There’s something magical about the arrival of strawberries at the local market. Their sweet aroma and vibrant red hue signal the start of summer in a way that few other fruits can. Growing up, my family would often gather for picnics and barbecues, and my mom’s Strawberry Angel Food Dessert was always the star of the dessert table. I remember the excitement of watching her assemble the layers, knowing that soon we’d be indulging in its light, creamy, and fruity goodness. Now, I’m thrilled to share this beloved recipe with you, hoping it becomes a favorite in your home as well.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Dessert
- The Recipe
- Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- The Benefits of Each Ingredient
- What to Serve With This Dessert
- Storage & Leftover Tips
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
This Strawberry Angel Food Dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that delights both the eyes and the palate. Here are some reasons why you and your family will fall in love with it:
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, it’s perfect for busy days when you need a quick dessert. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, the straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for everyone.
- Light and Fluffy: Thanks to the angel food cake, this dessert is airy and not too heavy, making it ideal for warm weather. The cake’s spongy texture absorbs the flavors of the cream cheese and strawberries, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Versatile: It’s a great choice for a variety of occasions – from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Its elegance makes it suitable for a dinner party, while its simplicity makes it a hit at picnics. You can dress it up with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for extra flair.
- Kid-Friendly: The bright strawberry topping and creamy layers are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Kids love to help with the assembly, making it a fun family activity. You can even make individual servings in cups for a fun twist.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. This makes it a stress-free dessert option for hosting events. Simply assemble the night before, and let it chill in the fridge until it’s time to serve.
The Recipe
Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Servings: 18
Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
Ingredients:
- 1 (10 inch) angel food cake
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 (18 ounce) jar strawberry glaze
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cake Layer: Start by crumbling or cutting the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in a 9×13-inch dish. Press the cake pieces down to form an even layer. This ensures a stable base that holds the creamy and fruity layers. An even layer also helps the dessert slice beautifully once set.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving that smooth, creamy texture. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until well combined. The mixture should be velvety smooth, without any lumps. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps, which can affect the texture.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake layer. Be sure to cover all the nooks and crannies for an even distribution of flavors. Use a spatula to ensure a smooth, even layer. This will help the fruit topping adhere nicely and create a beautiful contrast.
- Prepare the Strawberry Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with the strawberry glaze until the berries are well coated. This step ensures the strawberries remain juicy and flavorful, while the glaze adds a glossy finish. If you prefer a less sweet topping, you can adjust the amount of glaze to taste.
- Final Assembly: Spread the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, covering the entire surface. The vibrant red of the strawberries against the creamy white layer is visually stunning. For a decorative touch, you might reserve a few whole strawberries to garnish the top.
- Chill: Place the dessert in the refrigerator to chill before serving. Let it set for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. This chilling period is essential for the dessert to hold its shape when sliced. It also allows the cake to absorb the flavors, enhancing the overall taste.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To create this delightful Strawberry Angel Food Dessert, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:
- A 9×13-inch baking dish
- A medium mixing bowl
- An electric mixer or a hand whisk
- A spatula for spreading layers evenly
- A sharp knife for slicing strawberries
Having these tools ready will make the preparation process even smoother. The electric mixer is particularly helpful for achieving a smooth cream cheese mixture, though a hand whisk can work with a bit more elbow grease. A good quality spatula will help you achieve a perfectly even layer of cream cheese mixture, which is key to the dessert’s presentation.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in achieving its deliciousness:
- Angel Food Cake: Its light and airy texture forms the perfect base, balancing the creamy and fruity layers. This low-fat cake is made primarily from egg whites, adding volume and a cloud-like texture. It’s a healthier base compared to heavier cakes, allowing the strawberries and cream to shine.
- Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the strawberries and cake. Its creaminess is essential for the dessert’s luxurious mouthfeel. For those who prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat cream cheese without sacrificing too much flavor.
- Sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese, enhancing its creamy texture. Adjust the sugar to taste if you prefer a less sweet dessert. You might also experiment with alternatives like honey or agave syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Whipped Topping: Adds a fluffy, creamy layer that lightens the entire dessert. It blends seamlessly with the cream cheese for an ethereal texture. For a homemade touch, you can whip your own cream for a richer flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries: These juicy berries are the star, bringing natural sweetness and a burst of color. Their freshness is key, so choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best flavor. Organic strawberries can offer an even more intense flavor profile, free of pesticides.
- Strawberry Glaze: Enhances the strawberry flavor and gives the topping a beautiful sheen. It also helps maintain the strawberries’ moisture, preventing them from drying out. Some homemade versions of the glaze use pureed strawberries and cornstarch for a more personalized touch.
For more inspiration on using fresh fruits in desserts, check out our Fresh Berry Tart and Classic Fruit Salad recipes.
What to Serve With This Dessert
The Strawberry Angel Food Dessert is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:
- Grilled Chicken or Fish: The lightness of this dessert complements grilled proteins perfectly. Its sweetness balances savory main courses. Consider adding a lemony herb sauce to the meat to echo the freshness of the dessert.
- Refreshing Drinks: Serve with iced tea or a sparkling lemonade for a refreshing finish. These drinks enhance the dessert’s summery vibe. A strawberry lemonade can further complement the dessert’s flavors.
- Coffee or Tea: A hot beverage can be a comforting pairing, especially on cooler evenings. The bitterness of coffee can offset the dessert’s sweetness, creating a balanced flavor profile. For tea lovers, a floral or berry-infused tea would harmonize well.
For more ideas on what to pair with this dessert, you might find inspiration in this guide to summer pairings.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more delicious. Ensure it’s stored in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. If you’re using a pan without a lid, consider doubling up on plastic wrap to keep it airtight.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the whipped topping and fresh strawberries, freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture. The strawberries can become mushy, and the whipped topping may separate upon thawing. If you find yourself with too many leftovers, consider sharing with neighbors or friends rather than freezing.
This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, so share with friends and family to make sure it doesn’t last long!
In closing, I hope this Strawberry Angel Food Dessert brings as much joy to your family as it does to mine. Its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy every bite, and remember, the best part of cooking is sharing the love with those around you. Happy baking!
Strawberry Angel Food Dessert
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Crumble or cut the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in a 9×13-inch dish.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, fold in the whipped topping.
- Press the cake down to form a layer in the dish, then spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cake.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the strawberry glaze until the strawberries are coated well.
- Spread the strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill the dessert before serving.