking skills, Udemy's gluten-free courses are a great resource.

Table of Contents

GLUTEN-FREE ANGEL FOOD CAKE RECIPE

This gluten-free angel food cake is a staple recipe in our house. It's light and airy, and no one can tell that it's gluten-free.

I've included a lot of valuable information in this post, so please be sure to read it before you start baking the best gluten-free angel food cakes!

WHY YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE THIS GLUTEN-FREE ANGEL FOOD CAKE RECIPE

Simple ingredients -This gluten-free angel food cake is made with simple ingredients you most definitely have on hand.

Customizable - You can leave it plain or add your favorite seasonal fruits and whipped cream. You can also use it for making a trifle.

Easy to make for all occasions - This GF angel food cake is simple and great for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a special occasion like Mother's Day.

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INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN-FREE ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Egg whites - are the main ingredient; therefore, I currently don't have an egg-free version.

Powdered Sugar - Adds sweetness.

Granulate Sugar - Adds sweetness and moisture and helps to stabilize the egg whites.

Gluten-Free Flour Blend- I used Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten-Free Baking Flour. I don't recommend Bob's Red Mill All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour or Namaste in this recipe.

Cream of Tartar - Cream of tartar adds volume and stabilizes and whitens whipped egg whites.

Vanilla Extract - Use pure vanilla extract.

Almond Extract - Adds flavor. Don't worry if you don't have any on hand. You can leave it out.

Salt - Flavor enhancer.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED FOR THIS GLUTEN-FREE ANGEL FOOD CAKE

10 Inch Cake Pan - I recommend a 10-inch tube cake pan if you have one. The one with a removable inner core is handy as it stops the cake from deflating.

Handheld mixer - I like to use my handheld mixer to reach the stiff peaks for this recipe. You can also use a stand mixer.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake, please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE ANGEL FOOD CAKE

  1. Place egg whites in a large mixing bowl; set aside.
  2. Sift ½ cup powdered sugar and gluten-free flour together into a separate medium mixing bowl; set aside.
  3. Add cream of tartar, both vanilla and almond extracts and salt to the bowl of egg whites and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. It takes about 5-10 minutes.
  4. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating on high until stiff peaks form.
  5. Gradually fold in the GF flour mixture, about ½ cup at a time.
  6. Gently spoon the cake batter into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through the batter with a butter knife to remove any air pockets. Bake as directed.

These numbered steps match the numbered photos above and are for illustration purposes. Please see the recipe below for the complete ingredient list and instructions.

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TIPS FOR MAKING GLUTEN-FREE ANGEL FOOD CAKE

No substitutes - Angel food cake really is a finicky recipe. You'll want to follow the instructions exactly and not substitute any ingredients.

Cooking time - If gluten-free angel food cake is underdone, it will collapse. It's better to overcook your angel food cake than pull it out of the oven too soon.

No liquid eggs - I don't recommend using liquid egg whites because not all liquid egg whites are the same. After the eggs are broken and separated, the whites go through pasteurization which changes the consistency of the egg whites. Some people have good luck with some brands, while others don't.

Don't overbeat eggs - When whipping the eggs, keep whipping them until stiff peaks form. Don't overbeat them.

Don't grease the angel food cake pan - After this gluten-free angel food cake bake, invert the pan onto a plate. As the gluten-free cake coils, it will shrink away from the pan and settle onto the plate and not stick. If it does stick, use a spatula.

Frequently Asked Questions

CAN I MAKE THIS WITHOUT ALMOND EXTRACT?

The almond extract is for added flavor and is traditionally used in angel food cakes. You can leave it out if you don't have any on hand.

CAN YOU FREEZE GLUTEN-FREE ANGEL FOOD CAKE?

Yes, you can freeze gluten-free angel food cake. Let the angel food cake cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container before freezing it. It should stay good for 3-6 months in the freezer.

WHY DOES MY GLUTEN-FREE ANGEL FOOD CAKE FALL OUT OF THE PAN?

It's generally undercooked if it falls out of your pan. Troubleshoot with these reasons: the baking temperature being too low, too short cooking time, or the egg whites not being beaten to stiff peaks.

WHY DOES MY GLUTEN-FREE ANGEL FOOD CAKE COME OUT DENSE?

You could not have mixed the egg whites to the stiff peak stage.

WHY DO I NEED TO SIFT THE DRY INGREDIENTS, AND HOW MANY TIMES?

Sifting the dry ingredients allows everything to mix evenly. For this recipe, you only need to sift the ingredients once.

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DOES ANGEL FOOD CAKE CONTAIN GLUTEN?

Angel food cake is not traditionally gluten-free, but since the main ingredient in angel food cake is egg whites, it's easy to make a gluten-free angel food cake.

Why Is A Tube Pan The Best Pan For A Angel Food Cake?

A tube pan is the best pan for angel food cake because its tall, straight sides and tube in the center help the cake rise and bake evenly. The tube in the center also allows air to circulate through the middle of the cake, which helps it rise properly and maintain its light, fluffy texture. Additionally, the straight sides of the tube pan make it easy to remove the cake from the pan without damaging it.

WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD OF AN ANGEL FOOD CAKE PAN?

If you don't have a tube cake pan, use two high-sided nonstick loaf pans and check after 20 minutes if it's done, or else cook it for longer, but check regularly. Another kitchen hack I read but haven't tried is to take your regular round cake pan and place a ramekin in the center.

I don't recommend a Bundt cake pan as it's too intricate for this cake.

How Do You Handle The Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake After It's Baked?

After baking, remove the pan from the oven and promptly invert it onto a cooling rack. Let the cake cool completely before removing the pan, which usually takes about an hour, during which time the cake will shrink and loosen. If the cake remains attached to the pan after cooling, use a rubber spatula to gently separate it from the sides and center tube of the pan. Once separated, transfer the cake to a serving plate and cover it for storage at room temperature for up to 4 days.

How Can I Serve This Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake?

  • Add fruit - Top the GF Angel food cake with fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.
  • Whipped cream - Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or coconut cream.
  • Drizzle with sauce - Drizzle with a fruit sauce or caramel sauce.
  • Sprinkle - Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cinnamon for extra flavor.

Enjoy plain for a simple and delicious treat.

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RECIPES TO MAKE WITH THE LEFT-OVER EGG-YOLKS

You will have 9 egg yolks left after you make this gluten-free angel food cake recipe. It's best to plan in advance if you want to use the egg yolks.

Here are a few recipes that use egg yolks:

  • Gluten-Free Key Lime Pie
  • Gluten-Free Chai Crème Brulee
  • Gluten-Free Mug Coffee Cake
  • Gluten-Free Mug Cookie

Yield: 16

Best Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake Recipe – Gluten-Free Palate (7)

Make this simple, delicious, gluten-free angel food cake for any occasion! Jazz it up with berries & whipped cream or enjoy it plain, even for breakfast

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time40 minutes

Additional Time20 minutes

Total Time1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Place oven rack in the lowest position.
  2. Place egg whites in a large mixing bowl; set aside.
  3. Sift ½ cup powdered sugar and gluten free flour together into a separate medium mixing bowl; set aside.
  4. Add cream of tartar, both vanilla and almond extracts, and salt to the bowl of egg whites and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form.
  5. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating on high until stiff peaks form.
  6. Gradually fold in the flour mixture, about ½ cup at a time.
  7. Gently spoon the batter into an ungreased 10-in. tube pan.
  8. Cut through batter with a butter knife to remove any air pockets.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is lightly browned and set. Remove the pan from the oven and immediately invert the pan onto a cooling rack. The cake will shrink and loosen as it cools. Completely cool before removing the pan, about 1 hour.
  10. If the cake doesn’t separate from the pan after cooling, run a rubber spatula around the side and center tube of pan to separate the cake from the pan.
  11. Remove cake to a serving plate. Store covered at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • Angel food cake really is a finicky recipe. You'll want to follow the instructions exactly and not substitute any ingredients.
  • If gluten-free angel food cake is underdone, it will collapse. It's better to overcook your angel food cake than pull it out of the oven too soon.
  • I don't recommend using liquid egg whites because not all liquid egg whites are the same.
  • When whipping the eggs, keep whipping them until stiff peaks form. Don't overbeat them.
  • Don't grease the angel food cake pan.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1 slice

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 88Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 65mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 0gSugar: 13gProtein: 3g

This nutrition info is based on the exact ingredients and brands that I used a the time. It may not be 100% accurate. Please check your ingredients nutrition labels.

Did you make this gluten-free angel food cake recipe? Please leave me a comment below letting me know what you thought.

did you make this recipe?

Tag @glutenfreepalate on Instagram and hashtag it #glutenfreepalatebaker so we can see all the deliciousness!

Thanks for sharing!

Best Gluten-Free Angel Food Cake Recipe – Gluten-Free Palate (2024)

FAQs

Why does my gluten-free angel food cake fall out of the pan? ›

It won't setup properly if the batter can't cling to the sides. Over bake vs underbake. It is better to slightly over bake the Gluten Free Angel Food Cake vs underbake it. If you underbake it, the weight of the uncooked egg whites can cause the cake to sink, sag, and fall out of the pan while it's cooling upside down.

What does cream of tartar do in angel food cake? ›

Use cream of tartar – cream of tartar is an acid and stabilizes the egg whites. Without cream of tartar, your cake will collapse. Other acidic ingredients aren't quite as strong, so I wouldn't recommend substituting cream of tartar with anything. Sift some of the sugar and flour several times – four to be exact.

Is boxed angel food cake mix gluten-free? ›

Store-bought angel food cake is NOT gluten-free unless otherwise specified. It often contains cake flour made from wheat. Cake mixes, such as the Betty Crocker angel food cake mix also contains wheat flour, as do most other boxed mixes.

What is a substitute for cake flour in angel food cake? ›

If you don't have cake flour, you can make a cake flour substitute: Begin with 1 level cup of all-purpose flour. Then remove 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, and add 2 tablespoons of either cornstarch or arrowroot powder to the flour.

How do you keep gluten-free cake from falling apart? ›

Xanthan gum (along with other thickeners like guar gum and arrowroot) acts like a binder in gluten-free baked goods to maintain their structure. Without it, there's a good chance that your brownies or muffin will crumble and fall apart.

What helps gluten free cakes rise? ›

Gluten-free flour blends don't have the same elasticity as flour containing gluten so often the cakes don't rise as much or will sink after rising. To combat the flat cake problem, I add ½ tsp of bicarbonate of soda to the recipe even when using a self-raising gluten-free flour blend.

What is the secret to angel food cake? ›

Angel food cake is one-of-a-kind, and no other cake recipe matches its super fluffy, airy texture. Though it's a type of sponge cake, it differs from other popular recipes because it's traditionally made using no butter or oil in the batter. Instead, beaten egg whites are the secret to its ultra-light texture.

What can I substitute for cream of tartar in angel food cake? ›

When cream of tartar is used to add volume and stabilize and whiten whipped egg whites, as with an angel food cake, replace every 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar (the amount needed per egg) with 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or distilled white vinegar.

Why did angel food cake collapse? ›

Until the cake is completely cooled, its spongy structure hasn't set. Flipping it upside down makes sure it doesn't collapse during that process. Some angel food cake pans have feet so you can just flip the pan over and let it cool.

Does Aldi have gluten-free angel food cake mix? ›

The Aldi's gluten free cake mixes draw lots of attention in May. They released the Angel Food cake mix in a previous year, and many were excited to see it again. I purchased the Lemon cake mix, and am looking forward to making cupcakes.

Does Cool Whip have gluten in it? ›

YES, Cool Whip is gluten-free!

Although it does not carry a gluten-free certification on the label, Cool Whip doesn't contain any sources of gluten. In addition, Kraft Heinz states that cross-contamination with gluten has not occurred during the manufacturing of Cool Whip products.

Is Duncan Hines angel food cake gluten-free? ›

Duncan Hines Signature Perfectly Moist Angel Food Cake Mix. This product has 2 ingredients with gluten and 2 ingredients that may have gluten. Which diet do you follow? Follow more than one?

What cake is similar to angel food cake? ›

Sponge and angel food cakes are similar in a lot of ways, and to the naked eye (and tongue), you're going to notice that both are light and springy without a heavy dense flavor. This is because neither of them use butter in the recipe for moisture, flavor, texture, or body.

Can you use liquid eggs for angel food cake? ›

Egg Whites: The star of the show! They provide all of the leavening for angel food cake. Using only whites (no yolks) gives this cake a super light texture. Be sure to use only fresh eggs; liquid egg whites in a carton have been pasteurized, which can prevent them from whipping into stiff peaks.

How do you keep angel food cake from falling? ›

Always flip the cake pan to cool your angel food cake with the open side down. Angel food cake will continue to set as it cools, and it can sink down in the pan and collapse if you don't flip it to cool. Use a serrated knife to cut angel food cake once you remove it from the pan.

How do you keep gluten-free cake from sticking to the pan? ›

Gluten-free baked goods can stick to baking pans more easily than regular baked goods. Using a non-stick baking spray or parchment paper to line your tins can help to prevent your baked goods from sticking. Spray or paper will also make it much easier to remove items from the pans once they're baked.

Why did my angel food cake fall in the middle? ›

The most common reasons a cake sinks in the middle include the following: The pan is too small. There's too much liquid. Opening the oven or moving pans during baking.

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