Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: Strawberry Angel Dessert. This delightful layered treat features fluffy angel food cake, fresh strawberries, and luscious whipped cream that come together to create a light yet satisfying dish. I remember the first time I made it for a summer picnic; it was a hit! Everyone loved the bright, fruity flavors, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was to whip up. The layers are so pretty, too—just like a little work of art in a dish! Trust me, when you serve this at gatherings, people will be raving about it for days. It’s perfect for warm weather and brings a sweet, refreshing touch to any occasion.
Ingredients List
To make my fabulous Strawberry Angel Dessert, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package angel food cake: This is the star of the dessert, providing that light, airy base that pairs perfectly with strawberries. Just grab a box from the store or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: Fresh is best for this recipe! Look for ripe, juicy strawberries that are bright red and fragrant. Slice them up so they’re ready to layer in; their sweetness is what brings this dessert to life.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the whipped topping so rich and delicious. Make sure it’s cold before you whip it—this helps achieve those lovely soft peaks!
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This adds just the right amount of sweetness to your whipped cream. You can adjust it a little if you like it sweeter or less sweet.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla adds a warm, inviting flavor to the whipped cream, making it irresistible. I always use pure vanilla extract for the best taste!
Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be on your way to creating a stunning and delicious dessert that everyone will adore!
How to Prepare Strawberry Angel Dessert
Making Strawberry Angel Dessert is a delightful process that brings together all those fresh flavors! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time. Let’s get started!
Baking the Angel Food Cake
First, preheat your oven according to the package instructions for the angel food cake. Usually, it’s around 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pan—no greasing needed! Pour the cake batter in and bake as directed, typically about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll know it’s done when it’s golden brown and springs back when you touch it. Once baked, let it cool upside down in the pan for about an hour. This helps keep it fluffy and prevents it from collapsing.
Preparing the Whipped Cream
While your cake is cooling, let’s whip up that dreamy cream! Pour the cold heavy cream into a mixing bowl (I love using a chilled bowl for extra fluffiness). Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on medium speed until soft peaks form—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip or you’ll end up with butter! You want it just fluffy and light.
Layering the Dessert
Now comes the fun part—layering! Slice your cooled angel food cake into even layers, about an inch thick. In a serving dish, start with a layer of cake, then spread a generous layer of whipped cream on top, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all your ingredients, finishing with a beautiful layer of whipped cream and a sprinkle of fresh strawberries on top for presentation. Chill the assembled dessert in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This waiting time lets all those flavors mingle, and trust me, it’s worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? You’re going to absolutely love making Strawberry Angel Dessert for so many reasons! Here are just a few:
- Super simple: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this dessert is a breeze to whip up, even for beginners!
- Light and refreshing: The fluffy angel food cake, paired with juicy strawberries and creamy whipped topping, makes each bite feel like a sweet summer day.
- Visually stunning: The layers of vibrant strawberries and fluffy cream create a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for parties or gatherings.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare it ahead of time and let it chill, making it a stress-free option when entertaining.
- Endless compliments: Trust me, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser! Everyone will be asking for seconds—and the recipe!
Seriously, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in my kitchen!
Tips for Success
To make your Strawberry Angel Dessert truly shine, here are some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way. First, always use the freshest strawberries you can find—they make a world of difference in flavor! If you can, take a moment to taste them before slicing. And when it comes to whipping your cream, remember to keep everything cold; this helps achieve those lovely soft peaks. Also, avoid overwhipping the cream, or you’ll end up with butter instead of fluffy topping—no one wants that! Lastly, don’t rush the chilling time; letting it sit for at least an hour allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. Enjoy the process, and you won’t go wrong!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! For each slice of my delightful Strawberry Angel Dessert, you can expect approximately 250 calories. It contains about 12 grams of fat, with 7 grams of that being saturated fat. You’ll also find around 3 grams of protein and 30 grams of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and measurements. But hey, it’s all about enjoying the sweetness of life, right?
FAQ Section
Got questions about my Strawberry Angel Dessert? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that pop up:
Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are definitely my go-to for this dessert, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just keep in mind that they might release more juice as they thaw, which could make your layers a bit soggy. If you do use frozen, let them thaw and drain any excess liquid before slicing!
How long can I store this dessert?
You can store your Strawberry Angel Dessert in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh since the layers can start to get a little soggy over time. So, if you can, try to eat it within the first day or two for the best texture!
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just make sure to give it at least an hour to chill before serving so the flavors meld together beautifully. It makes entertaining so much easier!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Strawberry Angel Dessert experience, why not pair it with some delightful accompaniments? A refreshing glass of homemade lemonade or iced tea is perfect for balancing the sweetness of the dessert. If you’re feeling fancy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds a creamy touch that complements the fluffy layers beautifully. For something a little different, consider serving it alongside a light fruit salad or some crunchy biscotti for added texture. These pairings will enhance your dessert and create a lovely, well-rounded dining experience that everyone will enjoy!
Print
Strawberry Angel Dessert: 5 Irresistible Summer Layers
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful layered dessert featuring strawberries and angel food cake.
Ingredients
- 1 package angel food cake
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bake the angel food cake according to package instructions.
- Let the cake cool completely.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Slice the cooled cake into layers.
- Layer cake, whipped cream, and strawberries in a serving dish.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with whipped cream and strawberries on top.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
- Can substitute whipped topping for homemade whipped cream.
- Best if served the same day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Strawberry Angel Dessert