Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert With Berries
Highlighted under: Golden Oven Sweets
I absolutely love making Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert With Berries, especially during the summer when strawberries are at their sweetest. This dessert combines the lightness of angel food cake with the freshness of ripe berries, resulting in a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, and the best part is how effortlessly it comes together. This recipe has become a staple in my home, offering a burst of flavor that everyone adores.
When I first made this Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert, I was skeptical about how the flavors would meld together. To my surprise, the light sponge of the angel food cake paired beautifully with the bright berries. The trick to achieving a fluffy cake lies in properly beating the egg whites, which I learned the hard way after one too many dense attempts!
This dessert is not only visually stunning but also incredibly versatile. I often swap in whatever berries I have on hand, making it easy to toast up the seasonal delights in my fridge. This adaptability helps keep things exciting and fresh!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Fluffy angel food cake that melts in your mouth
- Bursting with fresh, juicy strawberries
- A visually stunning dessert ideal for gatherings
Mastering the Angel Food Cake
Creating a flawless angel food cake relies heavily on the quality and temperature of your egg whites. For the best results, ensure your egg whites are at room temperature, as this allows for better aeration. When beating the egg whites, make sure your mixing bowl is completely clean and dry; any grease can prevent them from whipping to their full potential. Soft peaks form at about 3-5 minutes of mixing, while stiff peaks require an additional 2-3 minutes. You want the egg whites to hold their shape firmly and stand upright when the beaters are lifted.
When folding in the flour mixture, use a gentle hand to avoid deflating the whipped egg whites. If you over-mix the batter, you may lose the fluffiness that makes angel food cake so enchanting. I recommend folding in one-third of the flour mixture first to lighten the egg whites before gently incorporating the rest in two additions. This method ensures a delicate cake that rises perfectly without collapsing during baking.
Berry Topping Tips
The berry topping enhances the cake’s flavor and texture, making fresh, ripe fruit a crucial component of the dessert. For the best results, select strawberries that are vibrant red and slightly fragrant. When slicing, try to make even slices to create a more uniform topping. If strawberries aren’t available, consider using raspberries or blackberries for a different flavor profile; just be mindful of their varying sweetness levels and adjust the sugar accordingly.
Allowing the berry mixture to sit for approximately 15 minutes releases their natural juices, creating a delicious syrup that complements the lightness of the cake. If you prefer less sweetness or a healthier option, you can substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup, but start with half the amount and adjust to taste. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also add a delightful tang to the berries, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients for a delightful Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert:
For the angel food cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
For the berry topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For serving
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Once you have everything ready, you can proceed to whip up this delicious dessert!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert:
Prepare the cake batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and half the sugar. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the flour mixture and vanilla extract until just combined.
Bake the cake
Pour the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden and springs back when pressed. Remove from oven and invert to cool completely.
Prepare the berry topping
While the cake is cooling, combine sliced strawberries and blueberries in a bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and drizzle with lemon juice. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to release.
Assemble and serve
Once the cake is completely cool, gently remove it from the pan. Slice the cake and serve with a generous topping of the berry mixture. Optionally, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint for garnish.
Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert with family and friends!
Pro Tips
- For a lighter texture, be sure not to overmix the egg whites after adding the sugar. This ensures the cake remains airy and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
For an elegant presentation, consider serving the Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert in individual glass cups or jars. Layer slices of cake with the berry mixture and whipped cream for a stunning visual effect. You can also sprinkle some crushed nuts or granola for an added crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the soft cake and juicy berries.
If you're looking to elevate the flavor further, experiment with a hint of vanilla extract or almond extract in the whipped cream. This adds an aromatic element that blends nicely with the lightness of the angel food. Additionally, feel free to use flavored whipped toppings or even a dollop of yogurt for a tangy twist.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you're preparing this dessert ahead of time, the angel food cake can be made up to a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after cooling completely to prevent it from drying out. However, it's best to prep the berry topping on the day of serving to maintain the freshness of the berries. Simply prepare the topping while the cake is cooling, and assemble right before serving to keep the cake fluffy.
If you have leftovers, store the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, if you anticipate having more cake than you can consume, consider freezing the uncut cake. Slice it after freezing, then place pieces in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap to keep them protected. Thaw slices as needed, and top with fresh berries and cream for a quick and delightful treat anytime.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture.
→ Is there a gluten-free alternative for the flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it’s suitable for baking.
→ How do I store leftover cake?
Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
→ Can I add other fruits to this dessert?
Absolutely! This dessert is versatile, and you can mix in raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches for a tropical twist.
Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert With Berries
I absolutely love making Strawberry Angel Food Cake Dessert With Berries, especially during the summer when strawberries are at their sweetest. This dessert combines the lightness of angel food cake with the freshness of ripe berries, resulting in a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. Each bite is a symphony of flavors, and the best part is how effortlessly it comes together. This recipe has become a staple in my home, offering a burst of flavor that everyone adores.
Created by: Megan Douglas
Recipe Type: Golden Oven Sweets
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the angel food cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
For the berry topping
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For serving
- Whipped cream (optional)
- Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and half the sugar. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until frothy. Add cream of tartar and continue beating until soft peaks form. Gradually add the remaining sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the flour mixture and vanilla extract until just combined.
Pour the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cake is golden and springs back when pressed. Remove from oven and invert to cool completely.
While the cake is cooling, combine sliced strawberries and blueberries in a bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and drizzle with lemon juice. Let it sit for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to release.
Once the cake is completely cool, gently remove it from the pan. Slice the cake and serve with a generous topping of the berry mixture. Optionally, add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint for garnish.
Extra Tips
- For a lighter texture, be sure not to overmix the egg whites after adding the sugar. This ensures the cake remains airy and fluffy.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 45mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 58g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 5g