Berry Bliss Angel Cake Delight

Strawberry Angel Recipe

Category: Dessert
Keywords: Strawberry, Berries, Fruit, Summer, < 15 Mins, No Cook, Refrigerator
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 216
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Description

Indulge in the delightful simplicity of the Strawberry Angel, a quick and refreshing dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This no-cook recipe combines the lightness of angel food cake with the vibrant flavors of strawberry and raspberry Jell-O, making it the perfect treat for a warm day or a last-minute gathering. With a prep time of just five minutes, this dessert offers a burst of berry goodness layered over tender cake, all set to chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Ingredients

For this delightful dessert, you will need the following:

1. Strawberry Jell-O Gelatin Dessert: 1 package (8 servings)
2. Raspberry Jell-O Gelatin: 1 package (1 serving size)
3. Hot Water: 1 1/4 cups
4. Berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or a mix): 1 cup
5. Berries (additional, for garnish): 1/2 cup

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 216 kcal
• Fat: 11.1 g
• Saturated Fat: 6.9 g
• Cholesterol: 40.8 mg
• Sodium: 205.9 mg
• Carbohydrates: 27.1 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Sugars: 17.8 g
• Protein: 3.2 g

Instructions

1. Prepare the Berry Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the whipped cream and the mixed berries. The combination of creaminess and the fresh burst of berries creates the luscious base for your dessert.

2. Dissolve the Jell-O:

   • Add the hot water to the strawberry and raspberry Jell-O gelatin in a separate bowl. Stir well until both gelatin mixes are fully dissolved, creating a fragrant, colorful liquid.

3. Combine with Berry Mixture:

   • Carefully pour the dissolved Jell-O mixture into the bowl with the whipped cream and berries. Stir gently to ensure the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

4. Prepare the Cake Base:

   • Break the angel food cake into small, bite-sized cubes. Spread these evenly in the bottom of a rectangular baking pan. The cake pieces will soak up the berry mixture, adding a delightful sponginess to the dessert.

5. Assemble the Dessert:

   • Pour the berry mixture over the angel food cake pieces in the baking pan, ensuring even distribution. The cake will absorb the flavors while providing a soft, airy base for the topping.

6. Refrigerate:

   • Place the baking pan in the refrigerator and allow the dessert to chill. Refrigeration helps set the Jell-O mixture, making it firm enough to cut into squares or scoop into servings while maintaining a refreshing, cool texture.

Detailed Insights & Tips

Choosing the Right Ingredients

• Jell-O Gelatin: Opt for the regular gelatin mix rather than the sugar-free versions to ensure a full-bodied flavor and the right consistency. The combination of strawberry and raspberry flavors enhances the fruity undertones of the dessert.
• Berries: Fresh berries are ideal for this recipe. You can mix strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or even blackberries for a more complex flavor profile. If fresh berries are not available, frozen ones can be used, but ensure they are fully thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the dessert.
• Whipped Cream: Homemade whipped cream provides a richer taste compared to store-bought varieties. To make whipped cream, simply beat heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Preparation Tips

• Dissolving Gelatin: Ensure the Jell-O is completely dissolved in the hot water before adding it to the berry mixture. Incomplete dissolution can lead to a grainy texture in the final dessert.
• Layering: When breaking the angel food cake into cubes, try to keep the pieces uniform in size. This allows for an even distribution of the cake in the pan and ensures each serving has a consistent texture.
• Refrigeration Time: While the recipe mentions refrigerating, it’s best to let the dessert chill for at least 2-3 hours or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to meld and the Jell-O mixture to firm up properly.

Serving Suggestions

• Presentation: Before serving, garnish the top with additional fresh berries for a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness. You can also dust a bit of powdered sugar over the top for a decorative touch.
• Portioning: Use a sharp knife to cut the chilled dessert into squares or rectangles. If the dessert is too soft to cut neatly, allow it to chill longer or use a serving spoon to scoop it into bowls.
• Accompaniments: Serve the Strawberry Angel with a dollop of extra whipped cream or a drizzle of berry coulis for an added indulgence. A side of vanilla ice cream also complements this dessert wonderfully.

Variations

• Fruit Variations: Experiment with different combinations of Jell-O flavors and fruits. For example, try using peach or orange Jell-O with a mix of summer fruits like peaches, apricots, and mangoes.
• Cake Alternatives: While angel food cake is traditional, you can use other light cakes like sponge cake or even ladyfingers for a different texture. Ensure the cake used is airy to absorb the berry mixture well.
• Alcoholic Twist: For an adult version, you can add a splash of a complementary liqueur, such as Chambord or Grand Marnier, to the berry mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. The dessert can be kept for up to 3 days, but it is best consumed within the first 1-2 days for optimal freshness and texture.
• Freezing: This dessert does not freeze well due to the gelatin content. The texture of the Jell-O and whipped cream mixture may change upon freezing and thawing.

Final Thoughts

The Strawberry Angel is a delightful combination of ease and elegance, making it an ideal dessert for those who appreciate both flavor and simplicity. The light and fluffy angel food cake, coupled with the vibrant and refreshing berry mixture, offers a perfect ending to any meal, especially during the warmer months when cool desserts are most appreciated. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a summer barbecue, or as a treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress with its beautiful presentation and irresistible taste. Enjoy the sweet taste of summer in every bite!

Feel free to experiment with different berries and flavors, and don’t forget to share your Strawberry Angel creation with friends and family!