Did you know that angel food cake is one of the oldest desserts, dating back to the 19th century? This fascinating history only adds to the charm of today’s star: the Heavenly Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake! As summer days call for something light and refreshing, this dessert not only satisfies that craving but also offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors. With just a few key ingredients, it’s an incredibly straightforward recipe that makes it a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, BBQs, or family gatherings.
One of the best parts? This raspberry cream angel food cake is not only easy to whip up, but it’s also a no-bake option that can be prepared ahead of time, freeing you from last-minute stress. Imagine layers of fluffy angel food cake surrounded by a creamy raspberry filling and topped with light whipped cream—pure bliss in each bite! So, are you ready to impress your friends and family with this summer treat? Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this delicious dessert together!
Why love Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake?
Light and Airy: This dessert’s angel food cake base offers a soft, delicate texture that melts in your mouth.
Surprising Ease: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, anyone can master this delightful treat.
Flavor Explosion: Bursting with fresh raspberry goodness, it strikes a perfect balance between sweet and tart.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it in advance for stress-free entertaining and enjoy a hassle-free summer gathering!
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, it's always a hit with everyone.
For an extra burst of flavor, check out how to make a creamy raspberry frosting to pair alongside this dessert!
Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for this delightful dessert!
For the Raspberry Filling
• Raspberries – The star ingredient; fresh or frozen both work beautifully without thawing.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tartness.
• Cornstarch – Helps thicken the raspberry filling to a luscious consistency.
• Cold Water – Activates the cornstarch, ensuring a smooth filling.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavor and enhances the sweetness of the raspberries.
For the Cake and Cream Layer
• Cubed Angel Food Cake – The base of this dessert; feel free to use store-bought or homemade.
• Light or Regular Cream Cheese – Provides richness; remember to soften it to room temperature for the smoothest texture.
• Half-and-Half or Evaporated Milk – Thins the cream cheese mixture; start with ¾ cup and adjust as needed.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cream mixture to perfection.
• Fresh Lemon Zest – Adds a zesty punch to the cream layer, enhancing the lemon flavor.
• Lemon Extract (Optional) – A little extra boost for that bright lemon essence.
For the Whipped Cream
• Heavy Cream – Essential for making rich and fluffy whipped cream.
• Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream for delightful topping contrasts.
Now you're all set to create your Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake! Enjoy crafting this delicious treat that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Heavenly Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake
Step 1
Start by preparing the raspberry filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh or frozen raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cold water, and fresh lemon juice. Over medium heat, stir the mixture continuously until it starts to simmer and thicken, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool before transferring it to the refrigerator.
Step 2
While the raspberry filling is cooling, prepare the cake and cream layer. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, half-and-half (or evaporated milk), granulated sugar, lemon zest, and optional lemon extract. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture. Set the cream mixture aside once it's well combined and fluffy.
Step 3
Next, assemble your dessert in a large trifle dish, glass bowl, or a 9x13 inch dish. Start by adding half of the cubed angel food cake to the bottom, creating an even layer. This fluffy base will form the heart of your heavenly raspberry cream angel food cake. Gently press the cake pieces together for a better hold while layering, ensuring every piece is slightly compressed.
Step 4
Dollop half of the cooled raspberry filling over the layer of angel food cake. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so that every bite will burst with raspberry goodness. Following the raspberry layer, add half of the whipped cream, spreading it generously over the top. Repeat these layers with the remaining angel food cake, raspberry filling, and whipped cream, ending with a lovely cloud of whipped cream that gives a beautiful finish.
Step 5
Finally, cover the assembled raspberry cream angel food cake with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 2 hours, but if you can wait, letting it rest for up to 24 hours will intensify the flavors. During this time, the softness of the angel food cake will meld beautifully with the rich creamy layers, creating an unforgettable dessert experience. Serve chilled, and enjoy this delightful summer treat!
What to Serve with Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake?
Complement your delightful dessert with these exciting pairings that enhance its fruity flavor!
- Fresh Mixed Berries: A bowl of assorted berries adds a fresh touch, highlighting the cake’s raspberry goodness.
- Tart Lemon Sorbet: Serve alongside a scoop of lemon sorbet to accentuate the zesty lemon in your cake. The refreshing coldness will make each bite a chill experience.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream brings a rich contrast to the lightness of the cake, creating a dreamy texture combination.
- Minty Green Salad: A salad with fresh greens, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette will cleanse the palate and cut through the sweetness of the dessert.
- Champagne or Prosecco: These bubbly beverages bring a touch of elegance, perfect for summer celebrations or special occasions, making the whole experience feel more festive.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies: These cookies add an extra lemony crunch, providing a delightful texture contrast to the soft layers of angel food cake.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: For a tropical twist, this whipped cream variant adds a creamy, slightly sweet taste that pairs beautifully with the fruitiness of the cake.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: A classic treat that offers a luscious indulgence, perfect for dipping between bites of your raspberry creation!
- Iced Herbal Tea: A refreshing drink like iced hibiscus tea or mint tea can provide a cooling effect alongside the dessert, making it a wonderful combination for warm weather.
How to Store and Freeze Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake
Fridge: Store any leftover raspberry cream angel food cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out.
Freezer: You can freeze individual portions by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They will maintain their quality for up to 2 months, though the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen pieces, simply move them to the fridge 4-6 hours before serving. This gentle thawing method helps retain the creamy texture of your raspberry cream angel food cake.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this dessert; serve it chilled for the best flavor and mouthfeel.
Expert Tips for Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake
- Plan Ahead: Prepare your raspberry filling a few days in advance and store it in the fridge to save time on the day of serving.
- Mix with Care: Don’t overmix the cream cheese layer; a few lumps are okay! It keeps the texture light and fluffy.
- Layering Technique: Use enough angel food cake to ensure even distribution of cream filling. Aim for a 1:1 ratio for a balanced flavor.
- Flavor Boost: For an intense lemon flavor, consider adding lemon curd between the layers. It complements the raspberry filling nicely!
- Substitutions Allowed: Customize your dessert! Replace raspberries with a triple berry blend or strawberries for a unique twist on the classic raspberry cream angel food cake.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free angel food cake for a delightful dessert that everyone can enjoy!
Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine while preparing this delightful dessert!
- Triple Berry Blend: Substitute raspberries for a mix of blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries for a vibrant twist. The flavors meld beautifully for a refreshing treat!
- Blackberries: Use fresh blackberries in place of raspberries for a slightly sweeter and richer filling. This change adds a delicious depth to each bite.
- Strawberries: Swap in fresh strawberries and mash them slightly to create a fruity version that’s perfect for lovers of all things berry! The natural sweetness balances the dessert perfectly.
- Lemon Curd: Layer in some lemon curd alongside the raspberry filling for an extra punch of citrus flavor. This combination will brighten up your dessert even more!
- Cubed Lemon Bread: Replace the angel food cake with cubed lemon bread for a delightful twist that infuses a zesty flavor, adding more complexity to each mouthful.
- Stabilized Whipped Cream: For longer-lasting fluffiness, stabilize your whipped cream with gelatin; this is perfect if you plan to serve it at a gathering or event.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the whipped topping combined with lactose-free cream cheese for a delightful dairy-free dessert!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top before serving for a luxurious finish that pairs surprisingly well with the tangy raspberry. Just a little can elevate this dessert to something truly special!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Heavenly Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake in advance is a breeze! You can make the raspberry filling up to 3 days ahead; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its vibrant flavor. Additionally, the cream cheese mixture can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When ready to serve, just layer the prepped ingredients with the cubed angel food cake and whipped cream. This enhance the overall freshness of the dessert while saving you valuable time on busy days. By chilling the assembled cake for at least 2 hours, or ideally up to 24 hours, you'll ensure each layer is perfectly infused, resulting in a delicious treat that's just as heavenly as if it were freshly made!
Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake Recipe FAQs
Can you add raspberries to cake mix?
Absolutely! You can fold in fresh or frozen raspberries directly into the cake batter before baking. Just be mindful that the extra moisture might slightly alter your cake's texture, so ensure the batter isn't too runny. Use about one cup of raspberries for a delightful burst of flavor!
Why do diabetics eat angel food cake?
Angel food cake is often a favorable option for diabetics because it is naturally low in fat and sugar compared to other desserts. Its airy texture and sweetness provide a satisfying treat without overwhelming sugar content. However, it's wise for those with diabetes to monitor portion sizes and balance their overall meal plan.
What is the secret to a good angel food cake?
The key to a perfect angel food cake lies in whipped egg whites; they must be beaten until stiff peaks form, which provides that airy texture everyone loves. Make sure to use room-temperature eggs for better volume. Additionally, fold the flour mixture carefully to maintain airiness—overmixing can lead to a denser cake.
How do you store leftover raspberry cream angel food cake?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the dessert fresh and prevents it from drying out. Be sure to cover it well to maintain flavor and texture; you can also place plastic wrap directly over the surface of the dessert before sealing the container.
Can you freeze raspberry cream angel food cake?
Certainly! To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. This will preserve their quality for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy, just transfer the portions to the fridge for 4-6 hours to thaw gently, ensuring the creamy texture remains lovely.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! You can easily make this raspberry cream angel food cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free angel food cake mix or storing homemade versions made without wheat flour. This way, everyone can indulge in this delightful dessert without worry. Just be sure all other ingredients, like cream cheese and flavorings, are gluten-free too!
Heavenly Raspberry Cream Angel Food Cake: The Ultimate Summer Delight
Ingredients
Method
- Start by preparing the raspberry filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the raspberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cold water, and fresh lemon juice. Over medium heat, stir continuously until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and cool in the refrigerator.
- While the raspberry filling cools, prepare the cake and cream layer. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, half-and-half, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and optional lemon extract. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside.
- In a large dish, layer half of the cubed angel food cake. Press together for better hold while layering.
- Dollop half of the cooled raspberry filling over the layer of angel food cake, spreading evenly. Add half of the whipped cream, spreading generously. Repeat layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with whipped cream.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours for better flavor melding. Serve chilled.
Nutrition
Notes
- Plan Ahead: Prepare the raspberry filling a few days in advance.
- Mix with Care: A few lumps in the cream cheese layer are okay.
- Layering Technique: Aim for a 1:1 ratio of angel food cake to cream filling.
- Flavor Boost: Add lemon curd between the layers for extra flavor.
- Substitutions Allowed: Use a triple berry blend or strawberries as alternatives.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free angel food cake.
