If you’re craving a light, creamy, and irresistibly fruity dessert, this Strawberry Heaven recipe truly lives up to its name. Layers of fluffy angel food cake, smooth vanilla cream, and glossy strawberries come together to create a no-bake dessert that feels indulgent yet refreshing.

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Perfect for summer parties, family gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you need a sweet escape, this dessert is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. One bite delivers a balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors that keeps everyone coming back for more.

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Ingredients

For the Cake Layer

1 angel food cake, torn into bite-sized pieces
1 (16-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed

For the Cream Layer

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Strawberry Topping

1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (3-ounce) package strawberry gelatin
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Glaze

In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, strawberry gelatin, lemon juice, and water.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens.
Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

2. Coat the Strawberries

Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the warm glaze until evenly coated.
Set aside to cool completely.

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3. Create the Cake Base

In a large bowl, combine torn angel food cake with about two-thirds of the whipped topping.
Mix gently, then press the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.

4. Make the Creamy Layer

Beat the softened cream cheese with remaining sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the remaining whipped topping and spread evenly over the cake layer.

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5. Add the Strawberry Layer

Spoon the strawberry mixture evenly over the cream layer, smoothing the top gently.

6. Chill and Set

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or until fully set before serving.

Pro Tips

Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for the best natural sweetness
Allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for a smoother texture
Stir the glaze constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a glossy finish
Chill thoroughly to allow clean slices and perfect layers

Why This Recipe Works

Combines light cake with rich cream for perfect texture contrast
No-bake preparation makes it ideal for warm weather
Simple ingredients create bakery-style results
Easy to scale for gatherings and celebrations

Substitutions & Variations

Swap strawberries for raspberries or mixed berries
Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version
Replace angel food cake with pound cake for a richer base
Add a thin graham cracker crust for extra crunch

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide

Make-Ahead

Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and keep refrigerated.

Storage

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Not recommended—this dessert is best served chilled.

Serving Ideas

Garnish with fresh strawberry slices
Add a dollop of whipped topping on each slice
Serve alongside iced tea or lemonade
Perfect for potlucks, holidays, and summer cookouts

Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 34g

Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes. Thaw completely and drain excess liquid before using.

Does this dessert need gelatin?

Yes, it helps create the glossy, firm strawberry topping.

Can I freeze Strawberry Heaven?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change when thawed.

How long does it need to chill?

At least 2 hours, though overnight chilling yields the best results.

Strawberry Heaven is the kind of dessert that turns simple ingredients into something unforgettable. Creamy, fruity, and refreshingly light, it’s the perfect make-ahead treat for any occasion. Once you try it, this easy no-bake dessert will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.