Toffee Angel Food Cake

Directions

1. 1

   Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
2. 2

   Meanwhile, place oven rack in the lowest position and remove upper rack if needed. Preheat oven to 325°. Sift confectioners' sugar and cake flour together twice.
3. 3

   Add cream of tartar, vanilla and salt to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add superfine sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until soft glossy peaks form. Gradually fold in flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time.
4. 4

   Gently transfer to an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on lowest rack until top crust is golden brown and cracks feel dry, 50-60 minutes. Immediately invert pan; cool completely in pan, about 1-1/2 hours.
5. 5

   Run a knife around sides and center tube of pan. Remove cake to a serving plate. Using a long serrated knife, cut cake horizontally into 3 layers. In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Gradually add caramel topping and vanilla; beat until soft peaks form.
6. 6

   Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1 cup whipped cream mixture. Sprinkle with a third of the chopped candies. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with remaining whipped cream mixture; sprinkle with remaining candy. If desired, sprinkle chocolate curls over top and around bottom of cake.