Strawberry Heaven

Strawberry Heaven

Imagine indulging in a dessert that perfectly balances light, fluffy cake with the sweet and tangy taste of fresh strawberries. Welcome to Strawberry Heaven, a delightful strawberry pudding that promises to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. This recipe is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a beautiful display of layers that will wow your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Heaven is an easy-to-make dessert that combines the nostalgic flavor of angel food cake with the creamy richness of Cool Whip and cream cheese. The fresh strawberries add a burst of flavor, while the Jell-O and lemon juice create a deliciously unique topping. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you want to enjoy a sweet treat.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• 9×13 inch glass pan
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 1 angel food cake
• 1 (16 ounce) container Cool Whip
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of sugar, cornstarch, Jell-O, lemon juice, and water.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Stir in the sliced strawberries.
4. Tear the angel food cake into 1-inch pieces and toss with 2 cups of the Cool Whip.
5. Press the mixture into a 9×13 inch glass pan to see the layers.
6. In a mixer bowl, combine cream cheese, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla. Beat until smooth.
7. Stir in the remaining Cool Whip and spread evenly over the cake layer.
8. Pour the cooled strawberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading to cover the cake evenly.
9. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours before serving.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the strawberry mixture cools slightly before adding to the cake to prevent melting the cream cheese layer.
• Use a glass pan to showcase the beautiful layers of the dessert.

Additional Tips and Variations

Feel free to substitute a 16-ounce bag of frozen whole strawberries, thawed and chopped, for the fresh strawberries if they are out of season. You can also add a dash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 200
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, Strawberry Heaven can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cake?
While angel food cake is recommended for its light texture, you can experiment with pound cake or sponge cake for a different twist.

Conclusion

Strawberry Heaven is more than just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings together flavors and textures in perfect harmony. Whether you’re serving it for a special gathering or simply treating yourself, this pudding is sure to impress. We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts and variations with us. Enjoy!