Photo by: Randy Mayor; Lydia DeGaris-Pursell
The secret to a perfect angel food cake lies in beating the egg whites and then stabilizing them with cream of tartar. Dutch-process cocoa has nothing to do with the Netherlands but refers to a process in which the cocoa is "dutched," or alkalized, resulting in a more mellow and full-bodied cocoa. Though the regular variety can be used, Dutch-process cocoa gives the sauce a subtle richness. Use an ungreased tube pan so the egg whites in the batter will cling to the sides and "climb" as the cake bakes.
Cooking Light OCTOBER 2001
Preheat oven to 325°.
Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour, 3/4 cup sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk. Beat egg whites in a large bowl with a mixer at high speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and salt; beat until soft peaks form. Add 3/4 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Sift flour mixture over egg white mixture, 1/4 cup at a time, folding in each portion. Fold in vanilla, juice, and almond extract. Spoon the batter into an ungreased nonstick 10-inch tube pan, spreading evenly. Break air pockets by cutting through batter with a knife.
Bake at 325° for 50 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Invert pan, and cool completely. Loosen the cake from sides of pan using a narrow metal spatula. Invert the cake onto plate. Cut into 12 slices using a serrated knife. Serve with Dark Cocoa Sauce.
(Totals include Dark Cocoa Sauce)
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Dutch-Chocolate Angel Cake recipe
