Fluffy Angel Food Cupcakes Recipe
Fluffy Angel Food Cupcakes are light, airy treats made by whipping egg whites with sugar and folding in flour for a delicate texture. Topped with smooth whipped cream frosting and optional fresh fruit, these cupcakes are perfect for a delightful dessert that feels almost ethereal.
- Author: Logan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Cupcakes
- 3/4 cup (155g) sugar, divided
- 4 tbsp (32g) cake flour
- 4 tbsp (32g) all-purpose flour
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup egg whites, room temperature (about 5–6 large egg whites)
- 1 tbsp warm water
- 3/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
Frosting
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3/4 cup (86g) powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- Fresh fruit, optional, for topping
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine half of the sugar (6 tbsp or 78g), cake flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Sift this mixture through a fine mesh sieve five times for lightness and even distribution. Set aside.
- Whip Egg Whites: In a mixing bowl, combine egg whites, warm water, cream of tartar, and vanilla extract. Begin whipping on low speed until foamy.
- Add Remaining Sugar Gradually: Increase mixer speed to medium and add the remaining sugar one tablespoon at a time, waiting 5-10 seconds between additions to fully incorporate.
- Whip to Soft Peaks: Raise the speed to medium-high and whip the egg whites until soft peaks form. The mixture should be glossy and hold gentle peaks.
- Fold in Flour Mixture: Sift the flour mixture again before adding. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the flour mixture a couple tablespoons at a time to avoid deflating the whipped egg whites.
- Fill Cupcake Liners: Spoon the batter carefully into the cupcake liners, filling them about 3/4 full. This allows the cupcakes to rise properly and creates a full, fluffy top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 18-23 minutes or until the cupcakes are lightly browned on top.
- Cool: Remove cupcakes from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Note that they will shrink slightly as they cool.
- Prepare Frosting: In a chilled bowl, whip together the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until smooth and billowy with medium peaks formed. Avoid over-whipping to prevent a grainy or curdled texture.
- Frost Cupcakes: Pipe or spread the whipped cream frosting onto the cooled cupcakes.
- Add Decorations: Optionally, top the frosted cupcakes with fresh fruit of your choice for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for optimal volume when whipped.
- Sifting the flour mixture multiple times helps keep the cupcakes light and airy.
- Add sugar slowly during whipping for stable meringue structure.
- Folding gently is key to maintaining the airiness of the batter.
- Don’t over-whip the whipped cream frosting to avoid curdling.
- Fresh fruit toppings are optional but offer a fresh contrast to the sweetness.
- These cupcakes are best served the same day for maximum freshness but can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Keywords: angel food cupcakes, light cupcakes, whipped egg white cupcakes, fluffy cupcakes, whipped cream frosting, dessert cupcakes