If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a delightful breeze on a sunny day, the Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe is your perfect match. This treat brings together the light, airy charm of angel food cake with a luscious cream cheese layer and the fresh, juicy sweetness of macerated strawberries. Every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that’s sure to brighten any gathering or simply satisfy your sweet tooth in the most refreshing way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is straightforward, budget-friendly, and plays a crucial role in building this dreamy dessert. From light angel food cake that adds an airy foundation, to cream cheese and whipped topping that create a velvety layer, and fresh strawberries for that irresistible burst of color and flavor, you’ll love how easily these come together.
- Angel food cake mix (1 box, 10 oz): The base of this dessert, providing a fluffy and delicate texture that soaks up the creamy layers wonderfully.
- Water (1 ¼ cups): Essential for preparing the cake mix exactly as intended to keep it light and airy.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, plus 1 teaspoon extra): Adds a warm, floral note that enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Brings a rich creaminess and slight tang, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Whipped topping (8 oz tub): Lightens up the cream cheese mixture, making it fluffy and dreamy.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese layer smoothly without graininess.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, sliced): The star fruit that adds freshness, juiciness, and that lovely pop of color.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Used to macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices and intensifying their flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake
Begin by preheating your oven according to the angel food cake mix instructions, typically 350°F or 175°C. Prepare the cake mix by combining it with water and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Pour the batter into an ungreased tube pan and bake as directed on the box. Once baked to golden perfection, set it aside to cool completely — this step is crucial for your dessert layers to come together beautifully without melting or sliding.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Layer
While your cake is cooling, beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth using an electric mixer. Next, blend in powdered sugar and vanilla extract for that decadent sweetness and aroma. Gently fold in the whipped topping to create a light, creamy mixture that’s perfectly fluffy — this luscious layer complements the spongy cake and fresh strawberries wonderfully.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
Take your fresh strawberry slices and toss them with the granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Allow them to sit for 15 to 20 minutes so they can release their natural juices, creating a vibrant syrup that adds moistness and enhances the summery flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
Once the angel food cake is completely cool, cut it into small, bite-sized cubes. In a large trifle dish or bowl, start layering: first spread a layer of the cake cubes, then spoon over an ample amount of the creamy cream cheese mixture. Top that with the glistening macerated strawberries. Repeat these layers until all your ingredients are beautifully used, finishing with a strawberry-topped crown that looks as inviting as it tastes.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover your dessert and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 to 3 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time lets all the flavors mingle and makes each spoonful a perfect balance of cool, sweet, and fruity sensations. Serve it chilled and watch your guests’ eyes light up as they dig in!
How to Serve Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate the Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe to a stunner. Consider a few fresh whole strawberries on top for a pretty pop of red, a sprig of fresh mint for a hint of freshness, or a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy finish. These simple touches make each serving feel special and festive.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light and complementary sides. Fresh fruit salads or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream offer a refreshing contrast, while a cup of fragrant herbal tea or chilled sparkling water with lemon balances the sweetness perfectly. The idea is to keep things light so the Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe remains the star attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your dessert into a showstopper? Layer the ingredients in individual clear glasses for pretty parfaits that show every colorful layer. Or use mason jars for portable, charming single servings. You could also use mini trifle bowls to create personalized portions that guests love. This versatility makes the Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe just as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, cover the dessert tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of chances to enjoy this treat without any compromise in taste or texture.
Freezing
Because of the fresh strawberries and whipped topping, freezing this dessert is not recommended as it can alter texture and make the layers soggy or watery when thawed. For best results, prepare it fresh or refrigerate rather than freeze.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold, so reheating is not advisable. The fluffy angel food cake and cool cream cheese mixture shine brightest when chilled, making it perfect for a refreshing finish to any meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this dessert?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch; just be sure to drain excess juice so your dessert doesn’t become too watery.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the angel food cake mix for a gluten-free alternative, and ensure that your powdered sugar and other ingredients qualify as gluten-free too. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How long does the dessert last once assembled?
When refrigerated properly, this Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe stays fresh and tasty for 2 to 3 days. After that, the cake may start to lose its perfect texture.
Can I use a homemade angel food cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! A homemade angel food cake works beautifully here and adds a personal touch. Just be sure it’s fully cooled before assembling your dessert.
What can I substitute for the whipped topping?
If you prefer homemade ingredients, you can use freshly whipped heavy cream sweetened with a bit of powdered sugar. It’ll give you a fresh, fluffy texture that complements the cream cheese layer perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about the Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe that makes it a timeless crowd-pleaser. Its lightness, the balance of creamy and fruity layers, and the inviting freshness of strawberries come together in a way that’s hard not to love. Next time you want to impress your family or friends with a dessert that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat, give this recipe a go. I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds and sharing it as your own secret weapon for sweet celebrations!
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Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 0 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Angel Food Dessert is a light and airy layered treat featuring fluffy angel food cake, a creamy sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping mixture, and fresh macerated strawberries. Perfect for a refreshing summer dessert, it combines simple ingredients into an elegant trifle that is both delightful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Angel Food Cake
- 1 box (10 oz) angel food cake mix
- 1 ¼ cups water (or as per cake mix instructions)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Creamy Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Strawberry Topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for macerating the strawberries)
Instructions
- Prepare the Angel Food Cake: Preheat your oven according to the angel food cake box instructions, typically at 350°F (175°C). Mix the angel food cake as directed, usually combining the cake mix with water and vanilla extract. Bake the cake according to the package directions, then allow it to cool completely once done.
- Prepare the Creamy Layer: While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it becomes smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped topping to maintain a airy texture.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a bowl, combine the sliced fresh strawberries with the granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes to macerate, allowing the strawberries to release their natural juices and create a sweet syrup.
- Assemble the Dessert: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into small cubes. In a trifle dish or large serving bowl, layer the cake cubes at the bottom. Spread a generous layer of the creamy cream cheese mixture over the cake, then top with the macerated strawberries and their syrup. Repeat layering the cake, cream, and strawberries until all ingredients are used, finishing with the strawberries on top.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the assembled dessert and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy this light and elegant treat.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with frozen ones if fresh are not available, just thaw and drain excess liquid.
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the strawberry mixture before macerating.
- This dessert is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Angel food cake can often be found gluten-free; check your packaging if needed.
