Angel Food Cake for Holy Michael and All Angels Day: A Heavenly Treat
The Feast of Holy Michael and All Angels, also known as Michaelmas, is almost here! It's a special occasion in the Christian calendar dedicated to honoring Holy Michael, the captain of the heavenly host, and all other angels.
One delightful way to celebrate is by baking an Angel Food Cake. The name says it all, plus the light and airy texture of an Angel Food Cake perfectly symbolizes their heavenly nature. It's a sweet and meaningful way to pay tribute to Holy Michael, who led the heavenly host against the forces of darkness and all angels.
Angel Food Cake is more than just a delicious dessert—it’s a beautiful way to remind ourselves of the spiritual significance of angels. Angels are messengers, protectors, and warriors of God, and their presence is a source of comfort and strength in the Christian tradition. As we bake and enjoy this airy, light cake, we can reflect on the spiritual nature of angels, who continuously praise and serve God.
By incorporating Angel Food Cake into your Michaelmas celebration, you are not only creating a sweet tradition for your family but also opening up an opportunity to teach your children about the angels and their important roles in the Bible. You can share stories of St. Michael’s triumph over Satan, Gabriel’s message to Mary, or the angels’ protection throughout Scripture while enjoying this heavenly treat.
Here’s how you can make this simple yet beautiful cake for your Michaelmas celebration:
the recipe —
Heavenly Angel Food Cake
Makes one cake, serves 10-12
1 1/2 cups plus 1 Tablespoon sugar
1 cup cake flour (no cake flour? See note at end of the recipe for a substitution)
12 egg whites, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Preheat oven to 325ºF. Do NOT grease the angel food cake pan.
Put sugar in a food processor and pulse about 15 times until the sugar granules are finer. Sift flour with 3/4 cup of the sugar. Set aside.
In a large bowl, use the whisk attachment to whip egg whites, extracts, and salt until it becomes a bit frothy. Add cream of tartar and whip until the mixture forms soft peaks.
Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, while the mixer is running. Continue beating until the mixture is glossy, smooth, and holds a stiff peak.
In three additions, sift the flour/sugar mixture over the top of the beaten egg whites and carefully fold. Once incorporated, spoon batter into the pan. Run a knife or a thin spatula through the batter to break up any air pockets. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and cracked, and the cake bounces bake when lightly touched.
Cool the cake upside-down in the pan, using a bottle in the center, the attached feet that are part of some pans, or handles balanced on something sturdy. Let cake cool completely, about 2 hours.
Run a knife along the edge and center tube of the cake. Invert onto a cake plate and give the cake a few good shakes. If the cake does not release, repeat the steps.
Cut with a serrated knife and serve with whipped topping.
Cake Flour Substitution
For 1 cup of cake flour, sift together 14 Tablespoons of all-purpose flour with 2 Tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift one more time.
How to Serve Your Angel Food Cake
While this cake is perfectly delicious on its own, you can also pair it with some additional toppings to make it extra special for Michaelmas:
Fresh Berries: Blackberries are traditional for Michaelmas, so consider serving the cake with a side of blackberries or a blackberry sauce to incorporate this lovely custom.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds richness and complements the light, fluffy texture of the cake.
Lemon Glaze: A light drizzle of lemon glaze (made with powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice) can add a hint of citrus brightness to your dessert.
Happy Michaelmas!
Let me know how your cake turns out, or if you have any special Michaelmas traditions you’d like to share!