I still remember the first time I made this Strawberry Shortcake with Angel Food Cake. It was a hot summer afternoon, and my kids were running through the sprinkler in the backyard. I wanted something cool and refreshing that wouldn’t keep me stuck in the kitchen while they played outside. The answer? This heavenly angel food cake strawberry shortcake that came together in minutes.
My grandmother used to make strawberry shortcake the traditional way – with those little sponge cups from the store. But I’ve always had a soft spot for angel food cake. Its pillowy texture soaks up strawberry juices like nothing else, creating the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
This recipe became our family’s summer tradition. Now, whenever strawberries flood the farmers’ markets, my kids know what’s coming. Even my husband, who claims he “doesn’t do desserts,” mysteriously appears in the kitchen when I start slicing strawberries for this easy angel food cake dessert. It’s that good!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert
Light as Air Texture The cloud-like angel food cake makes this strawberry shortcake cake recipe distinctly different from traditional versions. Each bite practically melts in your mouth while soaking up the sweet strawberry goodness.
Quick Assembly This dessert looks fancy but takes just minutes to put together. With store-bought angel food cake, you can have this strawberry shortcake cake on the table in under 15 minutes.
Make-Ahead Friendly The strawberry topping for angel food cake can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. The cake slices and whipped cream can be prepped in advance too, making last-minute assembly a breeze.
Adaptable for Any Season While fresh strawberries are best for the best strawberry shortcake recipe, you can use frozen berries in winter. You can also swap in different fruits like peaches or blueberries when strawberries aren’t in season.
Crowd-Pleaser I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love this dessert. It’s one of those easy angel food cake desserts that disappears fast at potlucks and family gatherings. The combination just works!
Lighter Dessert Option Angel food cake contains no fat, making this a lighter alternative to traditional shortcake. You can even use light whipped topping if you’re watching calories without sacrificing the experience.
Customizable Sweetness You control the sugar level in the strawberry shortcake pudding-like topping. If your berries are super sweet, you can reduce the added sugar, or increase it if they’re more tart.
Ingredients for the Strawberry Shortcake with Angel Food Cake Recipe
For the Strawberry Topping:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 store-bought angel food cake
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Cooking Equipment Needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Rubber spatula
- Serving platter
Cooking Instructions for the Angel Food Cake Strawberry Shortcake
Step 1- Prep Those Berries: Wash, hull, and slice most of the strawberries, reserving a few whole ones for garnish. Place sliced berries in a bowl with sugar and lemon juice. Stir gently and let sit for at least 30 minutes to release their juices.
Step 2- Whip It Good In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Don’t overbeat or you’ll end up with butter! The cream should be billowy but still hold its shape.
Step 3- Slice That Cloud Cut the angel food cake into 1-inch thick slices. You can either leave them as rounds or cut them into cubes for a trifle-style presentation. Both ways work beautifully for this strawberry angel food cake.
Step 4- Layer It Up Place cake slices on serving plates. Spoon the macerated strawberries and their juice over the cake, allowing it to soak in slightly. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Step 5- Add Final Touches Garnish with reserved whole strawberries and mint leaves if using. For an extra special presentation, drizzle some of the strawberry juice around the plate in an artistic pattern.
Notes:
Time-Saving Swap Use store-bought whipped topping instead of making your own whipped cream when you’re really rushed.
Texture Boost Toast the angel food cake slices lightly before adding toppings for a delightful contrast.
Flavor Enhancer Add 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier or triple sec to the strawberries for an adult version.
Make It Pretty Use a vegetable peeler to add chocolate curls on top for an elegant finish.
Berry Blend Option Mix in blueberries or raspberries with the strawberries for a patriotic red-white-blue dessert.
Macronutrients per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 32g
Tara’s Pro Tips
Berry Selection Choose strawberries that are fully red with no white shoulders for the sweetest flavor in your strawberry shortcake pudding mixture.
Whipped Cream Stability Add 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar to your heavy cream for a more stable whipped cream that won’t deflate quickly.
Serving Temperature Let berries sit at room temperature before serving—cold mutes their flavor.
Cake Freshness Trick If your angel food cake isn’t super fresh, a light brush of simple syrup will revive it beautifully.
Portion Prep For parties, prepare individual servings in clear cups for an impressive, grab-and-go dessert option.
Leftover Love Fold leftover components together for an amazing strawberry trifle the next day.
Curious Cook’s Corner
Can I make this ahead of time? Prepare components separately up to 24 hours ahead, but assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess. The strawberry topping actually improves with a little time in the fridge!
What can I serve alongside this dessert? A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or even a small glass of champagne makes this extra special for adults.
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes! Thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before macerating with sugar. Perfect for making this strawberry angel food cake dessert year-round.
How do I store leftovers? Store components separately: berries and whipped cream in airtight containers and the cake wrapped tightly. Assemble when ready to eat.
Can I make angel food cake from scratch? Absolutely! Homemade angel food cake takes this to another level. Just use cake flour and gently fold it in the flour to keep it fluffy.
