Strawberry angel food cake lush

Strawberry angel food cake lush is a delightful no-bake dessert that captures the essence of summer. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply a sweet treat at home, this layered dessert combines the airy texture of angel food cake with a creamy filling and a luscious strawberry glaze. It’s not only easy to prepare but also visually stunning, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With minimal cooking time and no baking required, this dessert comes together quickly.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberries, smooth cream cheese, and fluffy whipped topping creates a flavor explosion.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic or a holiday gathering, this dessert fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it the night before to save time on the day of your event; it tastes even better after chilling!
• Customizable Toppings: Add fresh fruit garnishes or extra whipped cream for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

To make your strawberry angel food cake lush successfully, having the right tools on hand is essential. These will streamline your process and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• 9 x 13-inch glass or ceramic dish
• Small saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Ensures your glaze and filling are blended smoothly.
• Spatula: Helps spread layers evenly for an attractive presentation.

Ingredients

Yield: 12 to 15 Servings
Prep time: 15 Min
Cook time: 10 Min
Inactive time: 8 Hour
Total time: 8 H & 25 M
A layered no bake dessert made with torn angel food cake, topped with a cream cheese layer sweetened with whipped topping and condensed milk and finished off with a strawberry glaze.

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 12 ounces lemon lime soda (like 7-up or Sprite)
• 1 (3 ounce) box strawberry gelatin

For the Dessert:

• 1 (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (16 ounce) container Cool Whip or stabilized whipped cream
• 2 (10 ounce each) packages sweetened frozen sliced strawberries, thawed (do not drain)
• 1 (9 ounce) angel food cake or pound cake, trimmed if desired
• Extra whole fresh strawberries, for strawberry fan garnishes (optional)

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How to Make Strawberry angel food cake lush

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk until well blended.
2. Add the lemon-lime soda over medium-high heat. Stir regularly until the mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until well combined.
2. Add lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk; beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Carefully fold in half of the Cool Whip by hand to maintain its fluffiness.

Step 3: Assemble the Dessert

1. Tear the angel food cake into small bite-sized pieces. Place them in a 9 x 13-inch glass or ceramic dish.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the torn cake pieces using a spatula.
3. Combine thawed strawberries (with their juices) into the cooled glaze; stir gently.
4. Pour the strawberry glaze over the cream cheese layer while spreading evenly with a spatula—be careful not to disturb the underlying layer too much.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

1. Cover the assembled dessert loosely with plastic wrap.
2. Refrigerate uncovered overnight for best results before serving.

Step 5: Serve Your Dessert

1. Optionally spread remaining Cool Whip over top before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh strawberry fans if desired.
3. Cut into squares or scoop into individual bowls using a large spoon.

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator to keep them fresh!

How to Serve Strawberry angel food cake lush

Strawberry angel food cake lush is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. Its light and creamy layers make it an appealing treat that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience.

Individual Bowls

• Serve in small bowls for a casual yet elegant presentation. Top each serving with a dollop of extra Cool Whip and fresh strawberries for added flavor.

Layered Glass Cups

• Use clear glass cups to showcase the beautiful layers of the dessert. This not only looks stunning but allows guests to enjoy every layer.

Family-Style Platter

• Present the dessert on a large platter, allowing guests to scoop out their desired portions. This approach encourages sharing and adds a communal feel to your gathering.

Mini Dessert Shooters

• For a fun twist, serve in mini shot glasses. These bite-sized portions are great for parties or events where guests can enjoy multiple desserts.

Garnished Options

• Enhance each serving with garnishes like mint leaves or citrus zest for an extra pop of color and flavor. This makes each dish visually appealing.

How to Perfect Strawberry angel food cake lush

To ensure your strawberry angel food cake lush turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality cream cheese and fresh strawberries will elevate the flavor and texture of your dessert.
• Thoroughly Cool the Glaze: Allow the glaze to cool completely before pouring it over the cream cheese layer. This prevents melting and maintains the structure of your dessert.
• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly, ensuring a creamy filling without lumps.
• Fold, Don’t Stir: When mixing in the Cool Whip, fold gently instead of stirring vigorously. This keeps the mixture light and airy.
• Chill Overnight: For the best flavor and texture, let your dessert chill overnight before serving. This allows all layers to meld beautifully together.

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Best Side Dishes for Strawberry angel food cake lush

Pairing side dishes with strawberry angel food cake lush can enhance its freshness and complement its flavors. Here are some delightful options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast that balances the sweetness of the dessert.
2. Minted Cucumber Salad: The crispness of cucumbers with a hint of mint offers a cooling effect that pairs well with rich desserts.
3. Lemon Sorbet: A scoop of lemon sorbet provides a tart counterpoint to the sweet layers, cleansing the palate beautifully.
4. Honey Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt and honey create a creamy side that mirrors some elements of the main dessert while adding tanginess.
5. Grilled Peaches: Sweet grilled peaches bring warmth and caramelization that complements strawberry flavors wonderfully.
6. Chocolate Dipped Biscotti: The crunchiness and slight bitterness from chocolate-dipped biscotti make for an interesting texture contrast alongside this lush dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Strawberry angel food cake lush, avoid these common mistakes to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

• Using cold cream cheese: Make sure to soften the cream cheese at room temperature. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your filling.
• Not letting the glaze cool: Allow the strawberry glaze to cool before pouring it over the cream cheese layer. A hot glaze can melt the layers together.
• Skipping the refrigeration step: Don’t skip refrigerating overnight. This resting time allows flavors to meld and gives the dessert its lush texture.
• Overmixing the whipped topping: Be gentle when folding in the Cool Whip. Overmixing can deflate it, resulting in a less airy filling.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This helps achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep it covered to prevent drying out or absorbing odors from other foods.

Freezing Strawberry angel food cake lush

• Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.
• To maintain quality, try wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a container.

Reheating Strawberry angel food cake lush

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 30 seconds. Check and add time as needed.
• Stovetop: Place on low heat in a skillet, covered, for about 5-10 minutes until warm, checking frequently.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Strawberry angel food cake lush?

Strawberry angel food cake lush is a no-bake layered dessert featuring light angel food cake, creamy filling, and a sweet strawberry glaze.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh strawberries if they’re in season! Just slice them and mix them with sugar to release their juices before adding them to the glaze.

How do I customize my Strawberry angel food cake lush?

You can customize this dessert by adding different fruits or using flavored gelatin. You might also try different toppings or add nuts for extra texture.

How should I serve Strawberry angel food cake lush?

This dessert can be served in squares or scooped into bowls. Top with additional Cool Whip and fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Strawberry angel food cake lush is perfect for making ahead of time since it needs time to chill in the refrigerator before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry angel food cake lush is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy layers combined with fruity sweetness make it irresistible. Feel free to customize it with your favorite fruits or toppings for added flair!