Are you ready to experience a dessert that's as delightful as it sounds? Forget everything you think you know about traditional angel food cake. This Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned Angels Envy recipe elevates the classic to new heights with a surprising twist of gooey, toasted marshmallow goodness. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively speaking!), or simply a quick dinner dessert that’s sure to impress. It's homemade cooking at its finest – a delicious dish that's surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients:
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For the Angel Food Cake:
- 1 ½ cups cake flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided
- 12 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
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For the Toasted Marshmallow Topping:
- 1 cup large marshmallows
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Angel Food Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch angel food cake pan. Don't forget to dust the sides and bottom generously – this prevents sticking.
- Sift the cake flour and ½ cup of the sugar together twice to ensure a light and airy texture. This is crucial for a successful angel food cake.
- In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Gently fold in the cream of tartar, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg white mixture, gently folding until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Invert the pan immediately onto a wire rack and let the cake cool completely upside down. This prevents the cake from collapsing.
Make the Toasted Marshmallow Topping:
- While the cake cools, prepare the marshmallow topping. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Add the marshmallows and vanilla extract, stirring constantly until the marshmallows are completely melted and smooth.
- Spread the marshmallow mixture evenly over the cooled angel food cake.
Broil to Perfection:
- Place the cake under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the marshmallows are lightly browned and toasted. Watch carefully to prevent burning! This step adds that irresistible toasted marshmallow flavor and texture.
Tips for Success:
- Room temperature eggs: Using room temperature egg whites ensures maximum volume.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter will result in a tough cake.
- Cool upside down: Cooling the cake upside down prevents it from collapsing.
- Watch the broiler: Keep a close eye on the cake while broiling to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Chocolate lovers: Add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate angel food cake.
- Fruity delight: Top the toasted marshmallows with fresh berries for a delicious contrast in flavors and textures.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter for a warm, spiced twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients and serving size. For a more accurate nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredients. However, angel food cake is generally considered a relatively lower-calorie dessert compared to others, especially when considering the light and airy texture.
This Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned Angels Envy recipe is a true testament to the magic of homemade cooking. It's a delightful balance of light and airy cake with the rich, gooey sweetness of toasted marshmallows. Enjoy this easy recipe for a truly heavenly dessert that will leave you craving more. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. You'll be surprised how this easy-to-make recipe can elevate your dessert game to new levels.