Craving a delightful and easy-to-make dessert? Look no further than this strawberry jello angel food cake recipe! With just four simple ingredients – strawberry Jell-O, fresh strawberries, Cool Whip, and angel food cake – you can create a refreshing and luscious treat. This vintage dessert is a no-bake wonder that’s perfect for any occasion.
The combination of the tangy Jell-O, sweet strawberries, fluffy Cool Whip, and airy angel food cake creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds singing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is a foolproof way to impress your family and friends. So, why not whip up this classic dessert and enjoy a slice of strawberry bliss today?
Ingredients
In this section, I will outline the required ingredients and optional toppings for the delightful strawberry jello angel food cake dessert. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Required Ingredients
- 6 oz package of strawberry Jell-O
- 1 lb box of fresh strawberries
- 8 oz Cool Whip (whipped topping)
- 1 store-bought angel food cake
- Extra sliced fresh strawberries
- Additional dollop of Cool Whip for garnish
Necessary Equipment
When preparing this delectable strawberry jello angel food cake dessert, it’s essential to have the right tools at hand for a smooth cooking experience. Here are the necessary equipment items you will need:
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Silicone spatula or large spoon
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving platter or cake stand
Having these equipment items ready before starting the recipe will ensure you can effortlessly create this delightful strawberry jello angel food cake dessert.
Preparation Steps
Preparing the Angel Food Cake
First, bake or buy an angel food cake and let it cool for at least an hour and a half. Cut the cake into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
Making the Strawberry Jello
In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, strawberry jello powder, and hot water. Stir until the jello is dissolved. Let the mixture cool in the fridge until syrupy, usually around 40 minutes. In another bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the jello mixture until well combined. Pour half of the angel food cake cubes into a 9×13 pan, then top with the strawberry jello mixture. Chill the dessert in the fridge for a few hours to set before serving.
Assembly Instructions
To assemble this delectable Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert, follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the Angel Food Cake Base:
- Start by evenly spreading the cubed angel food cake over the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Ensure the cake cubes cover the bottom layer evenly.
- Create the Creamy Strawberry Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth using an electric mixer.
- Gently fold the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture by hand until fully incorporated.
- Spoon the prepared filling in dollops over the angel food cake cubes. Spread it out evenly, pressing down slightly as you go to cover the entire surface.
- Prepare the Strawberry Gelatin Layer:
- In a separate bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Add the ice cubes and stir until the gelatin starts to thicken slightly.
- Pour the strawberry gelatin mixture over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even coverage across the entire dessert.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the assembled dessert for a few hours to allow it to set properly.
- Once chilled, slice and serve your Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert. Optionally, top with additional whipped topping or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Revel in the luscious layers of this strawberry-infused treat and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
Cooking Time and Temperature
To ensure your Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert turns out perfectly, we need to pay attention to the cooking time and temperature. While this delightful treat doesn’t require baking, proper chilling time is key to achieving the best results.
Chilling Time:
- After assembling your dessert with the layers of angel food cake, creamy strawberry filling, and strawberry gelatin, it’s essential to allow it to chill in the refrigerator.
- The recommended chilling time is at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and for the dessert to set properly.
- For even better results, consider chilling the dessert overnight for a more intense flavor profile.
- Place your dessert in the refrigerator at a standard temperature of 35-40°F (1.6-4.4°C).
- Ensure your refrigerator is functioning optimally to maintain a consistent temperature for the dessert to set correctly.
- Avoid freezing the dessert, as the ingredients do not freeze well and may alter the texture and taste of the Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert.
By following these simple steps and understanding the importance of chilling time and proper temperature, you’ll be able to unveil a delectable and refreshing Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert that will impress your guests.
Serving and Presentation
As I prepare to serve this delightful Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert, I always make sure to add a touch of elegance to its presentation. Ensuring that the dessert looks as good as it tastes can truly elevate the dining experience.
Garnish Ideas
To enhance the visual appeal of the dessert, consider garnishing with a few extra elements. Here are some garnish ideas that can add a pop of color and texture to your Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake:
- Fresh whole strawberries or strawberry slices on top
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish
- A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for added indulgence
Make-Ahead Tips
As an experienced food blogger, I know that preparing ahead can make hosting a breeze. Here are some make-ahead tips to streamline the process of creating this delightful Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert:
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: To save time on the day of serving, you can prep the strawberries, angel food cake cubes, and gelatin mixture the night before. This way, you can simply assemble the dessert when you’re ready to chill and set it.
- Chilling Time: Allow the dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to ensure that the flavors meld together perfectly. The chilling time is crucial for the gelatin to set and for the dessert to achieve the desired texture.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Once you’ve assembled the Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert, cover it with plastic wrap or a fitted lid to prevent any odors from the refrigerator affecting the taste. This step also helps maintain the freshness of the dessert.
- Avoid Freezing: While it’s tempting to speed up the chilling process by placing the dessert in the freezer, it’s best to avoid freezing it. Freezing can alter the texture and consistency of the dessert, resulting in a less appealing final product.
By following these make-ahead tips, you can ensure that your Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert is a showstopper at your next gathering. Planning ahead not only saves time but also allows you to enjoy the process of creating this delicious treat without any last-minute stress.
Storage Recommendations
After enjoying this delightful Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert, you may have some leftovers to store for later. Here are some storage tips to ensure your dessert stays fresh and tasty:
1. Refrigeration:
- Once prepared, cover the dessert with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out in the refrigerator.
- Store the dessert in the refrigerator at a temperature between 35-40°F (1.6-4.4°C).
- Refrigerate the dessert for up to 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
2. Freezing (Optional):
- If you need to store the dessert for a longer period, you can freeze it.
- Wrap the dessert tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer.
- Frozen Angel Food Cake dessert can be stored for up to a month.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen dessert, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight for best results.
- Avoid thawing the dessert at room temperature to maintain its texture.
By following these storage recommendations, you can preserve the deliciousness of your Strawberry Jello Angel Food Cake dessert and enjoy it whenever you crave a sweet treat.
Conclusion
Creating a delicious strawberry jello angel food cake dessert is a delightful way to satisfy your sweet cravings. By following the recommended chilling time and temperature, you can ensure that each bite bursts with flavor and maintains its light, airy texture. With make-ahead tips and serving suggestions, preparing and presenting this dessert becomes a breeze. When it comes to storing leftovers, refrigeration is key to preserving the dessert’s quality for a few days, while freezing offers a longer shelf life without compromising taste. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy this delightful treat at any time, knowing that it will always taste as fresh as when it was first made.
