High-Altitude Angel Food Cake

Ingredients

• 1 cup cake flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup egg whites, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the cold water and cream of tartar.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar mixture and beat until soft peaks form.
5. With the mixer running, slowly add the sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
6. Add the vanilla extract and beat until just combined.
7. Add the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
8. Transfer the batter to an ungreased 10-inch angel food cake pan.
9. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack and cool completely.

Interesting Facts

• At higher altitudes, the air pressure is lower, so cakes need to be cooked at a lower temperature and for a slightly longer time.
• Angel food cake is made without any fat, so it's a light and fluffy dessert option.
• Angel food cake is traditionally served with fresh fruit and whipped cream.