Imagine a dessert so light it practically floats off your plate, so decadent it melts in your mouth, and so beautiful it looks like it was crafted by pastry angels! This Strawberries and Cream Angel Food Cake is not just a dessert—it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms a simple store-bought cake into a gourmet experience that will have your guests begging for the recipe. With its cloud-like texture, luxurious whipped cream, and burst of fresh strawberries, this dessert is about to become your new go-to showstopper for any occasion.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought angel food cake
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries by washing them thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them dry with paper towels and carefully slice them into uniform thin slices, about 1/4 inch thick.
- In a large mixing bowl, pour the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer or whisk, begin whipping the cream at medium-high speed until soft peaks start to form.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipping cream. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, which can turn the cream grainy.
- Remove the store-bought angel food cake from its packaging and place it on a large serving platter. If needed, use a serrated knife to level the top for even presentation.
- Gently spread the freshly whipped cream over the entire surface of the cake, creating a smooth, even layer. Use an offset spatula or the back of a large spoon for best results.
- Arrange the sliced strawberries decoratively over the whipped cream layer, covering the top of the cake. You can create a circular pattern or simply scatter them evenly.
- For best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes before serving to allow the cream to set and flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, you can dust the top lightly with additional powdered sugar for extra elegance if desired.
Tips
- Choose perfectly ripe strawberries for the most intense flavor. Look for deep red, fragrant berries without any white or green patches.
- Chill your mixing bowl and whisk/beaters before whipping cream for faster, more stable peaks.
- For the smoothest whipped cream, ensure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping.
- If the cake seems too delicate, use a large, flat spatula when spreading the whipped cream to prevent tearing.
- For a gourmet touch, consider adding a light drizzle of balsamic reduction or a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves before serving.
- This cake is best served the same day it's prepared to maintain the perfect texture of the whipped cream and freshness of strawberries.
- If you want to make it ahead, prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
