1950's Cherry Angel Food Cake Recipe

Zach Waxer
by Zach Waxer
 
1 hr 30 min

With all of the deliciousness of cherry season, I set out to find a new recipe that would be perfect for baking. Little did I know that my search would lead me to a delightful treasure from the past: a 1950s Angel Food cake recipe. Stepping back in time, I eagerly dove into the process of recreating this classic dessert.

The 1950s Angel Food cake recipe captured my attention with its simplicity and elegance. With just a handful of ingredients, including the timeless combination of fluffy egg whites, delicate cake flour, and the unexpected addition of maraschino cherries, this recipe promised a delightful twist on the traditional Angel Food cake. I decided to substitute fresh cherries for the maraschino cherries that were called for and hoped it would come out just as good (though obviously less sweet!)

The cherries provided a delightful surprise, infusing the cake with their sweet and tangy notes. This classic recipe not only satisfied my craving for cherries but also awakened a newfound appreciation for the timeless appeal of vintage recipes, reminding us of the joy and comfort that can be found in embracing the past.


Note: When recreating vintage recipes, it's important to ensure the ingredients and techniques align with modern food safety standards. Make any necessary adjustments to the original recipe to ensure safe preparation and enjoyment.

I'm thrilled to share this recipe with you, and I hope it brings as much joy to your mornings as it does to mine. Thank you for your interest in this recipe and for being a part of the Foodtalk community.


--Zach Waxer, Foodtalk editor

1950's Cherry Angel Food Cake Recipe
Recipe details
  •  
  • Prep time: 40 Minutes Cook time: 50 Minutes Total time: 1 hr 30 min
Show Nutrition Info
Hide Nutrition Info
Ingredients

  • 1 cup cake flour
  • 1 cup egg whites
  • 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ¼ cups white sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract
  • ⅓ cup maraschino cherries, drained and sliced
Instructions

Here is a set of instructions for making a cherry angel food cake:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Make sure the oven rack is positioned in the lower third of the oven.
In a mixing bowl, sift the cake flour to remove any lumps. Set aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and salt, and continue beating until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the white sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, while continuing to beat the mixture on medium-high speed. Beat until the sugar is fully incorporated, and the egg whites form stiff, glossy peaks. This process may take around 5-7 minutes.
Gently fold in the vanilla extract and almond extract using a rubber spatula, being careful not to deflate the egg white mixture.
Sprinkle about one-fourth of the sifted cake flour over the egg white mixture and carefully fold it in. Repeat this process three more times until all the cake flour is incorporated.
Add the sliced maraschino cherries to the batter, and gently fold them in until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan. Smooth the top with the spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the cake top springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and immediately invert the pan onto a cooling rack. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, approximately 1-2 hours.
Once the cake is completely cooled, run a knife along the edges of the pan and the center tube to release the cake. Carefully remove the cake from the pan.
Serve the cherry angel food cake as is or with your preferred toppings, such as whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. Enjoy!
Note: Ensure that all utensils and mixing bowls are clean and free from any traces of grease, as this can interfere with the egg white volume and stability.
Comments
  • Francia Francia on Jun 27, 2023

    I have a microwave/convection oven GE Profile 2006 model. Can I use the aluminum angel cake pan for this recipe please? If not, what would you suggest?

    • Kristen Kristen on Jun 27, 2023

      Do you still have your instruction booklet? It should tell you what kind of pans you can use. If you don't have it then you could check on line.

  • Toni Toni on Jun 27, 2023

    Can a boxed angel food cake be used?

    • See 1 previous
    • Dawn Dawn on Jun 28, 2023

      I made an angel food cake with box mix and used a can of strawberry pie filling. I mixed them together and baked 375 for 30-35 minuets. It was great!

Next