Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love something airy yet indulgent, the Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush Recipe is going to become your new favorite dessert. Imagine layers of light, fluffy angel food cake cubes soaking up luscious cream cheese frosting and homemade whipped cream, all topped with vibrant, juicy strawberries glazed to perfection. This dessert brings together the best of textures and flavors: the spongy sweetness of cake, the tangy creaminess of the filling, and the refreshing brightness of fresh berries, making it a total showstopper any time you serve it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each element is essential, contributing to the perfect balance of sweetness, creaminess, and freshness that makes this dessert irresistible.
- Angel food cake (14 ounces): This light and airy cake serves as the perfect base that soaks up the layers of cream and strawberries without becoming soggy.
- Fresh strawberries (16 ounces): Ripe, juicy, and sliced thinly, they add color, natural sweetness, and a satisfying bite.
- Homemade strawberry glaze (3/4 cup): Adds a beautiful shine and an extra burst of strawberry flavor that ties the dessert together.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides a tangy richness that cuts through the sweetness and adds luxurious texture.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup + 1 cup): Sweetens both the cream cheese layer and the whipped cream, making the dessert delightfully sweet but smooth.
- Milk (1/3 cup): Helps lighten the cream cheese mixture for a silky consistency that spreads easily.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): The star ingredient of the whipped topping, creating fluffy, cloud-like layers.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma and taste.
How to Make Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Angel Food Cake Base
Start by slicing the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. These airy cubes form the structure of your dessert. Layer them evenly in the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 baking dish. This base captures the creamy layers and adds a spongy texture that makes every bite delightful.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a medium bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Beat on high speed until the cream firms up and starts to thicken, about 3 minutes. Then gradually add half of the powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form—this means the cream holds up without collapsing. Be cautious to stop here; over-whipping turns your cream grainy and buttery, which isn’t the dreamy fluffy topping we want.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Layer
Using a handheld mixer, blend the softened cream cheese with the remaining powdered sugar, milk, and half of the whipped cream. This mixture should be creamy and smooth but dense enough to layer over the cake cubes. It brings a tangy, luscious texture that contrasts beautifully with the light cake.
Step 4: Assemble the Cream Cheese Layer
Drop dollops of the cream cheese blend over the cake in the baking dish. Use a spatula and your fingers to gently spread it around. It will be thick and a little challenging to smooth, but no worries—imperfections add to the homemade charm!
Step 5: Top with Remaining Whipped Cream
Spread the rest of the whipped cream evenly across the cream cheese layer, creating a light, fluffy blanket. This layer adds softness and mild sweetness that balances the tartness of the cream cheese perfectly.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Strawberry Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with the homemade strawberry glaze. This step adds a glossy finish and sweet flavor boost to the berries. Spread this beautiful red mixture evenly over the whipped cream layer, making the dessert vibrant and visually irresistible.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the entire dish for at least an hour to let the flavors meld and the layers settle. Chilling helps the cake absorb the creamy layers, yielding a moist, lush dessert experience that’s pure magic with every forkful.
How to Serve Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, add a few fresh whole strawberries or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves on top before serving. These small touches add color contrast, freshness, and an extra layer of flavor that makes each serving feel like a special treat.
Side Dishes
This lush dessert pairs wonderfully with a light cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of sparkling rosé. If you want to serve it as part of a larger meal, consider light dishes like a fresh green salad or grilled chicken to keep the meal balanced and not overly heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush Recipe in clear individual glasses or trifles. This way, the vibrant layers are on full display, tempting everyone’s eyes before their taste buds. You can also top each portion with a drizzle of extra strawberry glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, this dessert should be stored covered in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent the cake from drying out and to preserve the freshness of the strawberries.
Freezing
While angel food cake doesn’t freeze as well once combined with the creamy layers, you can freeze cake cubes separately before assembling the dish. To freeze the assembled dessert, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw slowly in the fridge for best texture, but note the whipped cream layer might soften.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer a slightly warmer experience, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off before serving—this enhances the flavor without compromising texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought whipped cream instead of making my own?
While store-bought whipped cream can work, homemade whipped cream has a fresher taste and better texture that really brings the Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush Recipe to life. It’s worth the small extra effort!
What can I substitute for the strawberry glaze?
If you don’t have strawberry glaze on hand, a simple mixture of strawberry jam thinned with a little water or lemon juice works well. It will still add sweetness and that shiny finish to your berries.
Is angel food cake necessary, or can I use another type of cake?
Angel food cake’s light and airy texture is key to this recipe. You could try chiffon cake as an alternative, but heavier cakes like pound cake might weigh down the dessert and alter the overall delicate balance.
How far in advance can I assemble this dessert?
You can prepare the Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush Recipe up to a day in advance. This gives time for the flavors to meld and makes serving on a busy day quick and stress-free.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute the angel food cake with a gluten-free version. Many stores sell gluten-free angel food cake, or you can bake your own to suit your dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both impressive and effortless, the Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush Recipe is your go-to. Its layers of fluffy cake, creamy cheese, and juicy strawberries deliver pure joy with every bite. Serve it up at your next gathering, or treat yourself on a sunny afternoon—you might find it becoming a beloved classic in your recipe collection.
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Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush is a light and refreshing dessert perfect for spring and summer gatherings. Layers of airy angel food cake cubes are topped with a luscious cream cheese mixture, fluffy homemade whipped cream, and fresh strawberries glazed with a sweet strawberry topping. It’s an easy no-bake dessert that comes together quickly and elegantly, ideal for serving 8 guests.
Ingredients
Angel Food Cake Layer
- 14 ounces pre-made angel food cake
Strawberry Layer
- 1 16-ounce package fresh strawberries, washed, tops removed and sliced thinly
- 3/4 cup homemade strawberry glaze (see notes)
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup whipped cream (from the whipped cream preparation)
Whipped Cream Layer
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Angel Food Cake: Slice the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes and evenly layer them in the bottom of an ungreased 9×13 inch baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the other layers.
- Make the Whipped Cream: In a medium bowl, add the cold heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer on high speed, beat until the mixture begins to foam and thicken, about 3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating on high until stiff peaks form, about 2 to 3 more minutes. Be careful not to overbeat or it will turn to butter. The whipped cream is ready when it holds a peak that doesn’t fall over.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a small bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, half of the whipped cream, and milk using a handheld mixer until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Cream Cheese Layer: Using dollops, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cubed angel food cake. Use a spatula and your fingers to smooth it out as much as possible. It will be thick, so take your time for an even layer.
- Top with Remaining Whipped Cream: Spread the remaining whipped cream over the cream cheese layer, creating a smooth and fluffy topping.
- Make the Strawberry Layer: Combine the sliced strawberries with the homemade strawberry glaze in a separate bowl. Gently mix to coat the berries evenly.
- Finish Assembly: Spread the glazed strawberries evenly over the whipped cream layer to complete the dessert.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled cake lush until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld and the layers to set nicely—about 1 to 2 hours.
Notes
- For homemade strawberry glaze, combine 1/2 cup strawberry preserves with 2 tablespoons water and heat gently until smooth and pourable. Let cool before using.
- Do not overbeat the whipped cream to avoid turning it into butter.
- This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
