Get ready to embark on a journey to dessert heaven with our delightful Strawberry Heaven recipe! This dessert is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion from family gatherings to potluck parties. Featuring layers of light angel food cake, creamy Cool Whip, and luscious strawberries, this dessert is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a heavenly dessert experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 angel food cake
- 1 (16 ounce) container Cool Whip
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Angel Food Cake:
- Start by slicing the angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1/2 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the Dessert:
- In a trifle dish or a large glass serving bowl, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of angel food cake cubes, followed by a layer of the cream cheese mixture, and then a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of strawberries on top.
- Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, cornstarch, strawberry Jell-O, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
- Pour the Glaze over the Dessert:
- Once the glaze is ready, pour it evenly over the top layer of strawberries in the trifle dish. Make sure the glaze covers the entire surface of the dessert.
- Chill and Serve:
- Place the Strawberry Heaven dessert in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or until set. Before serving, top with dollops of Cool Whip and additional sliced strawberries for garnish, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- For a lighter version of this dessert, you can use sugar-free Cool Whip and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Feel free to get creative with the layers! Add other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches for extra flavor and color.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought angel food cake instead of making it from scratch.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- To make a keto-friendly version of this dessert, you can substitute the angel food cake with a low-carb or keto-friendly cake alternative, such as almond flour cake or coconut flour cake. Replace the sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia, and use sugar-free gelatin for the glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare it as instructed, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
- Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones? While fresh strawberries are preferred for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if they are not in season. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using in the recipe.
- Can I substitute the Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream? Absolutely! You can use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a fresher flavor. Simply whip heavy cream with a little sugar until stiff peaks form, and use it in place of the Cool Whip in the recipe.
In conclusion, our Strawberry Heaven dessert is a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With its layers of fluffy angel food cake, creamy cheesecake mixture, and vibrant strawberries, this dessert is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this dessert is the perfect choice. So go ahead, indulge in a slice of sweet bliss with our Strawberry Heaven dessert!
