A light and fluffy angel food cake filled with a creamy mixture of whipped cream and fresh strawberries, then topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. This beautiful and refreshing dessert is perfect for spring and summer gatherings, birthdays, or special celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry-Filled Angel Food Cake combines the airy texture of angel food cake with a cool, creamy strawberry filling and a tangy-sweet cream cheese frosting. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. Using either store-bought or homemade cake, this dessert offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that’s ideal for warm-weather entertaining.

Ingredients

1 store-bought or homemade angel food cake
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
1/2 of the angel food cake (crumbled, from hollowing out)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Hollow the Cake: Carefully hollow out the center of the angel food cake using a serrated knife, leaving a 1-inch border around the sides and bottom. Reserve the removed cake pieces for later use.
Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and crumbled cake pieces until well combined.
Fill the Cake: Spoon the strawberry-cream mixture into the hollowed-out cake, packing it in gently. Smooth the top and wipe away any excess.
Prepare the Frosting: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, remaining 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Frost the Cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish and Chill: Garnish with whole strawberries or additional chopped berries, then refrigerate the cake for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to set and the filling to firm up.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 10 servings
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Berry Blend: Add blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry filling.
Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the whipped cream or frosting for a citrusy note.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for a richer finish.
Lighter Version: Use light cream cheese and a sugar-free sweetener for a lower-calorie option.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the whipped cream and strawberries may become watery upon thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries are best for texture, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if well-drained and patted dry.

2. Can I make the cake a day ahead?

Yes, this cake holds up well when made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

3. What can I use instead of angel food cake?

You can use pound cake or sponge cake, but it will be denser and richer than the original.

4. Can I use store-bought whipped topping?

Yes, but homemade whipped cream gives a fresher taste and better texture.

5. Can I skip the cream cheese frosting?

You can omit it or replace it with more whipped cream for a lighter finish.

6. How do I keep the strawberries from making the filling watery?

Use fresh strawberries and avoid overmixing. Let chopped berries drain on a paper towel before folding into the cream.

7. Can I add a layer of filling on top of the cake too?

Yes! You can top the cake with additional strawberry mixture before frosting.

8. What type of cream cheese is best?

Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and smoothest texture.

9. Can I add gelatin to make the filling firmer?

Yes, you can bloom and dissolve a small amount of unflavored gelatin in the whipped cream to stabilize it.

10. How do I serve this cake cleanly?

Use a serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

Conclusion

Strawberry-Filled Angel Food Cake is a light, airy, and delicious dessert that captures the essence of spring and summer in every bite. With its creamy filling, juicy strawberries, and fluffy cake, it’s a beautiful and satisfying treat perfect for any celebration. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, this dessert is bound to become a seasonal favorite.