Strawberry angel food cake lush is a delightful layered no-bake dessert that perfectly combines light and airy angel food cake with creamy, rich flavors. Ideal for summer gatherings, parties, or any special occasion, this dessert brings a refreshing twist to traditional treats. With its vibrant strawberry glaze and fluffy cream cheese filling, it’s a crowd-pleaser everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry angel food cake lush
This dessert is not just easy to make; it’s also incredibly versatile.
- No-Bake Convenience: Perfect for hot days when you want something sweet without turning on the oven.
- Light and Airy Texture: The combination of angel food cake and whipped topping creates a fluffy treat that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile for Occasions: Great for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in.
- Easy to Make Ahead: Simply prepare the night before to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- Customizable Garnishes: Top with fresh strawberries or your favorite fruits for an extra touch.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will help ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9 x 13-inch glass or ceramic dish
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Electric mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a smooth and creamy texture when mixing ingredients.
- Spatula: Essential for spreading layers evenly without disturbing the delicate textures.
Ingredients
For this Strawberry Angel Lush Dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Yield: 12 to 15 Servings
Prep time: 15 Min
Cook time: 10 Min
Inactive time: 8 Hour
Total time: 8 H & 25 M
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 12 ounce 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
How to Make Strawberry angel food cake lush
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk until well blended.
- Add the lemon-lime soda and cook over medium-high heat.
- Stir regularly until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved. Set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add lemon juice and condensed milk; continue mixing until creamy.
- Gently fold in half of the Cool Whip by hand. Avoid beating or whipping.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
- Tear the angel food cake into small bite-sized pieces and place them into a 9 x 13-inch dish.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the torn cake pieces and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Combine thawed strawberries with their juices into the cooled glaze; stir together.
- Pour the strawberry glaze over the cream cheese layer gently so it doesn’t disturb it too much.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld together.
- When ready to serve, spread remaining Cool Whip over the top if desired.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry fans or serve directly from the dish using a large spoon.
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry angel food cake lush!
How to Serve Strawberry angel food cake lush
Strawberry angel food cake lush is a delightful layered dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a birthday, or enjoying a family gathering, this dessert can be served in various ways to impress your guests.
Individual Bowls
- Serve in small bowls for easy individual portions. Top each bowl with extra strawberries and whipped cream for a personal touch.
Layered Parfaits
- Create parfaits by layering the strawberry lush with additional fresh strawberries and whipped cream in clear glasses. This showcases the beautiful layers and adds an elegant presentation.
Party Platter
- Arrange squares of the lush on a large platter. Garnish with mint leaves and whole strawberries to make it visually appealing for parties.
Ice Cream Bar
- Set up an ice cream bar where guests can scoop their strawberry lush over vanilla or strawberry ice cream for a refreshing twist.
Picnic Style
- Pack servings of the dessert in mason jars for an easy-to-transport option. Perfect for picnics or outdoor events!
Garnished Slices
- For more formal occasions, slice the dessert into neat squares and garnish each piece with strawberry fans for an elegant look.
How to Perfect Strawberry angel food cake lush
To ensure your strawberry angel food cake lush turns out perfectly, follow these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor, so opt for ripe, juicy berries when making your glaze and filling.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing the dessert to chill overnight helps all the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a more cohesive taste.
- Fold gently: When incorporating Cool Whip into your cream cheese mixture, fold gently to maintain the fluffy texture of the whipped topping.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dessert, feel free to add a bit more sugar to the cream cheese mixture according to your taste.
- Experiment with flavors: Consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or almond extract to elevate the flavor profile of your creamy filling.
- Store properly: Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness; this dessert tastes just as good the next day!
Best Side Dishes for Strawberry angel food cake lush
Strawberry angel food cake lush pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its lightness and fruity flavors. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness that pairs nicely with the rich layers of strawberry lush.
- Lemon Sorbet: The tartness of lemon sorbet provides a refreshing contrast that enhances the sweetness of the dessert.
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake: This classic cake brings tropical flavors into play and offers a delightful alternative texture alongside your creamy dessert.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries: These sweet treats can serve as both decoration and an additional indulgence that matches beautifully with your main dish.
- Minted Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed with mint offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of rich strawberry lusciousness.
- Grilled Peaches: The warm sweetness of grilled peaches enhances fruit flavors present in your dessert while providing unique texture contrast.
- Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The simplicity of vanilla ice cream allows the strawberry flavors to shine without competing too much for attention.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins: These muffins add an element of breakfast flair while their citrus notes harmonize well with strawberries!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious Strawberry angel food cake lush can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Ignoring measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin the balance of flavors. Always use precise measurements for best results.
- Overmixing the cream cheese: Be careful not to overbeat the cream cheese mixture. This can lead to a grainy texture. Mix just until smooth.
- Skipping the chilling time: Failing to refrigerate overnight can affect the dessert’s consistency. Allow it to set properly for at least 8 hours.
- Neglecting the fruit quality: Using low-quality or overly ripe strawberries can impact flavor. Choose fresh, firm strawberries for the best taste and presentation.
- Not layering properly: Layering haphazardly can make servings messy. Take your time to layer evenly for a beautiful presentation.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze in an airtight container or wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place on low heat in a non-stick pan, stirring gently until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Strawberry angel food cake lush?
A Strawberry angel food cake lush is a layered no-bake dessert combining torn angel food cake with creamy layers and strawberry glaze.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. Just allow it to chill overnight before serving.
What should I serve with Strawberry angel food cake lush?
This dessert pairs well with whipped cream or fresh mint leaves as garnishes.
How long does Strawberry angel food cake lush last?
If stored properly in the refrigerator, it will last up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry angel food cake lush is a delightful treat that combines lightness and sweetness, making it perfect for any occasion. Its layered design offers versatility, allowing you to customize it with different fruits or toppings. Don’t hesitate to try this refreshing dessert; your friends and family will love it!
Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 to 15 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the refreshing delight of Strawberry Angel Food Cake Lush, a no-bake layered dessert that perfectly balances the lightness of angel food cake with rich, creamy flavors. This delightful treat is ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each layer features fluffy cream cheese filling and a vibrant strawberry glaze that will leave your guests coming back for seconds. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully overnight. Garnish with fresh strawberries for an elegant touch that enhances both presentation and flavor. Your friends and family will fall in love with this fruity masterpiece!
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, salt, and cornstarch. Whisk until well blended.
- Add the lemon-lime soda and cook over medium-high heat.
- Stir regularly until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the strawberry gelatin until fully dissolved. Set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add lemon juice and condensed milk; continue mixing until creamy.
- Gently fold in half of the Cool Whip by hand. Avoid beating or whipping.
- Tear the angel food cake into small bite-sized pieces and place them into a 9 x 13-inch dish.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the torn cake pieces and spread evenly with a spatula.
- Combine thawed strawberries with their juices into the cooled glaze; stir together.
- Pour the strawberry glaze over the cream cheese layer gently so it doesn't disturb it too much.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight to let flavors meld together.
- When ready to serve, spread remaining Cool Whip over the top if desired.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry fans or serve directly from the dish using a large spoon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
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