Ingredients

For the Dessert:

• 1 (10-inch) angel food cake (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 (18-ounce) jar strawberry glaze (store-bought)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Cake and Cream Cheese Mixture

1. Prepare the angel food cake: If you are using a store-bought angel food cake, remove it from the packaging and place it on a serving platter or cake stand. If you prefer to bake your own, be sure to do so in advance and allow it to cool completely before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
2. Make the cream cheese filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and white sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The sugar helps to sweeten the mixture, while the cream cheese will add richness and tang to balance the sweetness.
3. Add the whipped topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture. The whipped topping will help give the cream cheese mixture a light, fluffy texture and make it spreadable, so it perfectly complements the airy angel food cake.
4. Mix until smooth: Continue mixing until the cream cheese and whipped topping are fully incorporated, creating a smooth, creamy filling that will serve as the base layer for the dessert.

Step 2: Assemble the Dessert

1. Cut the angel food cake: Using a serrated knife, carefully slice the angel food cake into 3-4 even layers. If you prefer a more rustic look, you can skip layering the cake and simply cut it into large chunks, but layering will create a more structured, visually appealing presentation.
2. Layer the cream cheese mixture: Spread a generous portion of the cream cheese filling onto the first layer of angel food cake, smoothing it out with a spatula to cover the surface evenly. Be sure to go all the way to the edges to ensure every bite is packed with creamy goodness.
3. Add strawberries: Top the cream cheese filling with a layer of fresh, sliced strawberries. You can arrange them in a pattern or simply scatter them on top. The strawberries should be sliced thinly so they layer well and release their juices into the filling.
4. Repeat layers: Repeat the process for the remaining layers of cake, cream cheese filling, and strawberries. You can build as many layers as you like, but typically 3-4 layers work best for a balanced texture and appearance.
5. Finish with glaze: Once your final layer of cake, cream cheese mixture, and strawberries is in place, drizzle the strawberry glaze generously over the top. The glaze adds a shiny, sweet finish to the dessert and helps to hold the strawberries in place. It also enhances the flavor by adding a layer of fruity sweetness.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

1. Refrigerate the dessert: After assembling the cake, place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to chill. This will help the cream cheese filling set and make the layers easier to slice.
2. Serve chilled: When you’re ready to serve, use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into slices. Serve chilled, and enjoy the delightful combination of fluffy angel food cake, creamy filling, fresh strawberries, and tangy glaze.

Prep Time:

• 15-20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 0 minutes (if using store-bought angel food cake)

Total Time:

• 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)

Servings:

• 10-12 servings

Calories (Per Serving):

• Approximately 250-300 kcal (calories may vary depending on the specific brands and portion size)

Why This Recipe Is Timeless

This strawberry shortcake angel food cake dessert is a classic that has stood the test of time for good reason. Its simplicity, freshness, and lightness make it a go-to treat for almost any occasion. The angel food cake, with its delicate, airy texture, serves as the perfect canvas for the rich and tangy cream cheese filling, while the fresh strawberries add a burst of vibrant color and sweetness. Topping it all off with a glossy strawberry glaze ensures that each bite is not only delicious but also visually appealing.

What makes this dessert truly timeless is how it celebrates fresh ingredients. The strawberries, in particular, are a highlight of the dish, representing the peak of the fruit’s seasonal bounty. Whether you’re making this dessert during the summer when strawberries are at their ripest, or you opt for frozen strawberries during the off-season, the combination of strawberries and cream has always been a winning pairing.

Another reason why this dessert continues to be a favorite is its versatility. It’s ideal for a variety of occasions—whether it’s a casual family dinner, a festive celebration, or a special holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas. Its lightness makes it suitable for even the most indulgent meals, offering a refreshing conclusion without feeling too heavy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 26g
• Protein: 3g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Cholesterol: 30mg

FAQs

1. Can I use other fruits in place of strawberries? Absolutely! While strawberries are the traditional choice, you can easily swap them out for other fresh fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches. The cream cheese filling and angel food cake will complement a variety of fruits, so feel free to get creative!

2. Can I make this dessert in advance? Yes! This dessert actually benefits from chilling in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the dessert will be ready to serve when your guests arrive. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I make my own angel food cake for this recipe? If you prefer to make your own angel food cake from scratch, go ahead! Just ensure it’s cooled completely before layering it with the cream cheese filling and strawberries.

Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Shortcake Angel Food Cake

1. Use room temperature cream cheese: To avoid lumps in the filling, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This will ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
2. Slice strawberries thinly: Thinly slicing your strawberries helps them distribute evenly and layer well on the cake, giving it a uniform look.
3. Don’t skip chilling time: Allowing the dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours helps the layers set and makes the dessert easier to slice.
4. Make it a bit fancier: If you want to take this dessert to the next level, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream on top of each slice before serving or sprinkling some fresh mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
• Freezing: If you have leftovers and want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the dessert. Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.

Conclusion

This strawberry shortcake angel food cake dessert is an easy yet elegant treat that everyone will love. Its light and airy texture combined with the richness of cream cheese, the sweetness of fresh strawberries, and the glossy glaze make it the ultimate dessert for any occasion. It’s a recipe that stands the test of time—delicious, refreshing, and simple to make. Whether you’re enjoying it at a summer barbecue or as a special holiday treat, this dessert will never go out of style. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful dessert, and enjoy the timeless flavors that have made it a classic for generations!