Strawberry Heaven: A Delightful and Refreshing Dessert
Description:
Strawberry Heaven is the quintessential dessert that never fails to steal the show at gatherings, celebrated for its lightness and refreshing qualities, making it especially delightful during strawberry season. This irresistible treat combines fluffy layers of Cool Whip and cream cheese with luscious strawberries, all nestled within a base of tender angel food cake, resulting in a dessert that will leave your guests clamoring for seconds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cool Whip | 1 container |
| Cream cheese | 1 package |
| Sugar | 8 tablespoons |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh strawberries | 1 pound |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert | 1 package |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Water | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutritional Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 343.7 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 16.6 mg |
| Sodium | 281.8 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 53.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g |
| Sugars | 39.2 g |
| Protein | 4.7 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, the strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 cup of water. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it comes to a gentle boil and thickens beautifully. Once thickened, set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
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Add Strawberries: When the mixture has cooled to room temperature, stir in 1 pound of sliced fresh strawberries, ensuring they are well-coated with the sweet mixture.
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Prepare the Cake Base: Take your angel food cake and tear it into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, toss these pieces gently with 2 cups of Cool Whip, creating a fluffy and light layer that will serve as the cake base.
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Layer in the Pan: Press the angel food cake and Cool Whip mixture into a 9×13-inch glass pan (the glass allows you to appreciate the beautiful layers). Ensure it is evenly distributed across the bottom of the pan, setting the stage for the creamy layers to come.
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Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 package of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of remaining sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until it becomes wonderfully smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the remaining Cool Whip until it is well-blended, creating a luscious cream cheese layer.
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Assemble the Dessert: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the angel food cake layer in your pan. Pour the cooled strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, making sure to spread it evenly so that every bite is infused with the delicious strawberry flavor.
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Chill Before Serving: Cover the pan and refrigerate the assembled dessert for 2 to 3 hours before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the layers to set properly, enhancing the overall taste experience.
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Serving Suggestion: When ready to serve, cut into squares and present each portion with a few additional fresh strawberries for garnish, adding an extra pop of color and freshness.
Note: If fresh strawberries are not available, you may substitute them with a 16-ounce bag of frozen whole strawberries, thawed and chopped, for a delightful alternative that still captures the essence of this charming dessert.
Keywords: Low Protein, Less than 60 Minutes, For Large Groups
This Strawberry Heaven dessert is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it an ideal choice for any celebration or casual gathering. With its delightful layers and refreshing flavor, it’s sure to become a staple at your dessert table.
