If you have a sweet tooth and love a dessert that feels as light as a cloud yet bursting with fresh, fruity goodness, then you’re going to adore this Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of airy angel food cake, creamy layers of sweetened cream cheese and whipped topping, plus juicy strawberries that bring just the right touch of natural sweetness. Whether you serve it for a family gathering or a special occasion, this dessert manages to impress without being fussy or complicated. It’s pure joy on a plate, a perfect way to celebrate strawberry season or simply treat yourself to something truly scrumptious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dessert shine. Each one is straightforward yet crucial: the angel food cake mix brings that signature fluffy base, the cream cheese mixture creates a luscious texture, and of course, fresh strawberries add bursts of vibrant color and flavor. This recipe proves that with simple staples, you can build layers of deliciousness effortlessly.
- Angel food cake mix (10 oz): The foundation of our dessert, providing a light and airy texture.
- Water (1 ¼ cups or as per package instructions): Essential to properly mix your angel food cake.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons total): Adds a warm, sweet aroma that enhances the flavor throughout.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Contributes richness and creaminess to balance the light cake.
- Whipped topping (8 oz tub): Gives the dessert a smooth, airy finish and creamy sweetness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese layer, blending seamlessly without graininess.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups, sliced): The fresh fruit star bringing juicy sweetness and freshness to every bite.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Used to macerate the strawberries so they release natural juices and create a lovely syrupy topping.
How to Make Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake
Preheat your oven as instructed on the angel food cake box, typically to 350°F or 175°C. Combine the cake mix with water and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, following the exact directions on the package to get that perfect batter consistency. Bake until golden and fluffy, then set aside to cool completely so you can handle it easily in the next steps.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Layer
While your cake cools, whip up the creamy layer. Beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s luxuriously smooth. Then, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until everything is perfectly combined. Finally, fold in the whipped topping gently to create a silky, cloud-like mixture that complements the airy cake beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Topping
Toss your sliced fresh strawberries with granulated sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for 15-20 minutes so they macerate and develop a natural syrup. This step is what makes the strawberries truly juicy and sweet, adding a burst of freshness that contrasts delightfully with the creamy and cakey layers.
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
Once the angel food cake has cooled, cut it into bite-sized cubes. In a trifle dish or a large serving bowl, layer the components starting with the cake cubes. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture on top, followed by the macerated strawberries with their syrup. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of strawberries to crown your creation.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover your dessert and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld and the cake to soak up just enough moisture without losing its delicate texture. When ready, serve chilled and enjoy the perfect balance of fluffy, creamy, and fruity goodness that defines this Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe.
How to Serve Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
An easy way to elevate this dessert is by adding fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds on top. These garnishes bring a refreshing aroma and a slight crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft textures in the dessert. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty finishing touch for presentation.
Side Dishes
This strawberry dessert pairs delightfully with light, fresh accompaniments such as a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or even a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade. Keeping the sides simple and fresh complements the sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the ingredients in individual clear parfait glasses for a charming presentation that’s perfect for parties. Layer the cake, creamy filling, and strawberries in alternating stripes so everyone can see those gorgeous colors and textures. Another idea is to serve it in a large, beautifully patterned trifle bowl to wow guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can safely store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve overnight as the cake absorbs the creamy and strawberry juices, but the dessert retains its delightful texture throughout.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dessert since the whipped topping and fresh strawberries tend to become watery or lose their pleasant texture when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not advised. Simply allow refrigerated leftovers to come to a slightly less cold temperature at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to recapture some softness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries deliver the best texture and flavor for this dessert, you can use frozen ones if needed. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid making your dessert soggy.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Look for a gluten-free angel food cake mix, which is increasingly available at many stores. Make sure all other ingredients, like the whipped topping, also fit your dietary needs.
Can I substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream?
Yes, homemade whipped cream works wonderfully as a substitute, adding a fresh creaminess that pairs beautifully with the cream cheese and strawberries. Whip it until soft peaks form for the best texture.
How far in advance can I assemble the dessert?
It’s ideal to assemble the Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe a few hours before serving or the night before. This resting time lets the flavors meld perfectly and creates a lovely texture, but avoid making it too far in advance to keep the cake from becoming overly soggy.
Can I use other fruits instead of strawberries?
Certainly! Blueberries, raspberries, or a mix of berries can be fantastic alternatives, but strawberries remain a classic choice for their sweetness and bright color that makes this dessert so inviting.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe is a true gem that’s light, creamy, and bursting with fresh fruit flavor. It’s easy enough to whip up on a whim yet impressive enough to serve at your next gathering. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every spoonful as much as I do. It’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a favorite, bringing sweet smiles all around the table.
Print
Strawberry Angel Food Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes (baking angel food cake)
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Angel Food Dessert is a light and airy layered treat perfect for gatherings and warm-weather indulgence. Featuring fluffy angel food cake cubes layered with a creamy, sweetened cream cheese mixture and macerated fresh strawberries, this no-bake assembly dessert balances texture and flavor beautifully. It’s quick to prepare and yields a refreshing, crowd-pleasing dessert.
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 the oven according to the instructions on the angel food cake box, typically 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake mix by combining it with water and a teaspoon of vanilla extract as directed on the package. Pour into the appropriate pan and bake according to the package directions. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely before assembling.
- Prepare the Creamy Layer: While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a bowl, combine the sliced fresh strawberries with the granulated sugar. Toss gently and let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to macerate, releasing their natural juices and creating a sweet syrup.
- Assemble the Dessert: Once the angel food cake has cooled, cut it into small cubes. In a trifle dish or large serving bowl, start by layering half of the cake cubes at the bottom. Spread half of the creamy cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake. Top with half of the macerated strawberries and their juices. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake cubes, cream mixture, and strawberries, finishing with the strawberry topping on top.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the assembled dessert and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Serve chilled for a refreshing and delightful treat.
Notes
- Make sure to fully cool the angel food cake before cutting and assembling to prevent the creamy layer from melting.
- Macerating the strawberries enhances their sweetness and juice, adding more flavor to the dessert.
- You can substitute fresh strawberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a variation.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead, making it great for entertaining.
- Use a clear trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful layers for an elegant presentation.
