Strawberry Angel Food Cake Parfaits

Name: Strawberry Angel Food Cake Parfaits
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups angel food cake, cubed; 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Baking Ideas

I absolutely adore making Strawberry Angel Food Cake Parfaits, especially when the fresh strawberries are in season. The light and fluffy angel food cake combined with creamy whipped cream and sweet, juicy strawberries create a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite. It's simple yet elegant, making it perfect for entertaining or just treating myself on a sunny afternoon. If you're looking for something refreshing and delicious, this recipe will surely satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things light.

Created by

Emma Parker

Last updated on 2026-02-27T16:45:41.320Z

Creating these Strawberry Angel Food Cake Parfaits was an exciting culinary adventure for me. The vibrant color of the strawberries layered with the soft cake and whipped cream was simply beautiful. I decided to use homemade angel food cake for a lighter, airier texture, and it complemented the strawberries perfectly. The key is to use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness.

As I layered the ingredients, I realized how versatile this parfait recipe could be. You can easily swap out the strawberries for other seasonal fruits, like peaches or blueberries, depending on what you have on hand. This provides a delicious twist on the classic recipe while still keeping it refreshing and light!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fluffy angel food cake that melts in your mouth
Sweet strawberries bursting with flavor in every bite
Amazing presentation for any gathering

Why Fresh Strawberries Matter

Using fresh strawberries is crucial for this parfait recipe. The brightness and sweetness of in-season strawberries elevate the dessert significantly. When selecting strawberries, look for firm, deep red berries with a strong fragrance. This indicates ripeness and full flavor. If fresh berries aren't available, you can opt for frozen strawberries but plan to thaw them beforehand to maintain the parfait's textural balance.

In addition to their taste, fresh strawberries also provide a lovely visual appeal. Their vibrant color and juicy texture contrast beautifully with the fluffy angel food cake and creamy whipped cream. For enhanced presentation, consider using different varieties of strawberries, like heirloom types, which can add unique flavors and colors to your parfait.

Mastering the Whipped Cream

Whipping the cream to the right consistency is key to achieving the perfect texture for your dessert. Start with chilled heavy cream and a cold mixing bowl, which helps the cream whip faster and achieve maximum volume. Beat the mixture on medium speed until it forms stiff peaks—this typically takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Overwhipping can lead to a grainy texture, so keep an eye on it once it starts to thicken.

For an even richer flavor, you can infuse the cream with other ingredients, such as a splash of almond extract or a hint of citrus zest. Just be sure to balance any additional flavors so they complement rather than overpower the strawberries and cake.

Ingredients

For the Parfaits

2 cups angel food cake, cubed
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Enjoy crafting your parfaits!

Instructions

Prepare the Whipped Cream

In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip on medium speed until stiff peaks form.

Layer the Ingredients

In serving glasses or bowls, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of angel food cake cubes, followed by a layer of sliced strawberries, and then a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the glasses are full.

Garnish and Serve

Top with a few additional strawberry slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for garnish. Serve immediately or chill for up to an hour before serving.

Delight in your delicious creation!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of lemon juice to the strawberries before layering. This brightens up the overall taste and adds a refreshing zing!

Make-Ahead Tips

This Strawberry Angel Food Cake Parfait can be prepared in advance for convenience. You can prepare the angel food cake and whipped cream a day ahead and store them separately. The cake can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature, while the whipped cream should be refrigerated until it's time to assemble. Keep in mind that whipped cream is best fresh, so I recommend making it closer to serving time if possible.

When assembling, consider layering the parfaits 1 to 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld while maintaining the cake's airy texture. However, avoid chilling the parfaits for too long, as the cake can start to absorb moisture, losing its lightness.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different fruits to customize your parfaits! Besides strawberries, you can incorporate blueberries, raspberries, or sliced peaches, which pair wonderfully with the creamy richness of the whipped cream. Just ensure that the fruit is ripe and in season for the best flavor experience.

Consider adding a layer of citrus curd or a fruit compote between the layers for an extra flavor punch. This not only enhances the taste but also introduces an appealing textural contrast, making your parfaits even more delightful.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the angel food cake and whipped cream ahead of time. However, it's best to assemble the parfaits right before serving to keep the cake fresh.

→ What other fruits can I use?

Apart from strawberries, feel free to use blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches for a delicious twist.

→ Is it possible to use store-bought angel food cake?

Absolutely! If you're short on time, a store-bought angel food cake works well as a convenient alternative.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, though the texture may change slightly.