Cherry Angel Food Cake with Whipped Cream

Cherry Angel Food Cake with Whipped Cream is a light, airy dessert that feels as beautiful as it tastes. This traditional angel food cake bakes up tall and beautifully golden, featuring a soft, delicate crumb with gentle notes of vanilla and lemon. What truly makes this recipe shine is the cherry studded whipped cream spread generously over the top and sides. The fruity sweetness pairs perfectly with the cloud like texture of the cake. Whether you are preparing it for a holiday table, birthday celebration, or weekend gathering, this elegant dessert delivers impressive results with simple pantry ingredients.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There is something timeless about a homemade angel food cake, and this cherry version takes it to another level.

First, the texture is unmatched. Thanks to whipped egg whites and carefully folded dry ingredients, the cake remains incredibly light and tender.

Second, the cherry whipped cream adds vibrant flavor and stunning color. The chopped maraschino cherries create bursts of sweetness in every bite while naturally tinting the cream a soft pink hue.

Another reason to love this recipe is that it feels indulgent without being heavy. Angel food cake contains no butter or oil, making it naturally lower in fat than many traditional layer cakes.

Finally, this dessert looks impressive yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. With the right techniques and a bit of patience, you can create a bakery worthy cake right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Angel Food Cake

1 1 4 cups 250g superfine sugar divided
1 cup 120g cake flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pinch kosher salt
1 3 4 cups 415 ml egg whites from about 13 large eggs at room temperature
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the Cherry Whipped Cream

1 8 ounce jar pitted maraschino cherries stemmed and chopped plus 1 tablespoon cherry juice
2 cups 480 ml heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Whole maraschino cherries for garnish optional
Roses or edible flowers for garnish optional

Step by Step How to Make Cherry Angel Food Cake with Whipped Cream

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and position the rack in the center.

In a large bowl, whisk together half of the superfine sugar, cake flour, cornstarch, and salt. Sift the mixture three times to fully aerate it. This step helps create the cake signature delicate texture. Set aside.

In a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine egg whites, lemon juice, and cream of tartar. Beat on high speed until the mixture becomes foamy. Reduce the speed to medium low and slowly add the remaining sugar. Increase to medium high speed and continue beating until medium stiff peaks form. When you lift the whisk, the peaks should stand upright with a slight curl at the tip. Add vanilla extract and mix briefly to combine.

Sift one third of the dry mixture over the whipped egg whites. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together using slow sweeping motions from the bottom of the bowl upward. Repeat this process with the remaining flour mixture in two additions. Fold in the lemon zest carefully.

Transfer the batter into an ungreased 10 inch tube or angel food cake pan. Smooth the surface lightly and run a knife or metal spatula through the batter to release any large air bubbles.

Bake for about 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Immediately invert the pan onto its feet or over a sturdy bottle and allow the cake to cool completely upside down for at least 1 hour. Cooling inverted prevents the cake from collapsing.

Once fully cooled, run a paring knife around the edges and center tube to release the cake. Invert onto a serving plate.

To prepare the cherry whipped cream, combine chopped cherries, heavy cream, and one tablespoon cherry juice in the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until it begins to thicken. Add vanilla extract and continue whipping until medium soft peaks form.

Spread the cherry whipped cream generously over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with whole cherries or edible flowers if desired. Slice using a serrated knife for clean cuts.

Helpful Tips

Use room temperature egg whites for the best volume and stability.

Make sure your mixing bowl and whisk are spotless and completely free from grease, since even a trace of fat can interfere with the egg whites whipping properly.

Sift the dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a tender crumb.

Do not grease the pan. Angel food cake needs to cling to the sides in order to rise correctly.

Mix gently and patiently when folding. Mixing the batter too much can cause the egg whites to lose their volume, resulting in a heavier and less airy cake.

Substitutions And Variations

If superfine sugar is unavailable, pulse regular granulated sugar in a food processor until finely ground.

Fresh cherries can replace maraschino cherries when in season. Be sure to pit and finely chop them before folding into the cream.

For a flavor twist, add a small splash of almond extract to the whipped cream.

Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a subtle citrus variation.

You can also serve slices layered with extra whipped cream and cherries to create an elegant trifle style dessert.

Storage Instructions

Because the cake is topped with whipped cream, it must be stored in the refrigerator. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

If storing the cake without frosting, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Unfrosted angel food cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap securely in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per serving:

Calories 280
Carbohydrates 42g
Protein 6g
Fat 10g
Saturated Fat 6g
Sugar 30g
Sodium 90mg

Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cherry Angel Food Cake with Whipped Cream slightly chilled for the best flavor and texture.

Pair it with fresh berries such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for added freshness and color.

It complements a cup of coffee, tea, or sparkling lemonade beautifully.

For a more indulgent presentation, add a light dusting of powdered sugar before spreading the whipped cream.

This cake also makes a lovely centerpiece for brunch tables, baby showers, or spring celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cherry Angel Food Cake with Whipped Cream

Can I make this cake without a stand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer works well, although it may take a little longer to achieve medium stiff peaks. Properly whipped egg whites are essential for structure.

Why did my cake turn out dense?
A dense texture usually happens if the egg whites were overwhipped, the batter was folded too aggressively, or the dry ingredients were not sifted thoroughly.

Can I use liquid egg whites from a carton?
Fresh egg whites are recommended because they whip more reliably and create better volume. Carton egg whites may not produce the same stability.

How far in advance can I assemble the cake?
For the best texture, assemble the cake the same day you plan to serve it. The whipped cream can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated.

Do I really need to cool the cake upside down?
Yes, cooling upside down prevents the cake from shrinking and maintains its tall, airy structure.

Final Thoughts

Thank you so much for baking this Cherry Angel Food Cake with Whipped Cream. It is one of those desserts that feels both elegant and comforting at the same time. I truly love how the airy cake pairs with the sweet cherry cream to create something so light, flavorful, and beautiful. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it approachable, yet the final result feels special enough for any celebration. I hope this recipe brings joy to your kitchen and confidence to your baking. Wishing you sweet moments, happy gatherings, and many delicious slices ahead. Thank you for being part of this wonderful food loving community.

Print