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Blueberry Lemon Angel Cake

A light and airy angel food cake infused with fresh lemon zest and bursting with juicy blueberries, all topped with a sweet, zesty glaze.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

Angel Food Cake
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups sifted cake flour must sift before measuring
  • 12 large egg whites about 1 1/2 cups, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest finely grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries washed, dried, and lightly dusted with flour; some cut in half
Zesty Lemon Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or more to desired consistency
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon whole milk or heavy cream
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Garnish (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup extra fresh blueberries
  • 1 pinch powdered sugar for dusting
  • 1 slice fresh lemon for styling

Equipment

  • 10-inch tube pan (un-greased)
  • Electric stand mixer or hand mixer
  • Large glass or metal mixing bowl (clean)
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Fine-mesh sieve for sifting

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Have an ungreased 10-inch tube pan ready. Do not use a non-stick pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift the cake flour and salt together three times. Set aside.
  3. In a large, perfectly clean glass or metal bowl, beat the room-temperature egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue to beat until soft peaks form.
  4. While mixing on low speed, gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Add lemon zest and vanilla extract. Increase speed to medium-high and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  5. Gently sift one-third of the flour mixture over the egg whites. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold it in. Do not stir. Repeat with the remaining flour in two more additions.
  6. Gently fold in the floured blueberries until just integrated.
  7. Carefully spoon the batter into the ungreased tube pan and gently level the top. Do not tap the pan.
  8. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown, springs back lightly when touched, and a wooden skewer comes out clean.
  9. Immediately invert the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely, upside down. Allow to cool for at least 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
  10. Once completely cool, run a thin knife around the outer and inner edges of the pan to release the cake. Place the cake right-side up on a serving platter.
  11. Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle generously over the cake. Garnish with extra blueberries and serve.

Notes

It is critical that your pan and mixing equipment are completely grease-free. You must cool the cake upside down to maintain its delicate structure. Using fresh, dry, lightly floured blueberries helps keep them suspended in the batter.