Angel Food Ice Cream Cake

Angel Food Ice Cream Cake Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 12-14

Introduction

Angel Food Ice Cream Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the light, airy texture of angel food cake with the creamy richness of ice cream, topped with the fresh zest of strawberries. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or any occasion that calls for a special treat. It's a versatile recipe that allows for various flavor combinations and can be adapted to suit different dietary needs. The combination of textures and temperatures makes this cake a favorite among both children and adults.

History

The concept of combining cake with ice cream dates back to the early 19th century, though the exact origins of Angel Food Ice Cream Cake are difficult to pinpoint. Angel food cake itself was first made in the United States in the late 1800s. It gained popularity for its light, fluffy texture, achieved by whipping egg whites to stiff peaks. The idea of pairing it with ice cream likely emerged as a way to add richness to the dessert while maintaining its lightness. Over the years, this dessert has evolved, incorporating various flavors of ice cream and toppings to suit changing tastes.

Ingredients

1 angel food cake (8 inches)
0.5 gallon of slightly softened vanilla ice cream
2 qt (1.89 liter) of fresh strawberries
sugar or sugar substitute, to taste

How to prepare

Cut the cake in half and tear one half into small pieces; set aside.
Cut the other half into 12-14 thin slices and arrange them in the bottom of a wax paper lined 13" x 9" x 2" baking pan, overlapping as needed.
Spread softened ice cream over the cake slices, pressing down to smooth.
Gently press the small cake pieces into the ice cream.
Cover the pan and freeze the dessert.
Just before serving, slice strawberries and sweeten them to taste.
Cut the dessert into squares and top each square with strawberries.

Variations

1. Chocolate Lovers: Use chocolate ice cream and top with chocolate shavings.
2. Berry Delight: Mix in a variety of berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries with the strawberries.
3. Tropical Twist: Use mango or pineapple ice cream and top with fresh tropical fruits.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

1. Ensure the ice cream is slightly softened before spreading it over the cake slices for easier manipulation.

2. Use a serrated knife to cut the angel food cake to prevent squishing.

3. For a more intense flavor, consider macerating the strawberries in a little sugar and letting them sit for about 30 minutes before serving.

4. To achieve clean cuts when serving, dip your knife in hot water between slices.

5. Experiment with different ice cream flavors to create unique variations of this dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Angel Food Ice Cream Cake chilled, directly from the freezer. It pairs wonderfully with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. A cup of coffee or a glass of sparkling wine can complement the flavors beautifully.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is layering the components to ensure even distribution of flavors and textures. Properly softening the ice cream is crucial for easy spreading without damaging the cake structure.

Ingredient Substitutions

1. Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free angel food cake to make this dessert gluten-free.

2. Dairy-Free: Opt for dairy-free ice cream made from almond, coconut, or soy milk.

3. Sugar-Free: Choose a sugar-free ice cream and use a natural sugar substitute for the strawberries.

Make Ahead Tips

This dessert is perfect for making ahead as it needs to be frozen before serving. It can be prepared up to a week in advance, tightly covered in the freezer. Add the fresh strawberries just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve individual portions on plates with a mint leaf for a touch of color. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on the strawberries can add an elegant finish.

Pairing Recommendations

Angel Food Ice Cream Cake pairs well with light, fruity wines such as Moscato or Riesling. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemonade or an iced tea complements the dessert's flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store the dessert in the freezer, covered, for up to a week. As this dessert is meant to be served frozen, no reheating is necessary. Simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to slightly soften for easier slicing.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A typical serving of Angel Food Ice Cream Cake contains approximately 300 calories. This can vary based on the specific ingredients used, particularly the type of ice cream.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Angel Food Ice Cream Cake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The majority of these carbs come from the sugar in the ice cream and the cake itself. The strawberries add a minimal amount of natural sugars, contributing to the total carbohydrate count.

Fats

The fat content in this dessert primarily depends on the type of ice cream used. A serving made with regular vanilla ice cream contains about 15 grams of fat. Opting for a low-fat or fat-free ice cream can significantly reduce the fat content, making it a lighter option.

Proteins

Angel Food Ice Cream Cake provides a modest amount of protein, with an average of 4 grams per serving. The protein comes from the eggs in the angel food cake and the milk in the ice cream.

Vitamins and minerals

This dessert offers some vitamins and minerals, primarily from the strawberries, which are a good source of vitamin C and manganese. The milk in the ice cream contributes calcium and vitamin D, though the amounts are relatively small per serving.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (from the ice cream) and eggs (in the angel food cake). Individuals with allergies to these ingredients should exercise caution. Gluten is another potential allergen due to the flour in the cake, though gluten-free versions of angel food cake are available.

Summary

Angel Food Ice Cream Cake is a moderately indulgent dessert. By choosing low-fat ice cream and a sugar substitute, it's possible to enjoy this treat while keeping an eye on calories, fats, and sugars. The strawberries add a healthy touch by providing vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Summary

Angel Food Ice Cream Cake is a delightful, versatile dessert that combines the lightness of angel food cake with the creamy richness of ice cream, all topped with the fresh zest of strawberries. It's a treat that's sure to impress at any gathering, offering a balance of flavors and textures that can be adapted to suit various dietary needs. With make-ahead convenience and a variety of serving options, it's a fantastic choice for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit my dear friend Clara for a cup of tea and some catching up. As I entered her kitchen, the aroma of vanilla and fresh fruit filled the air, and my eyes immediately landed on a beautiful Angel Food Ice Cream Cake sitting proudly on the countertop.

Clara noticed my immediate interest in the dessert and chuckled softly. "I thought you might like this," she said. "It's a recipe I picked up from a friend a few years ago, and it's been a hit ever since."

I couldn't resist asking for the recipe, and Clara was more than happy to share it with me. As she walked me through the steps and ingredients, I couldn't help but marvel at how simple yet elegant the dessert seemed. The light and airy angel food cake, layered with creamy vanilla ice cream and topped with fresh berries, looked like a dream come true.

After bidding Clara goodbye and promising to try out the recipe soon, I rushed home with a newfound excitement. I couldn't wait to surprise my family with this new creation, and I knew they would love it just as much as I did.

As I gathered the necessary ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, memories of past cooking adventures flooded my mind. I remembered the first time I made a pie with my mother, the countless batches of cookies I baked with my children, and the joy of sharing recipes with friends over the years. Cooking had always been a source of comfort and creativity for me, and discovering new recipes like the Angel Food Ice Cream Cake was like finding a hidden treasure.

As the cake baked in the oven and the ice cream softened on the counter, I felt a sense of anticipation building in my chest. When the time came to assemble the layers and decorate the cake with fresh berries, I couldn't help but smile at the beauty of the final creation. It looked like something out of a magazine, and I couldn't wait to share it with my loved ones.

When my family gathered around the table that evening and I unveiled the Angel Food Ice Cream Cake, their eyes lit up with delight. They couldn't believe that I had made such a stunning dessert, and they eagerly dug in to savor each bite. The light and fluffy cake paired perfectly with the creamy ice cream and the burst of flavor from the fresh berries, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes and textures.

As we enjoyed our dessert together, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had led me to this moment. From learning to cook at my mother's side to experimenting with new recipes throughout the years, each culinary adventure had shaped me into the cook I was today. And with each new recipe I discovered, like the Angel Food Ice Cream Cake, I felt a renewed sense of joy and wonder at the endless possibilities that cooking offered.

As the last crumbs of the cake disappeared from our plates and the laughter of my family filled the room, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished favorite in our home. And as I cleaned up the kitchen and put away the leftovers, I felt grateful for the gift of cooking and the memories it had created for me and my loved ones. Cooking truly was a form of art and love, and I was grateful for every moment spent in the kitchen, creating delicious dishes to share with those I held dear.