Martha Stewarts Chocolate Angel Food Cake

ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees, with rack in lower third but not on bottom shelf. Prepare a 10-inch angel-food-cake pan: Using the pan as your guide, cut a circle from a piece of parchment paper; use it to line bottom of pan. Using a sieve, sift flour and 1/2 cup sugar onto another piece of parchment.
• Set sieve over a bowl, and return mixture to sieve; sift again and set aside.
• Place egg whites in a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until frothy, about 1 minute. Add the cream of tartar, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt; continue beating until soft peaks form, about 2 1/2 minutes. With mixer running, add remaining cup sugar a little at a time, beating no longer than 1 minute.
• Raise speed to medium-high; continue beating until firm, but not stiff, peaks form (when beater is lifted, only the tip of the peak should fall over slightly). Gently transfer egg-white mixture to a large, wide bowl. Sprinkle a third of the reserved flour mixture over the whites. Using a whisk, gently combine in a folding motion, allowing batter to fall through the whisk as you fold. Sprinkle remaining flour mixture over whites in two more batches; fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix because the egg whites will deflate.
• Using a large rubber spatula, transfer batter to prepared pan. Run a knife gently through the center of the batter to remove any large air bubbles. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean and cake is springy to the touch, 45 to 50 minutes.
• Remove pan from oven and invert onto its legs, making sure cake clears the surface of the counter. (If using a tube pan, invert it and hang over the neck of a bottle.) Let cool completely, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. To remove cake, reinvert pan, top side up. Run a knife around the inner and outer edges of the cake before releasing the bottom. Cake will keep up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic. To serve, slice with a serrated knife.

HOT FUDGE SAUCE FOR BROWN SUGAR ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring cream and corn syrup just to a simmer. Remove from heat. Add chocolate; whisk until melted. Serve immediately. Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 1 week.

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH DOUBLE-CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Steps:

• Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together cake flour, cocoa, espresso powder, and salt.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Add cream of tartar and increase speed to high. Continue beating while gradually adding sugar until stiff peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes. Beat in vanilla. Remove bowl from mixer. Add half the flour mixture and gently fold in until streaky, then add remaining flour mixture and fold in until well incorporated (do not overmix, as this will deflate the meringue, creating a dense cake).
• Gently spoon batter into an ungreased 9 1/2-inch tube pan with removable bottom; smooth top. Run a knife or small spatula through batter to release air bubbles. Bake until a tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 40 minutes. Invert pan; let cake cool completely in pan. Run a knife around the inner and outer perimeter of the pan to loosen. Use knife to release cake from bottom of pan and remove.
• Frosting: Place both chocolates in the bowl of a stand mixer; set aside. In a small saucepan, bring cream and corn syrup to a boil. Pour over chocolate; let stand 2 to 3 minutes.
• Whisk, starting in center and working outward, until chocolate is smooth. Let cool at room temperature, whisking occasionally, about 30 minutes.
• Attach bowl to stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on medium speed, gradually adding butter, until frosting is smooth and silky.
• Using a serrated knife, split cake in half horizontally. Place bottom layer on a cake plate. Measure 2 cups frosting and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Top with second layer. Use remaining frosting to cover cake completely, using spatula to create a smooth finish or create swirls. Garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired. Serve immediately.

CHOCOLATE CHIP ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE GANACHE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour into a mixing bowl, then resift flour with 3/4 cup sugar.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium speed until frothy. Add cream of tartar; beat until whites have tripled in size, about 3 minutes. Slowly add remaining 3/4 cup sugar; beat until firm and glossy, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Transfer egg whites to a large metal mixing bowl. Gently fold in flour mixture in three additions, mixing from bottom of bowl (try to use fewest strokes possible). Fold in grated chocolate, and mix. Pour batter into a 10-inch nonstick angel-food-cake pan, and run a knife through center of the batter to release any air bubbles. Bake until top becomes golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes.
• Invert the pan over the neck of a bottle, and cool about 1 hour. Loosen the cake from the pan with a flexible knife, and turn the cake over onto a cake stand.
• Make ganache: Heat buttermilk over medium heat; add chopped chocolate, and stir slowly until melted. Since buttermilk will curdle slightly, strain mixture through a very fine sieve, and stir slowly until smooth. Spread ganache over top of cooled angel-food cake, and allow to harden slightly before serving.

DAD'S FAVORITE CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Sift flour together with 1/4 cup sugar and salt 3 times; set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites until frothy; add lemon juice and continue beating until soft peaks form, about 4 minutes. Add remaining 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, continuing to mix on medium speed until combined and stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5 minutes more.
• Sift 1/4 cup of the flour mixture into bowl of egg whites. Using a clean hand, gently fold to combine. Add vanilla and orange zest. Add remaining flour mixture, alternating with chocolate and continuing to gently fold with your hand, until all the flour mixture and chocolate have been added.
• Pour batter into a 9 1/2-inch tube pan; drag a knife through batter to remove any air bubbles. Transfer to oven and bake until lightly browned and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Remove from oven and invert pan; let cool 30 to 45 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and center of tube and invert to remove from pan. Serve with strawberries or whipped cream, as desired.

ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place flour and salt in a sieve set over a bowl; sift into bowl, and set aside. With a mixer, beat egg whites on medium-high until foamy, about 1 minute. Add cream of tartar; beat until soft peaks form. Continue to beat, gradually adding sugar; beat until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes. Add vanilla; beat to combine.
• Gently transfer egg-white mixture to a large, wide bowl. In four batches, using the sieve again, sift flour mixture over egg-white mixture. While turning the bowl, use a rubber spatula to fold in the mixture by cutting down the center and coming up the sides.
• Gently spoon batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan with a removable bottom; smooth top. Cut a knife or small spatula through batter to release air bubbles. Bake until cake is golden and springs back when lightly pressed, 35 to 40 minutes. Invert pan; let cool in pan, 1 hour. Run a knife around the inside of the pan and around the tube to release cake, and unmold. Use knife to release cake from bottom of pan, and remove.

MAMA'S ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH BOURBON CREME ANGLAISE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees with a rack set in the center of the oven.
• Sift flour together with 3/4 cup sugar. Repeat process three times; set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites, cream of tarter, and salt on medium speed until foamy. Add vanilla-bean seeds and almond extract. With the mixer on medium speed, slowly add remaining 3/4 cup sugar. Continue mixing until whites are glossy and stiff peaks form.
• Sift enough of the flour mixture over the egg white mixture to lightly dust the top. Gently fold flour mixture into the egg white mixture. Repeat process until all the flour is incorporated into the egg white mixture.
• Gently spoon batter into a 10-inch tube pan. With a spatula or knife, using a circular motion, cut through the batter twice to eliminate any large pockets of air. Smooth top to remove any large peaks.
• Transfer to oven and bake until golden brown and a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Invert pan over a bottle (such as a 2-liter soda bottle or wine bottle) until completely cooled, about 2 hours.
• To serve, set upright, and using a butter knife or a long spatula, loosen the cake from the sides of the pan. Invert onto a serving plate. Slice using a serrated knife or an angel food cake cutter; serve drizzled with bourbon creme anglaise, if desired.

ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degress, with rack in lower third of the oven. Sift together flour and 3/4 cup sugar. Repeat sifting four times.
• Beat egg whites and the warm water with a mixer on low speed until foamy. Add salt, cream or tartar, and vanilla, and beat on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes. With mixer running, gradually add remaining 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Raise speed to high, and beat until peaks are stiff and glossy (but not dry), about 2 minutes more.
• Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Sift flour mixture over egg-white mixture in six parts, gently folding in each addition with a rubber spatula.
• Gently pour batter into a 10-inch tube pan. Run a knife through the batter to release any air bubbles, and smooth with an offset spatula. Bake until cake is golden brown and springs back when touched, 40 to 45 minutes.
• Invert pan on a wire rack, and let cake cool about 1 hour. Carefully run a paring knife around side of cake to loosen, then unmold onto the wire rack.
• Arrange cotton candy in a ring shape on a serving platter. Lay cake on top of cotton candy "cloud." Serve with caramel whipped cream, if desired.

ULTIMATE CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Place rack in middle of the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 8-by-2-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper. Butter the parchment, and dust with cocoa powder; tap out excess. Sift cocoa; whisk in boiling coffee and milk. Let cool. Sift together cake flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• Using a rubber spatula, mix the butter in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually add sugar and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Pour in the cooled cocoa mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
• Add the sifted dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pans (about 4 cups in each pan). Bake for 20 minutes, rotate the pans, and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean when inserted into the center.
• Remove the cakes from the oven, and allow to cool in pans for 15 minutes on a cooling rack. Carefully run a small offset spatula around the edge of the cakes to loosen them from the pan. Remove cakes from pans, and invert onto a wire rack. Let cool completely, about 1 hour.
• To assemble, using a serrated knife, level the top surface of each cake layer. Place four strips of parchment paper around the perimeter of the cake stand. Spread with 3/4 cup of frosting. Top with the remaining layer, bottom side up. Using a swirling motion, cover the outside of cake with the remaining frosting. Remove parchment-paper strips.

MOCHA CHIP ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a small bowl, stir together espresso powder, vanilla, and 1 tablespoon water until powder dissolves.
• In a large, wide bowl, using an electric mixer, beat egg whites on medium-high until foamy, about 1 minute. Add cream of tartar and beat until soft peaks form, 4 minutes. Continue to beat, gradually adding sugar, until stiff glossy peaks form, about 2 minutes. (If using a stand mixer, gently transfer egg-white mixture to a large, wide bowl for easier folding.)
• Place cake flour and salt in a fine-mesh sieve and sift over egg-white mixture in 3 additions, gently folding with a rubber spatula after each addition. Gently fold in espresso mixture and chocolate chips. Gently spoon batter into an ungreased angel-food cake pan with a removable bottom. With a knife, cut through batter to release air bubbles, then smooth top. Bake until cake is golden brown and springs back when lightly pressed, 30 to 35 minutes.
• Invert pan on a baking sheet; let cake cool in pan, 1 hour. Run a thin knife around pan and tube, then unmold cake. Serve drizzled with ganache.

MARTHA STEWART'S CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 with rack in the center.
• Sift together onto a piece of parchment paper, 3/4 cup sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt.
• Add grated chocolate; set aside.
• With electric mixer beat egg whites and cream of tarter until soft peaks form.
• While still beating add remaining 3/4 cup of sugar in a slow steady stream until glossy stiff peaks form.
• Add vanilla and almond extracts; beat to combine.
• Now using a regular mixing spoon, gradually add flour mixture, gently but thoroughly, folding into egg white mixture until fully combined.
• Pour into a 10 inch non-stick angel food cake pan.
• Tap pan on counter to remove any air bubbles.
• Bake until cake springs back when depressed with a finger, 30-35 minutes.
• Cool, inverted, 1 hour before removing pan.
• Serve with Chocolate Hazelnut Anglaise.

ANGEL FOOD SWIRL CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees, with rack in lower third. Cut parchment to fit bottom of round or heart-shaped 10-inch tube pan with legs or removable bottom. Fit paper into pan. Do not grease pan.
• Sift flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt together. Sift again into a bowl. Using fork, mash 1/2 cup whole raspberries; strain through a fine sieve to yield about 1/4 cup mashed raspberries.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites on medium-low speed until foamy. Beat in cream of tartar and vanilla. Increase speed to medium-high; beat until whites are nearly stiff. Reduce speed to medium-low; beat in the remaining 1 cup sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time. Beat until peaks are almost stiff but not at all dry. Transfer egg whites to large bowl.
• Sift flour mixture over egg whites; fold in gently with large rubber spatula. Gently transfer 1/3 of batter to tube pan. Spoon 2 tablespoons mashed berries over egg whites. Spoon another 1/3 of batter into the pan; repeat with remaining mashed berries. Top with remaining batter. Run a knife through mixture, touching bottom of pan, to eliminate any air pockets. Leave the top very textured with peaks in the meringue; do not smooth.
• Bake until the top of the cake is lightly golden and the cake springs back when pressed lightly, 35 to 45 minutes. (If top darkens too quickly, tent with foil.)
• Invert pan onto its legs or hang it over the neck of a bottle or funnel; let cake stand, in the pan, until completely cool, about 1 hour. Run a knife around edges of the cake to loosen the sides. Unmold cake. Serve with buttermilk sorbet and remaining whole raspberries.

LEMONY ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Make the cake: Preheat oven to 325 degrees, with rack in lower third of oven. Sift flour and 1/2 cup sugar into a bowl.
• Whisk whites with a mixer on medium speed until frothy, about 1 minute. Add lemon zest and juice, cream of tartar, vanilla, and salt; continue whisking until soft peaks form, about 2 1/2 minutes. With mixer running, gradually add remaining cup sugar.
• Increase speed to medium-high; continue whisking until firm, not stiff, peaks form, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle whites with 1/3 of the flour-sugar mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold to combine. Sprinkle remaining flour-sugar mixture over whites in 2 additions; gently fold to combine.
• Transfer batter to a 10-inch angel food cake pan with legs. Gently run a knife through the center of the batter to remove any air bubbles. Bake until a tester inserted into center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes.
• Remove pan from oven, and invert onto its cooling legs (if your tube pan doesn't have legs, invert it over the neck of a wine, or similarly shaped, bottle to cool); let cool, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Run a knife around the inner and outer edges of cake to remove. Invert onto a serving platter. (Use a knife to separate cake from bottom of pan.) Let cool on a wire rack. Unfrosted cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Make the lemon cream: Prepare an ice-water bath. Whisk lemon juice, sugar, flour, and salt in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil; whisk constantly for 1 minute, until it thickens. Transfer to a heatproof bowl set in ice-water bath to cool completely, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, whisk cream and lemon zest with a mixer on medium speed until medium peaks form, about 3 minutes. Gently fold whipped cream into juice mixture in thirds. Refrigerate lemon cream, up to overnight.
• Make the candied lemon-peel flowers: Combine sugar and water in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, using a vegetable peeler, peel 3 lemons to create 6 long strips (at least 5 inches long and about 1/2 inch wide). Remove pith from strips using a paring knife. Cut tops and bottoms off remaining 3 lemons; cut each in half lengthwise. Remove flesh. Cut out 6 flowers from the peels using a 2-inch flower-shaped cookie cutter and remove pith; cut indentations into petals for definition. Punch a hole in the center of each flower using a 1/4-inch plain round piping tip.
• Add lemon-peel strips and flowers to the syrup. Gently simmer until translucent and tender, about 35 minutes. Remove peels from syrup using a slotted spoon, and transfer to a wire rack set over a parchment. Let dry slightly, about 30 minutes.
• Trim strips to 5-inch lengths, and roll each to form centers of flowers; fit into flower holes and let stand on wire rack until slightly dry but still sticky, about 30 minutes.
• Frost cake with lemon cream. Garnish with candied flowers. Serve.

BROWN-SUGAR ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat egg whites and sugar on medium speed until foamy; add cream of tartar. Increase speed to high; beat egg whites until tripled in volume, stiff, and glossy. Transfer egg white mixture to a large bowl; fold in flour in three additions.
• Spoon batter into an unbuttered 10-inch angel-food-cake pan with a removable bottom. Run a knife through batter to pop air pockets. Bake until cake is golden in color and springs back when gently pressed, about 45 minutes.
• Invert pan onto a cooling rack or the neck of a bottle and allow cake to cool, at least 1 hour. To remove cake from pan, run a knife around sides and center tube of pan. Release cake from sides, and run a long knife along the bottom of the cake, freeing it from the tube. Serve with ice cream and hot-fudge sauce.