Angel food cake is a timeless classic known for its light, airy texture and delicate sweetness. However, many traditional recipes call for a significant amount of sugar, which might not fit everyone’s dietary preferences or goals.
If you’ve been craving that fluffy, cloud-like cake without the guilt, you’re in the right place! This low sugar angel food cake recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy a treat that’s both delicious and a little healthier.
It maintains the cake’s signature soft texture and subtle sweetness while cutting down on added sugars.
Whether you’re watching your sugar intake or simply want to try a different twist on a classic, this recipe will become your new favorite. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, baking this angel food cake at home is a rewarding experience.
Plus, it pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a light glaze for a dessert or snack that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This low sugar angel food cake recipe stands out because it uses natural sweeteners and just enough sugar to keep the cake tender without overwhelming sweetness. The texture remains incredibly fluffy and moist, thanks to the careful beating of egg whites and the use of cake flour.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy it plain, dusted with a little powdered sugar substitute, or topped with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.
It’s a perfect dessert for those who prefer lighter sweets and a great option for celebrations where you want something elegant yet less sugary.
Plus, it’s gluten-free if you use almond flour or a gluten-free cake flour substitute, making it accessible for more dietary needs. Baking this cake is also a wonderful way to practice your baking skills, especially mastering the art of beating egg whites to perfection!
Ingredients
- 12 large egg whites, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup granulated erythritol (or your preferred granulated sugar substitute)
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol (for folding into the flour mixture)
- 1 cup cake flour, sifted (or gluten-free cake flour alternative)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon almond extract or lemon zest for extra flavor
Equipment
- Angel food cake pan (tube pan with removable bottom)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls (preferably metal or glass)
- Sifter or fine mesh sieve
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your angel food cake pan is clean and free of any grease; do not grease the pan as the batter needs to cling to the sides to rise properly.
- Sift together the cake flour, salt, and powdered erythritol. Set this dry mixture aside. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and prevent lumps.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Add the cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the granulated erythritol, about one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. Increase the mixer speed to high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. This step is crucial for the cake’s airy texture.
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract and any optional flavorings. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites.
- Sift about a third of the dry flour mixture over the whipped egg whites. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold it in, turning the bowl and folding from the bottom up. Repeat this process two more times until all the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the ungreased angel food cake pan. Smooth the top gently with your spatula.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly touched.
- Immediately invert the pan onto a cooling rack or bottle neck to cool completely. This prevents the cake from collapsing as it cools.
- Once fully cooled, run a thin knife around the edges to loosen the cake from the pan, then carefully remove the bottom and tube.
Tips & Variations
“The key to a perfect angel food cake is to beat the egg whites until they hold stiff peaks but aren’t dry or grainy.”
Use room temperature egg whites: They whip up better and give you more volume.
Don’t grease the pan: Angel food cake needs the batter to stick to the sides to rise properly.
Flavor variations: Add lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a fragrant twist. You can also fold in finely chopped freeze-dried fruits or cocoa powder for a different flavor profile.
Sweetener swaps: If you prefer, use monk fruit sweetener or a blend of stevia and erythritol to keep the sugar content low but maintain sweetness.
Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze in airtight containers for longer storage.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice, 12 slices total) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Total Fat | 0.1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 110mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0g |
| Sugars | 0.3g |
| Protein | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
This angel food cake is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a classic touch, dust the top with a little powdered erythritol or a sugar substitute for a light sweetness without the added sugar.
Fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries make a perfect topping. Their natural tartness complements the subtle sweetness of the cake beautifully.
You can also add a spoonful of light whipped cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
For an elegant dessert, drizzle with a homemade low sugar berry coulis or a sugar-free lemon glaze. This adds flavor and moisture without overpowering the delicate texture of the cake.
Try serving with a cup of herbal tea or black coffee for a delightful afternoon treat that feels indulgent yet guilt-free.
Conclusion
This low sugar angel food cake recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy a beloved dessert while keeping your sugar intake in check. Its light, fluffy texture and subtle sweetness make it a favorite for special occasions or everyday treats.
The recipe is straightforward and accessible, perfect for bakers of all skill levels looking to create a classic cake with a healthier twist.
By using sugar substitutes and simple ingredient swaps, you can savor the airy delight of angel food cake without the extra sugar crash. Plus, the cake’s versatility allows you to customize flavors and toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a slice of heaven that’s both delicious and mindful!
For more delicious low sugar dessert ideas, check out our Low Sugar Chocolate Chip Cookies, Sugar-Free Lemon Bars, and Healthy Blueberry Muffins recipes!
📖 Recipe Card: Low Sugar Angel Food Cake
Description: A light and fluffy angel food cake made with minimal sugar for a healthier dessert option. Perfectly airy with a subtle sweetness.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 large egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 3/4 cup granulated erythritol
- 1/4 cup powdered erythritol
- 1 cup cake flour, sifted
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add granulated erythritol while beating until stiff peaks form.
- Sift cake flour, powdered erythritol, and salt together.
- Gently fold flour mixture into egg whites in batches.
- Add vanilla and almond extract, fold gently to combine.
- Pour batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until cake springs back when touched.
- Invert pan and cool completely before removing cake.
- Serve plain or with fresh berries.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 0.2g | Carbs: 6g
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