Q1: Can I make this dessert in a trifle bowl instead of a 9x13 dish?

Yes, absolutely! This dessert is stunning when assembled in a glass trifle bowl, as it allows you to see all the beautiful layers. Simply create the same layers—cake, cream cheese mixture, and strawberry topping—in the trifle bowl. You may want to repeat the layers (cake, cream, strawberries, then cake, cream, strawberries again) to fill the bowl beautifully.

Q2: Can I use fresh, homemade whipped cream instead of frozen whipped topping?

You can, but the cheesecake layer will not be as stable. Frozen whipped topping (like Cool Whip) contains stabilizers that help the dessert set up firmly and hold its shape for several days. If you use real whipped cream, the filling will have a much softer, more mousse-like texture and the dessert is best served the same day it is made.

Q3: How far in advance can I make this dessert for a party?

This is a perfect make-ahead party dessert. You can assemble it completely up to 24 hours in advance. Keeping it in the refrigerator overnight allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set up perfectly, making it even easier to slice and serve to a crowd.

Q4: Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

It is highly recommended to use fresh strawberries for the best texture. Frozen strawberries will release a lot of excess water as they thaw, which can make the topping and the entire dessert watery. If you must use frozen strawberries, you should thaw them completely and drain them very, very well before mixing them with the glaze.

Q5: Is there a way to make the cheesecake layer a little tangier?

Yes. If you love a tangier cheesecake flavor to balance the sweetness, you can add the finely grated zest of one lemon to the cream cheese and sugar mixture before beating it. The lemon zest will add a wonderful, bright note that complements the strawberries beautifully.

Dreamy No-Bake Strawberry Angel Food Dessert

A simple, no-bake layered dessert, often called a ‘strawberry delight’ or ‘icebox cake’. This recipe features a base of crumbled, store-bought angel food cake pressed into a 9×13-inch dish. The cake is topped with a rich and fluffy layer made from beaten cream cheese, sugar, and thawed whipped topping. The final layer consists of fresh sliced strawberries coated in a pre-made strawberry glaze. The entire dessert is chilled until firm before serving.

Author: Grace
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
Yield: 18 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake, Layering, Chilling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1 (10 inch) angel food cake
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
1 (18 ounce) jar strawberry glaze

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Instructions

Crumble or cut the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces and arrange them in the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish. Press down gently to form a solid layer.
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the angel food cake layer.
In a separate bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and the strawberry glaze, stirring until the strawberries are evenly coated.
Spread the strawberry and glaze mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until the layers are set, before serving.

Notes

This is a no-bake recipe that relies on several convenience ingredients (store-bought cake, whipped topping, glaze) for quick and easy assembly.
Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
Chilling the dessert is a crucial step that allows the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 280-350
Sugar: 35-45 g
Sodium: 250-350 mg
Fat: 12-18 g
Saturated Fat: 8-12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40-50 g
Fiber: 1-2 g
Protein: 3-5 g
Cholesterol: 30-45 mg

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/strawberry-angel/