From Recipe Box 98
Angel Food Lemon Cake
About this recipe
- Recipe box
- Box 98
This Angel Food Lemon Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the lightness of angel food cake with the tartness of lemon. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that is ideal for spring and summer gatherings, offering a refreshing twist on traditional cake. The use of store-bought ingredients like lemon pie filling and instant pudding makes this recipe quick to assemble while still delivering a deliciously homemade taste.
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Angel Food Lemon Cake
Angel Food Cake Food History
The combination of angel food cake and lemon flavors is a classic pairing that has been popular in American desserts for decades. Angel food cake, known for its light and airy texture, originated in the United States in the late 19th century. Its unique texture comes from the use of beaten egg whites and no added fat, making it a favorite for those seeking a lighter dessert. With its bright and tangy flavor, Lemon has long been used in desserts to add a refreshing contrast to sweet ingredients. Instant pudding and gelatin mixes became popular in the mid-20th century as convenience foods gained popularity. These mixes allowed home cooks to create complex flavors and textures with minimal effort, creating many beloved recipes like this Angel Food Lemon Cake.
Learn more about Angel Food Cake’s history, baking and storage tips, suggested ways to serve, and other Angel Cake recipes with our article Mastering Angel Food Cake: Tips, History, Recipes, and More.
Timeline
- Late 19th Century: Angel food cake became a popular dessert in American households, prized for its light and airy texture.
- 1940s-1950s: Convenience foods such as instant pudding and gelatin mixes rise in popularity, making baking easier and more accessible for the average home cook.
- 1960s: Recipes combining store-bought mixes with homemade touches become a staple in American kitchens, offering quick and easy dessert options for busy families.
- Present Day: Angel food cake remains a popular choice for lighter desserts, often paired with fruit or citrus flavors like lemon.

Recipe Discussion
This Angel Food Lemon Cake recipe combines the best of both worlds: angel food cake’s lightness and lemon’s tartness. The recipe begins with a store-bought angel food cake mix, which is baked and then cut into bite-sized squares. These cake squares form the base layer in a 9 x 13 pan, creating a fluffy foundation for the other ingredients. The vanilla pudding and lemon jello mixture adds a creamy, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake. By mixing the pudding with the dessert whip, you achieve a light and smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the denser cake squares. The lemon pie filling adds an extra citrus flavor, refreshing and satisfying each bite.
Preparation Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your Angel Food Lemon Cake turns out perfectly:
- Cool the Cake Completely: Make sure the angel food cake is fully cooled before cutting it into squares. This will help the cake hold its shape and prevent it from becoming too crumbly.
- Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting the cake into squares, use a sharp knife to get clean, even cuts without tearing the cake.
- Mix the Pudding and Jello Well: When combining the cooked vanilla pudding with the dry lemon jello, make sure to mix thoroughly to avoid any clumps and ensure a smooth, even texture.
- Layer Evenly: When assembling the cake, layer the cake squares, pudding mixture, and lemon pie filling evenly to ensure each bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least a few hours before serving. This will help the flavors meld together and the cake to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Recommended Kitchen Items
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- 9 x 13 Baking Dish: A sturdy 9 x 13 baking dish is essential for this recipe. Look for one that is oven-safe and easy to clean.
- Mixing Bowls: Invest in a set of high-quality mixing bowls that are durable and come in various sizes, perfect for mixing pudding, jello, and dessert whip.
- Wire Whisk: A wire whisk is perfect for blending the pudding and jello mixture, ensuring a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Cake Knife: A sharp cake knife will help you cut the angel food cake into neat squares without crushing it.
Serving Suggestions
Enhance your Angel Food Lemon Cake with these serving ideas:
- Fresh Berries: Serve the cake with a side of fresh berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and additional flavor.
- Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Lemon Zest Garnish: Sprinkle some lemon zest over the top of the cake for a vibrant, citrusy garnish that enhances the lemon flavor.
- Afternoon Tea: This light and refreshing cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea, making it an ideal choice for an afternoon tea party.
Did you know that October 10th is National Angel Food Cake Day? Click here to view other October Food Holidays and all of the Food Holidays.
November 26th is National Cake Day, click here to view our Cake Recipes and other November Food Holidays.
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A Refreshing Treat for All Occasions
Angel Food Lemon Cake is a versatile and delightful dessert that combines angel food cake’s airy texture with lemon’s zesty flavor. This cake is sure to please a crowd, perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a light dessert after a heavy meal. The combination of store-bought ingredients and simple preparation makes it an easy yet impressive dish to serve at any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing dessert or a new twist on a classic cake, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household.
Vintage Recipe Box 98
There are lots of fun recipes to read in the box this recipe for Angel Food Lemon Cake was with. Click here to view all of Vintage Recipe Project 98 recipes.
Angel Food Lemon Cake Recipe
Angel Food Lemon Cake (VRP 098)
Ingredients
- 1 small vanilla pudding
- 1 small lemon jello
- 1 small cautox dessert whip
- 1 angel food cake mix
- 1 can lemon pie filling
Instructions
Bake angel cake, cut in 1" square when cooled. Sprinkle squared into 9x13 pan. Cook vanilla pudding, until it comes to a boil. Add the small mix of dry lemon jello. Let cool then mix dessert whip and pudding mixture together. Pour ½ can of lemon pie filling on top of first layer. Add other ½ angel food cake and rest of pudding mixture. Add remaining pie filling on top. Keep refrigerated.
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