Strawberry Angel Cake

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Light as a cloud and bursting with fresh berry flavor, Strawberry Angel Cake is the ultimate dessert for spring and summer. This dreamy treat features soft, fluffy angel food cake smothered in billowy whipped cream and piled high with juicy strawberries. It’s a showstopper that’s deceptively simple to make, yet impressive enough for holidays, birthdays, or just because you’re craving something sweet.

What makes this cake so special is the harmony of textures—the airy cake, the creamy topping, and the vibrant berries all come together in one luscious bite. It’s a dessert that feels indulgent but is surprisingly light, making it a favorite for those who love a sweet finish without feeling weighed down.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Angel Cake

This cake is a dream for so many reasons! First, it requires minimal baking skills—perfect for beginners or anyone short on time. The base is a classic angel food cake, which you can make from scratch or buy pre-made to save even more time. It pairs beautifully with homemade whipped cream and ripe strawberries, creating a fresh, no-fuss dessert that everyone will rave about.

It’s also a great option for lighter eating. With no butter or heavy frosting involved, you get a satisfying sweet with fewer calories. And the presentation? Absolutely stunning. Whether you serve it in slices or as a centerpiece on a cake stand, it looks just as good as it tastes.

What Kind of Strawberries Should I Use?

For the best flavor and appearance, use fresh, ripe strawberries that are in season. Look for bright red berries with shiny skin and green, vibrant caps. If you can’t find fresh strawberries, frozen can work too—just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid watering down the cake.

You can also mix it up with different berry varieties like sliced strawberries and whole ones on top for extra texture and visual appeal. Organic strawberries are a great choice if available, especially since they’re often eaten raw in this dessert.

---

Ingredients for the Strawberry Angel Cake

Each ingredient in this cake plays a key role in building its texture, flavor, and overall beauty.

• Angel Food Cake: This is the base of the dessert. You can make it from scratch with egg whites, sugar, and cake flour, or grab a store-bought one for convenience.
• Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of the show. Their natural sweetness and juiciness balance the lightness of the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps macerate the strawberries, drawing out their juices to create a sweet strawberry syrup.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: When whipped, this becomes a soft, fluffy topping that coats the cake in delicious richness.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without adding graininess.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the whipped cream.

How To Make the Strawberry Angel Cake

Step 1: Prep the Strawberries

Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Toss them with granulated sugar in a bowl and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This process, called maceration, brings out their juices and enhances their sweetness.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream

In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Don’t overwhip—you want the texture to be light and billowy.

Step 3: Layer the Cake

If using a whole angel food cake, carefully slice it into 2 or 3 layers horizontally. Spread a layer of whipped cream and spoon some of the macerated strawberries and juice between each layer.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Use the remaining whipped cream to generously cover the outside of the cake. Create swirls or peaks for a pretty texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Top the cake with whole or halved strawberries. Chill the finished cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

---

Serving and Storing Strawberry Angel Cake

Strawberry Angel Cake is best served chilled, which makes it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for gatherings. Its refreshing taste and light texture are especially welcome after heavier meals. This cake easily feeds 8 to 10 people, making it ideal for parties, family dinners, or potlucks.

To store, cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the strawberries may release more juice over time. If you want the cleanest slices, assemble just before serving or store the components separately and put them together when ready to eat.

What to Serve With Strawberry Angel Cake?

Fresh Mint Tea

The herbal notes of mint tea pair beautifully with the fruity sweetness of the cake, making it a refreshing combo.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Serve a scoop on the side to add creaminess and an extra layer of indulgence.

Lemon Sorbet

A tart sorbet offers a nice contrast to the sweetness and makes for a light, palate-cleansing side.

Sparkling Rosé

The bubbles and berry notes in a sparkling rosé make it a sophisticated pairing.

Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries

Double down on the strawberry theme with this chocolatey twist.

Whipped Cream Topped Lattes

A creamy latte with a hint of sweetness complements the airy cake without overpowering it.

Fresh Fruit Salad

Balance the dessert course with a medley of other fresh fruits for a vibrant, refreshing plate.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Make sure to thaw them completely and drain off excess liquid before using, to avoid making the cake soggy.

How far in advance can I make this cake?
You can prepare the components a day ahead: macerate the strawberries, whip the cream, and bake (or buy) the cake. Assemble it a few hours before serving for best texture and appearance.

Is this cake suitable for people with dairy allergies?
If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the whipped cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut whipped topping. Be sure to check labels for any hidden dairy ingredients.

Can I add other fruits to the cake?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even peaches would pair beautifully. Just keep the fruit soft and juicy so it blends well with the whipped cream and sponge texture.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add liqueur or leave it out? Did you try chocolate on top?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake smarter.

Find more of my favorite desserts and daily kitchen creations on my Pinterest: Meals We Share By Sally

Conclusion

Strawberry Angel Cake is everything you want in a warm-weather dessert—light, fruity, beautiful, and easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this cake delivers on all fronts. Fresh strawberries and airy cake wrapped in clouds of cream create a slice of pure happiness. Give it a try and enjoy every bite!

---

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?