Strawberry Angel Food Cake
Indulge in a cloud-like dessert that perfectly marries light, airy angel food cake with the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries and a creamy, luscious strawberry Jell-O filling. This no-bake wonder is incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a delightful summer treat or a quick, elegant dessert any time of year. Each spoonful offers a harmonious blend of textures and refreshing fruit flavor.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
2 hours 20 minutes (including chill time)
Servings
8-10 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- It's a no-bake wonder, perfect for hot days or when you want a quick dessert.
- Combines light, airy cake with creamy, fruity layers for a delightful texture contrast.
- Incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal cooking skills.
- Visually stunning with vibrant red strawberries and pink layers.
- Offers a refreshing, sweet, and tangy flavor profile that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought angel food cake (approximately 400-450 grams / 14-16 ounces)
- 1 package (85 grams / 3 ounces) strawberry Jell-O mix
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) boiling water
- 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) cold water
- 250 grams (approximately 1 1/2 cups) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 container (225 grams / 8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the angel food cake. Gently tear the store-bought angel food cake into uniform, bite-sized pieces, aiming for roughly 2-3 cm (1 inch) squares. This ensures each spoonful of the finished dessert has a good balance of cake and creamy strawberry mixture. Place these pieces into a large bowl and set aside.
- In a separate large, heatproof bowl, thoroughly dissolve the strawberry Jell-O mix in 240 milliliters (1 cup) of boiling water. Stir continuously with a whisk for at least 2 minutes, ensuring all granules are completely dissolved to prevent a gritty texture in the final dessert.
- Once the Jell-O is fully dissolved, add 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) of cold water to the mixture and stir well. This helps to cool the Jell-O slightly, preparing it for the next step of incorporating the whipped topping without melting it. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping into the cooled Jell-O mixture. Use a spatula to slowly incorporate the whipped topping until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and a uniform pink color. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping.
- Retrieve a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) dish. Arrange half of the torn angel food cake pieces evenly across the bottom of the dish, forming the first layer. This creates a soft, sponge-like foundation for the dessert.
- Carefully pour or spoon half of the prepared Jell-O and whipped topping mixture over the first layer of cake pieces, spreading it gently to cover them. Follow this by distributing half of the sliced fresh strawberries over the creamy layer.
- Repeat the layering process. Place the remaining angel food cake pieces over the strawberries, then pour the rest of the Jell-O mixture on top, spreading it evenly. Finish by arranging the remaining sliced fresh strawberries decoratively over the top layer.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, or until the Jell-O mixture is fully set and firm. Adequate chilling time is crucial for the dessert to hold its shape and achieve the desired texture.
- Once thoroughly chilled and set, remove the dish from the refrigerator. Serve the Strawberry Angel Food Delight chilled, directly from the dish. Enjoy this light and refreshing treat!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls (2)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife (for strawberries)
- Cutting board
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure the Jell-O mixture is fully dissolved in boiling water before adding cold water; any undissolved granules can lead to a less smooth texture.
- Allow the Jell-O mixture to cool slightly before folding in the whipped topping. If it's too warm, it can melt the topping, resulting in a runny consistency.
- Fold the whipped topping gently into the Jell-O mixture to maintain its airy volume. Over-mixing can deflate the topping, making the dessert denser.
- Slice the strawberries uniformly for even distribution and a beautiful presentation.
- Do not skimp on chilling time; the dessert needs at least 2 hours to set properly and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an elevated flavor, use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping. Whip heavy cream with a touch of vanilla extract and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Enhance the strawberry flavor even further by adding 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry liqueur or a tiny dash of pure vanilla extract to the Jell-O mixture along with the cold water.
- To prevent soggy cake pieces, you can lightly toast the angel food cake pieces in a dry skillet or oven for a few minutes until just golden, adding a slight crispness before layering.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover dessert covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cake may soften slightly over time.
- Variations: Experiment with different Jell-O flavors like raspberry or cherry, and substitute with corresponding fresh berries. A sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts can add another layer of texture.
- Presentation: Garnish individual servings with a fresh mint leaf, an extra dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a sophisticated touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and vibrant flavor, you can use frozen sliced strawberries if fresh are unavailable. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the layers to prevent diluting the Jell-O mixture.
How far in advance can I make this dessert?
This dessert is best enjoyed within 24 hours of preparation, as the angel food cake can start to absorb moisture and become very soft. However, it will still be delicious for up to 3 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?
The sweetness primarily comes from the Jell-O and whipped topping. To slightly reduce the sweetness, you could opt for an unsweetened whipped cream alternative or use a sugar-free Jell-O mix. Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the Jell-O mixture can also balance the sweetness with a pleasant tang.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 350-400, Protein: 4g, Fat: 15-20g, Carbs: 50-60g (per serving, estimated based on common ingredients and portion size)
Allergy Information
Contains gluten (from angel food cake) and dairy (from whipped topping, if dairy-based). May contain artificial colors and flavors. For a gluten-free version, look for gluten-free angel food cake options or a gluten-free cake substitute. Check whipped topping labels for dairy-free alternatives if needed.
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