Strawberry Heaven has always been my go-to for a truly delightful summer dessert. I fondly remember my mom making this every July 4th; the bright red strawberries and creamy white layers always looked so festive. The sweet, slightly tart strawberry gelatin mingling with the cool, fluffy cream cheese mixture and tender angel food cake is just heavenly. It’s such an easy recipe to whip up, making it perfect for any gathering, big or small. This Strawberry Heaven dessert truly captures the taste of summer in every bite. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Heaven Recipe
You’re going to adore this Strawberry Heaven recipe for so many reasons:
- It boasts an incredible taste, combining sweet strawberries, creamy cheese, and light cake for a truly delicious dessert experience.
- The prep time is a breeze – you can have this Strawberry Heaven dessert assembled in under 20 minutes!
- It’s a relatively healthy option, packed with fresh fruit and lighter than many traditional cakes.
- It’s incredibly budget-friendly, using common ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- This Strawberry Heaven dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages, making it perfect for family gatherings.
- It’s a no-bake wonder, meaning no oven time and less fuss during those hot summer months.
- The beautiful layers make it visually stunning, a real showstopper for any occasion.
- It’s incredibly versatile, allowing for easy customization with different fruits or even a hint of mint.
Ingredients for Strawberry Heaven Dessert
Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delightful Strawberry Heaven with cream experience:
- 1 angel food cake – store-bought or homemade, cubed for easy layering
- 1 (16-ounce) container of frozen whipped topping – thawed, this provides an airy, creamy base
- 8 ounces of cream cheese – softened to room temperature for smooth blending
- 1 cup of sugar, divided – split between the cream cheese mixture and the strawberries
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract – to enhance the creamy sweetness
- 1 quart of fresh strawberries, thinly sliced – the star of the show!
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch – optional, to thicken the strawberry layer if desired
- 1 package (3 ounces) of strawberry-flavored gelatin dessert – for that classic fruity flavor
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice – brightens the strawberry flavor
- 1 cup of water – for preparing the gelatin
How to Make Strawberry Heaven Layers
Get ready to create this beautiful Strawberry Heaven no bake dessert! It’s simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely stunning.
- Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries. Start by washing and hulling about a quart of bright red, plump strawberries. Gently pat them dry. Then, slice about half of the strawberries thinly, setting the rest aside whole for garnishing later. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with a sprinkling of sugar (about 1/4 cup) and a splash of fresh lemon juice. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to macerate, releasing their juices. This step really intensifies the strawberry flavor.
- Step 2: Create the Strawberry Gelatin. While the strawberries macerate, prepare the gelatin. In a small saucepan, dissolve the 3-ounce package of strawberry-flavored gelatin dessert in 1 cup of boiling water, stirring until it’s completely clear and no granules remain. Then, add 1 cup of cold water to the mix. Stir well and allow it to cool to room temperature. This will be drizzled between the layers for an extra burst of fruitiness.
- Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. Stir in the teaspoon of vanilla extract for that inviting aroma. Gently fold in the thawed, 16-ounce container of frozen whipped topping. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep it light and airy for the perfect texture in your Strawberry Heaven layers.
- Step 4: Assemble the Strawberry Heaven. Now for the fun part! Begin by arranging cubes of your angel food cake at the bottom of your serving dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish for this. Drizzle about half of the cooled strawberry gelatin over the cake cubes, ensuring they get a good soak. Spoon a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture atop the gelatin, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
- Step 5: Add the Strawberry Layer. Spoon the macerated strawberries (the sliced ones that have been sitting with sugar and lemon juice) over the cream cheese layer. If you want a thicker, more compote-like consistency for these berries, you can sprinkle a tiny bit of cornstarch over them before adding them to the dish.
- Step 6: Final Touches. Repeat the layering process if you have enough ingredients and your dish is large enough. You can add more cake, gelatin, cream cheese mixture, and strawberries. Finish the top with the reserved whole strawberries for a beautiful presentation. Cover the dish and refrigerate the dessert for at least 2-3 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly. This makes it a perfect make-ahead treat.
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Heaven Cake
Elevate your Strawberry Heaven cake from simply delicious to absolutely unforgettable with these expert tips:
- For the creamiest cheese mixture, ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature. This prevents lumps and makes folding in the whipped topping seamless.
- Don’t skip the macerating step for the strawberries! Letting them sit with sugar and lemon juice draws out their natural sweetness and creates a more intense fruit flavor.
- Chill your serving dish and even the mixing bowl for the cream cheese mixture. This helps the layers set up beautifully, especially in warmer weather.
- If you don’t have angel food cake, a plain pound cake works wonderfully as a substitute, offering a slightly denser, richer base. For more dessert inspiration, check out these delicious dessert recipes.
What’s the secret to perfect Strawberry Heaven layers?
The real secret to perfect Strawberry Heaven layers is in the balance of textures and flavors. Gently folding the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture creates airiness, while letting the strawberries macerate ensures a vibrant, sweet-tart burst that makes this a true Strawberry Heaven strawberry delight. For a similar light and airy dessert, you might enjoy our Lemon Custard Pufflets.
Can I make Strawberry Heaven ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Strawberry Heaven dessert is a fantastic make-ahead treat. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious the next day. If you’re looking for other make-ahead options, consider our Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Strawberry Heaven dessert?
Avoid overmixing the whipped topping; it can deflate and make the cream layer dense. Also, ensure your gelatin has cooled sufficiently before layering it onto the cake, or it might melt the cake and cream cheese layer. For more tips on perfecting desserts, you can explore resources on dessert making.
Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Heaven Dessert
This beautiful Strawberry Heaven dessert is a showstopper on its own, but I love serving it with a few simple accompaniments to make it even more special. For a delightful pairing, consider a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top just before serving, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream alongside each slice. It truly enhances the creamy texture and sweet fruit flavors, making it a perfect Strawberry Heaven sweet treat. You could also offer it with a side of shortbread cookies or a light vanilla wafer for a bit of crunch. For another delightful fruity dessert, try our Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Nutrition Facts for Strawberry Heaven
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delightful Strawberry Heaven dessert:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 120mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of angel food cake and whipped topping. For a different kind of delicious meal, explore our Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Strawberry Heaven
Proper storage is key to keeping your Strawberry Heaven dessert tasting amazing, whether you’ve made it ahead or have leftovers. Once it’s cooled down completely, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store this delicious Strawberry Heaven in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen over time, making it even more delicious! If you happen to have any leftover Strawberry Heaven that you won’t be able to enjoy within a few days, it freezes surprisingly well for up to 3 months. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen Strawberry Heaven, the best method is to transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before to thaw slowly. This helps maintain its delicate texture. Reheating isn’t typically necessary for this chilled dessert, but if you prefer it slightly less cold, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving. Enjoy your perfectly stored Strawberry Heaven!
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Heaven Dessert
What is Strawberry Heaven dessert?
Strawberry Heaven is a popular layered dessert featuring cubes of angel food cake, a creamy cream cheese and whipped topping mixture, and fresh strawberries, often with a layer of strawberry gelatin. It’s known for its light, airy texture and refreshing, fruity flavor, making it a beloved sweet treat, especially during warmer months.
How to make Strawberry Heaven?
To make Strawberry Heaven, you’ll prepare the strawberries by slicing and macerating them. Then, you’ll create a simple strawberry gelatin, whip up a creamy cheese mixture with cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and whipped topping, and finally, layer these components with cubed angel food cake in a serving dish. Refrigeration is key to letting the flavors meld. For more baking guidance, consider our Homemade Ice Cream Recipe.
Can I use different fruits in Strawberry Heaven?
Absolutely! While strawberries are classic, you can easily adapt this dessert. Peaches, raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries all work wonderfully. Just ensure they are fresh and ripe for the best flavor. You can even switch up the gelatin flavor to complement your chosen fruit for a delicious twist.
How long does Strawberry Heaven keep in the refrigerator?
This Strawberry Heaven dessert is best enjoyed within 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake can become a bit soggy over time, so for the freshest taste, it’s ideal to consume it within the first couple of days. The flavors actually meld and become even more delicious!
Variations of Strawberry Heaven Dessert Ideas
Looking to switch things up? This classic Strawberry Heaven is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to put a new spin on this delightful dessert:
- Strawberry Heaven Pudding: For a quicker, more pudding-like texture, you can slightly alter the cream cheese mixture. Reduce the cream cheese slightly and add a bit more whipped topping, or even incorporate a small amount of instant vanilla pudding mix into the cream cheese layer for an extra smooth consistency.
- Strawberry Heaven Cheesecake: Want a richer, more decadent experience? Try crushing graham crackers with a little melted butter and sugar to form a crust at the bottom of your dish before adding the first layer. This transforms it into a no-bake cheesecake-style treat that’s utterly divine.
- Berry Medley Heaven: Don’t limit yourself to just strawberries! Mix in blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches for a vibrant fruit salad-like layer. A different flavored gelatin, like raspberry or mixed berry, can also complement these fruits beautifully.
- Coconut Cream Heaven: For a tropical twist, swap out some of the whipped topping for whipped coconut cream. This adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with the strawberries and also makes it a dairy-free option if you use a dairy-free angel food cake base.
Strawberry Heaven: 1 Amazing Summer Dessert
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Heaven is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert featuring layers of angel food cake, creamy cheese mixture, fresh strawberries, and strawberry gelatin. This no-bake treat is perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion where you want a sweet, refreshing, and visually appealing dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 angel food cake
- 1 (16-ounce) container of frozen whipped topping
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1 cup of sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 quart of fresh strawberries, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 package (3 ounces) of strawberry-flavored gelatin dessert
- 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup of water
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and hull bright red, plump strawberries. Pat them dry gently, and slice half into thin pieces, leaving the rest whole for garnishing later. In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries with a sprinkling of sugar and a splash of lemon juice, allowing them to macerate.
- Create the Strawberry Gelatin: In a small saucepan, dissolve strawberry-flavored Jell-O gelatin in boiling water, stirring until completely clear. Add cold water to the mix to set properly. Allow it to cool.
- Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, soften cream cheese with granulated sugar until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture. Add vanilla extract, stirring for an inviting aroma. Fold in Cool Whip gently to maintain the airy consistency.
- Assemble the Strawberry Heaven: Layer cubes of angel food cake at the base of your serving dish. Drizzle with strawberry gelatin. Spoon a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture atop, smoothing evenly.
- Add the Strawberry Layer: Spoon the macerated strawberries over the cream cheese layer. For a thicker fruit compote, sprinkle a touch of sifted cornstarch.
- Final Touches: Repeat the layering process if desired, finishing with whole strawberries for decoration. Refrigerate the dessert for several hours to meld flavors.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easier blending.
- Avoid overmixing Cool Whip to maintain its light texture.
- Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for optimal texture.
- Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor melding.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving