Angel food cake, with its ethereal texture, has long been considered a lighter dessert option. But How Many Calories Is In Angel Food Cake, really? And is it actually a guilt-free choice? Let’s delve into the nutritional details of this classic treat.
Angel food cake gets its signature airy consistency from whipped egg whites, and it traditionally contains no butter or oil. This makes it naturally lower in fat than many other cakes. However, the calorie content can vary depending on the recipe and serving size.
The Calorie Count: Traditional vs. Healthier Options
A standard slice (approximately 1/12 of a 9-inch cake) of commercially prepared angel food cake typically contains around 70-90 calories. However, this number can easily increase if the cake is served with toppings like whipped cream, fruit, or sauces.
It’s important to remember that while angel food cake might be lower in fat, it’s often high in sugar. Many recipes rely heavily on refined sugar to achieve the desired sweetness and texture. This can contribute to a higher overall calorie count and a less-than-ideal nutritional profile.
Breaking Down the Nutritional Information
Beyond the calorie count, it’s helpful to look at the other macronutrients in angel food cake:
- Fat: Angel food cake is very low in fat, typically containing less than 1 gram per serving.
- Carbohydrates: Most of the calories in angel food cake come from carbohydrates, primarily sugar. A typical slice can contain 15-20 grams of carbohydrates.
- Protein: Angel food cake does provide a small amount of protein, usually around 2-3 grams per serving, thanks to the egg whites.
Is Angel Food Cake a Healthy Choice?
While angel food cake can be a lighter option compared to richer desserts like chocolate cake or cheesecake, it’s not necessarily a health food. The high sugar content can be a concern, especially for individuals watching their blood sugar levels.
However, there are ways to make angel food cake a healthier treat!
Healthier Angel Food Cake Options
The good news is that you can enjoy angel food cake without the guilt by making a few simple swaps:
- Reduce Sugar: Use natural sweeteners like erythritol or stevia to lower the sugar content without sacrificing sweetness.
- Whole Grain Flour: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole grain alternatives like sweet white sorghum flour or oat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Skip the Toppings: Enjoy your angel food cake plain or with a small serving of fresh fruit instead of sugary sauces or whipped cream.
Guilt-Free Angel Food Cake Recipe
Here’s a healthier take on angel food cake:
Ingredients:
- 80g (½ cup, packed) Arrowroot Starch
- 64g (½ cup) Sweet White Sorghum Flour
- ¼ tsp Salt
- 355g (1½ cups) Egg Whites (fresh, not cartoned)
- 1½ tsp Cream of Tartar
- 144g (¾ cup) Erythritol (or other natural sweetener)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ½ tsp Liquid Stevia Extract
- ¼ tsp Almond Extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl, add the starch, sorghum flour, and salt.
- In a stand mixer bowl with whisk attachment, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Whisk on high speed for 5 minutes — it will increase in volume and look like fluffy clouds.
- Reduce speed to low and slowly add in the erythritol. Once that’s added, add the vanilla extract, stevia extract, and almond extract. Beat for a total of 3 minutes. Mixture should be stiff and slightly shiny.
- Take bowl off the mixer and sift in the dry ingredients. Fold together, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
- Scoop the mixture into an UNGREASED angel food cake pan (I used a 9″ nonstick angel food cake pan) and spread out the surface. Bake for ~40 minutes, or until surface is rounded, golden brown, and springs back when tapped. Let the cake cool upside down (so that it doesn’t deflate). Once completely cooled, use an offset spatula to loosen the cake from the pan. Slice and serve immediately.
A slice of this recipe comes out to only 95 calories!
Conclusion
So, how many calories is in angel food cake? It depends! While a traditional slice is relatively low in calories, the sugar content can be a concern. By opting for healthier recipes and mindful toppings, you can enjoy this light and fluffy dessert without the guilt. Now you can have your cake and eat it too!
