Description
Strawberry Angel Food Dessert
Ingredients
6 oz strawberry Jello mix
¾ cup boiling water
2 tbsp lemon juice
24 oz Cool Whip
16 oz frozen strawberries, thawed
1 angel food cake, cubed
Fresh strawberries for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Jello, dissolving it in boiling water. Let cool slightly.
Add lemon juice and thawed strawberries, mixing well.
Gently fold in Cool Whip for a smooth consistency.
Arrange cake cubes in a dish.
Spread the strawberry mixture over the cake.
Refrigerate for 4 hours until set.
Top with fresh strawberries and serve cold!
#StrawberryDream #LightAndFluffy #DessertGoals
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time. First, in a large heatproof bowl, combine the strawberry Jello mix with the 3/4 cup of boiling water. Whisk vigorously for 2 full minutes until the powder is completely dissolved. Allow this mixture to cool on the counter for 15-20 minutes until it’s lukewarm to the touch. This prevents the Cool Whip from melting. Next, stir in the 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and the entire 16 oz package of thawed strawberries (including any juice).
Now, gently fold in the 24 oz container of Cool Whip. Use a wide spatula and a folding motion to combine until you have a uniform, fluffy pink mixture with no white streaks. In a 9×13 inch baking dish or a large trifle bowl, arrange a single, even layer of the angel food cake cubes. Pour the strawberry fluff mixture over the cake, spreading it carefully to the edges and ensuring all cake pieces are covered. Do not stir. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight is ideal for the flavors to meld and the dessert to set firmly.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dessert is perfect for many occasions. Serve it in elegant parfait glasses for a dinner party, layered with extra fresh berries. For a summer BBQ, scoop it directly from the dish. Enhance individual servings with a dollop of extra whipped cream, a sprig of mint, or a light drizzle of white chocolate or strawberry syrup. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine or iced tea.
How-to Summary
In brief: Dissolve Jello in boiling water, cool, then mix with lemon juice and thawed strawberries. Fold in Cool Whip. Layer in a dish with cubed angel food cake. Chill for 4+ hours. Top with fresh strawberries before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen? Yes, but you must macerate them. Chop 2 cups of fresh berries, toss with 2 tablespoons of sugar, and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out juices. Use this juice as part of the liquid measurement.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Absolutely. It’s actually better made a day in advance. Prepare as directed, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before adding the final fresh strawberry topping.
Is there a substitute for Cool Whip? For a homemade touch, you can use an equal amount of stabilized whipped cream. Whip 3 cups of heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Why is my mixture runny? This happens if the Jello mixture was too warm when the Cool Whip was added, causing it to deflate and melt. Ensure the Jello is fully cooled to lukewarm.
Can I use a different flavor? Definitely! Try raspberry Jello with frozen raspberries, or orange Jello with mandarin oranges for a creamsicle version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding Cool Whip to hot Jello: This will melt the whipped topping and create a soupy texture. Patience is key.
- Stirring instead of folding: Aggressive stirring deflates the mixture. Gently fold to maintain airiness.
- Not letting it chill long enough: The dessert needs the full 4 hours to set properly and allow the cake to absorb flavors.
- Using a soggy cake: Ensure your angel food cake is fresh and cubed just before assembling to maintain structure.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Angel Food Dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that masterfully balances sweet, tart, and fluffy textures. Its simplicity is its strength, requiring minimal effort for a stunning result. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a light, refreshing treat perfect for any gathering. Enjoy the delicious payoff of this no-bake classic.
