I’m generally not a fan of angel food cake. Its spongy texture leaves something to be desired. But toasted angel food cake? That simple technique converted me, and its the secret ingredient to this classic dessert. Toasted angel food “croutons” add sweet, crunchy, chewy bits of heaven to a beautiful treat. I used raspberries, but any spring berry would work wonderfully. Almond extract in the whipped cream gives an almost fruity note – I may not go back to vanilla!
Raspberry Fool with Angelic ‘Croutons’ 4 servings
1 store-bought angel food cake, cut into 1-inch pieces (about 5 cups)
12 oz. raspberries
4 Tbsp. sugar, divided
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp. almond extract
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• Place the cake pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet and toast about 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• Set a few raspberries aside for garnish. Mash the remaining raspberries in a bowl with 2 tablespoons sugar. Set aside to macerate.
• In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream, the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and the almond extract using an electric mixer on high until soft peaks form, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Place a layer of cake pieces in the bottom of 4 glasses. Add a layer of macerated raspberries, then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers to the top of the glasses, then garnish each with a few whole berries.
This article appears in May 2015.