When it comes to easy, crowd-pleasing desserts that feel elegant yet require very little effort, Layered Strawberry Angel Food Cake is an absolute classic. This dreamy dessert combines the light fluffiness of angel food cake, the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries, and a creamy whipped filling that ties everything together beautifully. The best part? There’s no baking involved, making it the ideal dessert for busy weeknights, potlucks, or large gatherings when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
This layered dessert is sometimes called a “Strawberry Trifle,” but instead of using custard or pudding, this version uses a luscious cream made with whipped topping, cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk. The combination creates a rich, velvety texture that contrasts perfectly with the airy cake and juicy strawberries. Every spoonful is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures: soft, fluffy cake, tart yet sweet strawberries, and smooth, creamy layers.
It’s a versatile recipe that works in almost any setting. Need a quick summer dessert? This cake highlights fresh strawberries at their peak. Hosting a large family gathering? The layered presentation makes it easy to serve. Looking for something light after a heavy meal? Angel food cake keeps the dessert from feeling overly rich. No matter the occasion, this strawberry angel food cake will become one of your go-to desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
- No-Bake & No-Stress: Simple assembly, no need to turn on the oven.
- Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for parties, family reunions, or potlucks.
- Fresh & Light: Strawberries keep the dessert refreshing instead of overly heavy.
- Customizable: Add blueberries for a patriotic theme, or swap strawberries for raspberries or peaches.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped a few hours in advance, making entertaining easier.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to bring this layered strawberry angel food cake to life:
- 3 pints strawberries – washed, quartered, or sliced. Fresh strawberries work best, but you can substitute with thawed frozen strawberries if needed.
- 2 loaves angel food cake – pre-made from the bakery or store saves time. You can also make your own if desired.
- 16 oz whipped topping – thawed. This gives the creamy layer its fluffiness.
- 1 block cream cheese – softened, for creaminess and tang.
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk – adds richness and sweetness.
- ¾ cup strawberry preserves – coats the strawberries with extra sweetness and a glossy finish.
- 1 pint strawberries (optional, for decoration) – great for making the top layer look beautiful.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Angel Food Cake
Tear the angel food cake loaves into bite-sized chunks. They shouldn’t be too large or too small—think about 1-inch pieces. Place them in a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Strawberries
Quarter or slice the strawberries, then place them in a bowl. Add the strawberry preserves and gently mix until the strawberries are lightly coated. This enhances their flavor and creates a syrupy mixture that soaks into the cake beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Mixture
In a large bowl, beat together the whipped topping, softened cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture forms the creamy layers of the dessert.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Take a large casserole dish or trifle dish and begin layering:
- Spread half of the angel food cake chunks on the bottom.
- Spoon half of the strawberry mixture over the cake.
- Spread half of the whipped cream mixture over the strawberries.
Repeat with the remaining cake, strawberries, and cream mixture until the dish is filled. Smooth the top layer with a spatula.
Step 5: Garnish & Chill
Top with fresh strawberries if desired for a beautiful presentation. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
When ready, simply scoop out with a large serving spoon and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For best results, use ripe, sweet strawberries that are in season.
- Softening Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cream layer.
- Don’t Over-Mix Strawberries: Stir them gently to avoid crushing them.
- Chill Before Serving: While it can be eaten right away, chilling for an hour or two improves the texture.
- Presentation Tip: For parties, assemble the dessert in a clear glass trifle bowl to show off the beautiful layers.
Variations
This dessert is highly adaptable. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:
- Berry Blend: Use blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries along with strawberries for a mixed berry version.
- Patriotic Theme: Perfect for Memorial Day or the 4th of July by layering strawberries, blueberries, and cream.
- Peach Angel Food Cake: Swap strawberries for fresh peaches and use peach preserves.
- Chocolate Twist: Drizzle melted chocolate or hot fudge sauce between the layers.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans between the layers for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Party Dessert: Serve straight from the casserole dish for easy scooping.
- As a Fancy Trifle: Assemble in a tall trifle bowl for a stunning centerpiece.
- Individual Servings: Layer into small mason jars for portable desserts perfect for picnics.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Make Ahead: Assemble up to 6 hours before serving for the best texture. Longer than that, the cake may start to soften too much.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream layer and strawberries don’t freeze well.
Healthier Substitutions
- Use light whipped topping or make homemade whipped cream with coconut milk.
- Swap reduced-fat cream cheese for full-fat if you want a lighter version.
- Use sugar-free preserves to reduce added sugar.
- Replace angel food cake with a sugar-free or gluten-free version if needed.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert the night before?
It’s best to assemble it no more than 6 hours in advance. Overnight assembly may cause the cake to become too soggy.
Do I have to use angel food cake?
While angel food cake keeps it light, you can use pound cake or sponge cake for a richer version.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, but stabilize it with a little powdered sugar or cornstarch so it holds up in the layers.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply use a larger dish or two casserole dishes. This dessert is perfect for feeding large crowds.
Final Thoughts
Layered Strawberry Angel Food Cake is one of those desserts that feels indulgent yet surprisingly light. It’s simple enough for everyday enjoyment but beautiful enough for special occasions. With fluffy cake, juicy berries, and luscious cream, it’s a combination that everyone will love. Best of all, it comes together in minutes with no baking required, making it one of the easiest show-stopping desserts you can whip up.
Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a family reunion, or just want a refreshing summer treat, this layered cake will become your go-to dessert for impressing a crowd.
Layered Strawberry Angel Food Cake
Ingredients
- 3 pints strawberries washed and quartered or sliced
- 2 loaves angel food cake
- 16 oz whipped cream thawed
- 1 block cream cheese softened
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- ¾ cup strawberry preserves
- 1 pint strawberries optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Angel Food Cake
- Tear the angel food cake loaves into bite-sized chunks. They shouldn’t be too large or too small—think about 1-inch pieces. Place them in a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Prep the Strawberries
- Quarter or slice the strawberries, then place them in a bowl. Add the strawberry preserves and gently mix until the strawberries are lightly coated. This enhances their flavor and creates a syrupy mixture that soaks into the cake beautifully.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Mixture
- In a large bowl, beat together the whipped topping, softened cream cheese, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth and creamy. This luscious mixture forms the creamy layers of the dessert.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
- Take a large casserole dish or trifle dish and begin layering:
- Spread half of the angel food cake chunks on the bottom.
- Spoon half of the strawberry mixture over the cake.
- Spread half of the whipped cream mixture over the strawberries.
- Repeat with the remaining cake, strawberries, and cream mixture until the dish is filled. Smooth the top layer with a spatula.
Step 5: Garnish & Chill
- Top with fresh strawberries if desired for a beautiful presentation. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- When ready, simply scoop out with a large serving spoon and enjoy!
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