When making an angel food cake, it is very easy to get confused about certain things. It is so light that you could make different mistakes throughout the process and not even be quite sure what mistakes you made. For instance, if you didn’t know that you should cool angel food cake upside down – then you’ve probably ended up with messed up cakes.
The recipes for angel food cakes are quite simple until you see a bottle in the recipe. Isn’t it possible to cool angel food cake without a glass bottle? You might wonder.
This isn’t a recipe article, rather it’s to guide you through the final steps. After reading this, you just might be able to properly finish up an angel food cake without messing up your kitchen.
How to Cool Angel Food Cake Without Glass Bottle – Step-By-Step
You can cool an angel food cake without a glass bottle using any of these alternatives:
Angel Food Cake Pan
After carefully following the recipe, baking the angel food cake, and taking it out of the oven, you need to invert it while it cools. Instead of a glass bottle, you can use a large funnel or small ramekins. And if the angel food cake pan has feet around the edges or if its center tube is taller than the pan itself. Simply turn the pan over on the counter or a cooling rack, letting it rest on the feet and/or the center tube. This will ensure it is not resting directly on the counter and allow for proper flow of air.
Cooling Rack
If you have an angel food cake pan that does not have feet around the edges or a taller center tube, you can still turn it over a cooling rack. The rack will ensure some space between the counter and the pan. This is also a good alternative for when the cake rises higher than the pan.
Makeshift Angel Food Cake Pan
If you do not have an angel food cake pan at all, you can use a springform pan without a nonstick coating to make a makeshift angel food cake pan.
- Get an empty aluminum can, like a tall skinny drink can
- Wrap parchment paper around it, securing it with double-stick tape
- Fill the can up with water, dried beans, pie weights, rice, or any other weight
- Put the can in the center of the pan, ensure the size of the pan is appropriate for the recipe and the pan must not have a nonstick coating. Also, ensure the pan has removable sides
- Cut a circle out of the parchment with the same diameter as that of the pan and then cut a starburst in the center of the circle to provide a center opening for the can, then put the parchment into the pan.
- Fill the pan with batter and follow the recipe. Once the cake is done baking, take it out.
- Then, turn the pan over the sink to empty the weight in the can, or take out the can, empty it and return it to the center of the pan.
- Finally, just as it is with the angel food cake pan, invert the pan so that it rests on the can and above the counter. You may also choose to invert it over a cooling rack to ensure even more distance and a better flow of air.
Refrigeration
You can refrigerate the angel food cake for 2 to 3 hours after baking. Remember to let it cool for 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven, then place it upside down in the refrigerator.
How To Cool Angel Food Cake Upside Down
You can cool an angel food cake upside down by inverting the pan so that it rests on the feet or the center tube. However, this method only works if your pan has feet around the edges or a taller center tube. You can also invert the pan over a cooling rack.
Another way to cool angel food cake upside down is with a glass bottle, simply invert the pan so that the mouth of the bottle goes into the center of the tube. Remember to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t fall over. You can also choose to refrigerate the angel food cake for about 2 to 3 hours.
How Do You Cool Angel Food Cake in A Tube Pan?
You can cool angel food cake in a tube pan by inverting it over a glass bottle so that the mouth of the bottle goes into the center of the tube. If the tube pan has feet around the edges, you can simply turn the pan over on the counter, letting it rest on the feet and/or the center tube. This will ensure it is not resting directly on the counter and allow for proper flow of air.
If the tube pan does not have feet around the edges, you can turn it over on a cooling rack. The rack will ensure some space between the counter and the pan. This is also a good alternative for when the cake rises higher than the pan.
How To Cool Angel Food Cake In Bundt Pan
You can cool angel food cake in a Bundt pan using the same method as cooling in a tube pan or any other pan. Bundt pans don’t come with feet around the edges or longer tubes, so the best way to cool angel food cake in a Bundt pan is by inverting it over a glass bottle so that the mouth of the bottle goes into the center of the tube. You can turn it over on a cooling rack. The rack will ensure some space between the counter and the pan.
Tips and Tricks
Angel food cake is a delicate dessert that requires careful handling to maintain its light and fluffy texture. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your angel food cake comes out perfectly every time.
How to tell when the cake is fully cooled:
To ensure that the cake is fully cooled, it should be completely cool to the touch before removing it from the pan. You can use a toothpick to test the cake for doneness by inserting it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is fully cooled.
How to prevent the cake from sticking:
Sticking is a common issue when it comes to angel food cake. Here are some tips to prevent the cake from sticking to the pan:
- Grease the pan thoroughly before baking. Use cooking spray or a brush to ensure that the entire surface of the pan is coated.
- Let the cake cool completely before removing it from the pan. If you remove the cake too soon, it may stick to the pan.
- Run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake before removing it from the pan. This will help to release any areas where the cake may be stuck.
How to store the cake after cooling:
After cooling the angel food cake, you want to make sure that it stays fresh for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing the cake:
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can use a cake carrier or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
- To prevent the cake from sticking to the container, line it with parchment paper or wax paper. This will help to keep the cake from sticking to the sides of the container and will make it easier to remove.
- Do not store the cake in the refrigerator as it will dry out the cake. Angel food cake is best stored at room temperature.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your angel food cake comes out perfectly every time. Remember to take your time and handle the cake with care, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and fluffy dessert that is sure to impress.
Why Do You Put an Angel Food Cake on A Bottle?
You put an angel food cake on a bottle so that it does not collapse under its own weight. Angel food cakes are usually very light and mostly made out of eggs. The reason for inverting them over a bottle is to let it cool while giving the cell structure some time to set and maintain its full height. If the cake is left in the baking position, it will collapse and fall.
What Is the Best Way to Cool Down the Angel Food Cake?
The best way to cool down the angel food cake is by inverting it in a way that it gets maximum airflow. You can choose to invert the pan over a glass bottle or large funnel so that the mouth of the bottle or funnel goes into the center of the tube. You can also set the pan upside down on its feet around the edges or the center tube if it is taller than the pan itself. Another option would be to set the pan upside down on a cooling rack or refrigerate it.
Read also: Making Crabby Snacks and Homemades the Right Way
How Do You Store Angel Food Cake After Baking?
You can store angel food cake in a cake box, air-tight container, or a kitchen cupboard for 1 to 2 days. It can also be refrigerated for about a week – ensure it is tightly wrapped in a plastic wrap or Ziploc bag. Freezing the cake is also an option as it would keep its original quality for 4-6 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap first and then in foil or a freezer-safe bag to prevent drying out.
Remember not to add any frosting or dairy products to the cake if you’re going to store it. You can add them as you serve.
How Long Does Angel Food Cake Need to Cool?
Angel food cake can take about 30 minutes to an hour to completely cool off. It is important to wait until it is completely cool so it can keep its volume, after which you can use a knife or spatula to gently remove it from the pan.
Read also: How to Know When Scrambled Eggs Are Done & How Long It Takes
Can You Cool an Angel Food Cake Overnight?
Yes, you can cool an angel food cake overnight as long as it is inverted over a bottle, funnel, cooling rack, or countertop. This way, you can be sure that it is entirely cooled by morning and you can safely remove it from the pan.
Do you have to cool angel food cake upside down?
Yes, it is necessary to cool angel food cake upside down in order to prevent it from collapsing and to maintain its light and fluffy texture. Angel food cake is a delicate cake that contains a lot of air, which helps it to rise and stay light. When the cake comes out of the oven, it needs to be cooled upside down to prevent it from collapsing.
Cooling the cake upside down allows the cake to stretch and set as it cools, rather than collapsing under its own weight. The cake needs to be cooled upside down until it is completely cool, so that the air bubbles in the cake have time to stabilize and set. This will ensure that the cake stays light and fluffy.
Traditionally, angel food cakes are cooled upside down on a bottle or a special angel food cake cooling rack. However, there are alternative methods that can be used to cool angel food cake upside down, such as the inverted cake pan method, hanging method, or cooling rack method.
How long to let angel food cake cool upside down?
It is recommended to let an angel food cake cool upside down for at least 1-2 hours, or until it is completely cool to the touch. The cake needs to be completely cool before removing it from the pan to ensure that it has set and to prevent it from collapsing.
The exact cooling time may vary depending on factors such as the size of the cake, the oven temperature, and the humidity in the air. It is important to be patient and not rush the cooling process, as removing the cake from the pan too soon can cause it to collapse or become dense.
Once the cake is cool to the touch, you can carefully remove it from the pan using a knife to loosen any areas that may be stuck. It is important to be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on the cake, as this can also cause it to collapse. With the right amount of patience and care, you can successfully cool an angel food cake upside down and enjoy a light and fluffy dessert.
Can I speed up cake cooling by fridge?
It is not recommended to cool an angel food cake in the refrigerator, as this can cause the cake to dry out and become dense. Angel food cake is a delicate cake that contains a lot of air, and cooling it in the refrigerator can cause the cake to lose its light and fluffy texture.
To cool an angel food cake properly, it should be cooled upside down on a cooling rack until it is completely cool to the touch. This can take anywhere from 1-2 hours, or longer depending on the size of the cake and other factors.
If you are short on time, you can try placing the cake in a cool and dry place to speed up the cooling process. You can also try placing a fan near the cake to help circulate air around it and cool it down faster. However, it is important to be patient and not rush the cooling process, as removing the cake from the pan too soon can cause it to collapse or become dense.
Conclusion
The irony of the angel food cake is that inverting it after baking is the only way to keep it from falling. Now that you have a little more understanding of the final steps of successfully finishing up an angel food cake, you can try out that recipe again and enjoy the flavor and texture of your angel food cake.
