1tablespoonCara Cara Navel orange zest (from about 1 orange)
1teaspoonvanilla extract
Instructions
Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 325°F.
In a blender, blend the sugar until fine and powdery. Remove 3/4 cup and set aside. To the remaining sugar in the blender, add the flour and salt. Blend until light and airy.
In the bowl of a stand mix fitted with the whisk attachment, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Whisk on medium-low (4 on my Kitchen Aid mix until frothy. Increase to medium (6 on my Kitchen Aid mix until opaque and fluffy (not quite at soft peaks). Slowly add the sugar that was set aside, 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue to whip on medium until soft peaks form.
Remove the bowl from the mixer and evenly distribute the orange juice, zest, and vanilla over the egg whites. Using a clean whisk or the whisk from the stand mixer, fold in the flavors just until combined.
Sift in 1/4 cup of the flour mixture and fold gently using a rubber spatula, just until a few flour streaks remain. Continue in 1/4 cup batches until all of the flour mixture has been added.
Gently transfer the batter into a 16-cup tube pan, specifically for Angel Food Cake. DO NOT USE A BUNDT PAN. Smooth out the top and and wipe away any streaks that may have dripped onto the pan. Gently tap the sides of the pan to allow the batter to settle.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, rotating halfway. The cake is done when it is golden brown and springs back after pressing firmly.
Invert the pan onto a cooling rack, but do not remove the pan. Allow to cool completely in this position, 2 to 3 hours.
Once completely cooled, run a large offset spatula or thin knife along the side of the cake. Gently tap the top of the cake to loosen and lift (wiggling a little, if necessary) the tube pan away from the cake.
Transfer to a serving platter or tray and dust with confectioners' sugar.