If you are looking for a dessert that’s as light as a cloud yet bursts with vibrant fresh flavors, this Strawberry Angel Cake Recipe is going to win your heart instantly. Combining the delicate sweetness of angel food cake with juicy macerated strawberries and fluffy whipped cream creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. It is easy to prepare, wonderfully refreshing, and a total showstopper for any occasion, whether a casual family dessert or a festive gathering treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Strawberry Angel Cake Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of fluffy, fruity, and creamy. These simple, everyday ingredients come together effortlessly to produce a dessert that looks and tastes like a masterpiece.
- Angel food cake: Use either store-bought or homemade for a light, airy base that melts in your mouth.
- Fresh strawberries: Hulled and sliced, they add juiciness and vibrant color to the dish.
- Granulated sugar: Helps to sweeten the strawberries and draws out their natural juices through maceration.
- Lemon juice: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the sweetness of the berries.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it brings rich creaminess and luxurious texture.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream evenly without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a warm aroma and depth of flavor into the cream topping.
How to Make Strawberry Angel Cake Recipe
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
Start by combining the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Stir gently to coat all the pieces, then let this mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. This maceration process softens the berries and releases their luscious juices, creating a vibrant syrup that will soak beautifully into the cake layers.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
While the strawberries are macerating, take a fresh bowl and whip the heavy cream along with powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whip until you achieve soft peaks — not too stiff, so it folds nicely when layering. This airy whipped cream is what will bring that classic, dreamy feel to every bite of your Strawberry Angel Cake Recipe.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients
Now it’s time to assemble! Tear or cut the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces so it can soak up the strawberry juices more evenly. In a 9×13-inch dish or a clear trifle bowl to show off those beautiful layers, start by spreading half the cake pieces. Spoon over half the macerated strawberries with their syrup, then spread half of the whipped cream on top. Repeat these layers once more for a gorgeously stacked dessert.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover your masterpiece and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the cake to absorb all the juicy goodness. When ready to serve, garnish with extra fresh strawberries for that irresistible, fresh finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Angel Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this dessert is your chance to make it visually stunning. Fresh whole or sliced strawberries look beautiful against the white whipped cream. You can also sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few mint leaves to add an elegant touch. These additions bring freshness and subtle contrast that make each serving unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This angel food cake pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments. Serve alongside a light cup of tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a refreshing glass of sparkling wine for adult gatherings. If you want more fruit goodness, a small bowl of mixed berries on the side complements it perfectly without overpowering the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’d rather get a bit fancy, try serving the layers individually in clear parfait glasses for an elegant single-serve option. You can also turn this into a no-bake cake by piling the layers in a cake ring mold and releasing it just before serving. Either way, showing off those beautiful layers of cake, strawberries, and cream is key to the charm of this Strawberry Angel Cake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they rarely last long), place the cake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 2 days while maintaining its moisture and freshness.
Freezing
This dessert is best enjoyed fresh and chilled rather than frozen. The whipped cream’s texture may change when thawed, so freezing is not recommended for the Strawberry Angel Cake Recipe if you want to keep that light, fluffy consistency intact.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, reheating is not applicable. Serve it straight from the refrigerator for the most satisfying texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are ideal because they hold their shape and offer the best flavor. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess moisture to avoid soggy layers, but fresh always shines brightest in this recipe.
Is it possible to make the whipped cream ahead of time?
Yes, you can whip the cream a few hours before assembling, but it’s best to keep it refrigerated and gently stir before layering to maintain its light texture.
Can I substitute the angel food cake with another cake?
Angel food cake’s airy texture is key to this dessert’s lightness. While you can use sponge cake or chiffon cake, avoid dense cakes as they will overwhelm the delicate balance of this recipe.
How long can I let the cake chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 1 hour is recommended, but you can also prepare it the day before for even deeper flavor melding. Just keep it well covered in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This Strawberry Angel Cake Recipe contains no meat or gelatin and fits perfectly into a vegetarian diet. Just ensure your angel food cake ingredients align with vegetarian preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Angel Cake Recipe is a simple yet stunning dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With minimal ingredients and effortless steps, it delivers maximum delight in every bite. I encourage you to try making it soon and enjoy the fresh, fruity, creamy magic that only angel food cake and strawberries can create together.
Print
Strawberry Angel Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Angel Cake is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring light and fluffy angel food cake layered with sweet macerated strawberries and rich whipped cream. This easy-to-make, refreshing dessert is perfect for summer gatherings and offers a perfect balance of airy cake, juicy berries, and creamy topping.
Ingredients
Strawberries Mixture
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cake
- 1 prepared angel food cake (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Macerate Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Stir gently to mix, then let the mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices and become sweet and tender.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will create a light and fluffy whipped cream to layer into the dessert.
- Prepare Cake Layers: Tear or cut the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces. This creates a perfect texture to soak up strawberry juices and combine with the cream.
- Assemble the Dessert: In a 9×13-inch baking dish or a trifle bowl, start layering by placing half of the angel food cake pieces evenly on the bottom. Spoon half of the macerated strawberries along with their juices over the cake. Spread half of the whipped cream over the strawberries. Repeat the layering with the remaining cake, strawberries, and whipped cream to complete the dessert.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to absorb the juices. Before serving, garnish with additional fresh strawberries if desired for an appealing presentation.
Notes
- This dessert can be prepared up to a day in advance, making it ideal for entertaining.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy whipping cream with light whipped topping.
- Feel free to add blueberries or raspberries along with the strawberries for a delicious mixed berry variation.
