Angel Food Cake vs Pound Cake: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Angel food cake is lower in calories than pound cake.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Angel food cake has 5.9 g of protein and 258 calories, while pound cake has 5.2 g of protein and 389 calories. Thus, angel food cake is higher in protein and lower in calories.

Angel food cake and pound cake are both popular desserts, but they differ significantly in their nutritional profiles. This comparison highlights key differences in calories, protein, and other macronutrients.

What Is the Difference Between Angel Food Cake and Pound Cake?

Angel food cake is a light and airy cake made primarily from egg whites, sugar, and flour. It is known for its fluffy texture and low fat content. Pound cake is a dense cake traditionally made with a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. It has a rich flavor and a moist, heavy texture.

Angel Food Cake vs Pound Cake: Nutrition Side by Side

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of the nutritional values of angel food cake and pound cake.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Angel food cake Pound cake
Calories 258 kcal 389 kcal
Protein 5.9 g 5.2 g
Carbs 57.8 g 52.5 g
Sugar 38 g 32 g
Fat 0.8 g 17.9 g
Fiber 1.5 g 1 g
Sodium 749 mg 400 mg

Which Is Better, Angel Food Cake or Pound Cake?

For weight loss: Angel food cake has 258 calories, while pound cake has 389 calories. Therefore, angel food cake is a better option for those looking to reduce calorie intake.

For muscle and protein: Angel food cake contains 5.9 g of protein, compared to 5.2 g in pound cake. Thus, angel food cake is higher in protein.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Angel food cake has 57.8 g of carbs and 38 g of sugar, while pound cake has 52.5 g of carbs and 32 g of sugar. Pound cake is lower in both carbs and sugar.

How to Track Angel food cake and Pound cake Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macros when indulging in desserts, leading to higher calorie intake than expected. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers provided are rounded reference values for educational use only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a nutritionist for personalized guidance. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Angel food cake has 5.9 g of protein, while pound cake has 5.2 g of protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Angel food cake has 258 calories, while pound cake has 389 calories.

What is the sugar content in each cake?

Angel food cake contains 38 g of sugar, while pound cake has 32 g of sugar.

How much fat is in each cake?

Angel food cake has 0.8 g of fat, while pound cake contains 17.9 g of fat.

What are the carbohydrate values?

Angel food cake has 57.8 g of carbs, while pound cake has 52.5 g of carbs.

What is the fiber content in both cakes?

Angel food cake contains 1.5 g of fiber, while pound cake has 1 g of fiber.

Key Takeaways

  • Angel food cake has 258 calories per 100 g.
  • Pound cake has 389 calories per 100 g.
  • Angel food cake contains 5.9 g of protein.
  • Pound cake contains 5.2 g of protein.
  • Angel food cake has 57.8 g of carbs.
  • Pound cake has 52.5 g of carbs.

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