Light And Fluffy Strawberry Angel Food Dessert

Name: Light And Fluffy Strawberry Angel Food Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup egg whites (about 8 large eggs); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup cake flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar; 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Highlighted under: Light Food Studio

I absolutely adore whipping up this Light and Fluffy Strawberry Angel Food Dessert. It’s light as air and bursts with fresh flavors that remind me of summer days. The delicate texture combined with the sweetness of strawberries creates a heavenly treat that is perfect for any gathering. I love how it’s simple to make yet impresses everyone who tries it. Plus, this dessert is low in calories and truly satisfies that sweet tooth without any guilt, making it a go-to in my kitchen.

Created by

Arielle Baxter

Last updated on 2026-02-23T18:33:36.532Z

When I first discovered this recipe, I was amazed at how something so light could be so flavorful. Mixing the fluffy angel food cake with fresh strawberries and a hint of vanilla has become an absolute go-to in my house. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering, and everyone raved about how refreshing it was. It’s a winner, and I love that it reminds me of my childhood summer picnics.

The technique of folding the strawberries into the fluffy cake batter really helps maintain that light texture. One tip I’ve learned is to use the freshest strawberries you can find; it truly elevates the entire dessert. The contrast of the airy cake with sweet strawberries creates a delightful combination that I know you’ll love as much as I do.

Why You'll Love This Dessert
Fluffy and airy texture that melts in your mouth
Fresh strawberries add a burst of sweetness
Perfect for summer gatherings or light indulgence

Mastering the Angel Food Cake

The secret to a perfect Angel Food Cake lies in how you whip the egg whites. Make sure your mixing bowl is completely free of any grease; even a trace can prevent the egg whites from achieving the necessary volume. When beating the egg whites with cream of tartar, keep a close eye on them. You want to stop mixing as soon as they reach soft peaks—fluffy and slightly droopy. Gradually adding the sugar while continuing to beat helps create a stable structure, essential for the signature fluffy texture of the cake.

Once you've folded in the flour and salt, be gentle to avoid deflating the whipped egg whites. Use a rubber spatula for the folding process, keeping motion light and careful. The goal is to integrate the ingredients while maintaining as much air as possible. After pouring the batter into the tube pan, refrain from greasing the pan—this allows the cake to cling to the sides while rising, resulting in that beautiful height and airy texture.

The Art of Macerating Strawberries

Macerating the strawberries is key to enhancing their flavor and creating the perfect topping. The process draws out the natural juices, allowing the sugar to dissolve and form a syrup that coats the fruit. For best results, slice the strawberries just before macerating to ensure they can absorb the flavors effectively. Let them sit for at least ten minutes after mixing in the sugar and lemon juice, but feel free to let them go longer for an even juicier topping; just keep an eye on them to prevent them from getting too mushy.

Lemon juice serves a dual purpose in this recipe; it not only enhances the sweetness of the strawberries but also adds a subtle tang that balances the flavors. If you're looking for alternatives to lemon juice, vinegar could work as a substitute, although I recommend sticking with lemon for that refreshing zest. You can also try adding a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of mint for an additional layer of complexity in your strawberry topping.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients for Angel Food Cake

1 cup egg whites (about 8 large eggs)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup cake flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

Ingredients for Strawberry Topping

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your dessert:

Prepare the Angel Food Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and have an ungreased 10-inch tube pan ready. In a large bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the flour and salt, and finally mix in the vanilla. Pour the batter into the tube pan without greasing and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.

Cool the Cake

Immediately invert the tube pan onto a wire rack and cool completely. This will help maintain its airy structure.

Prepare the Strawberry Topping

In a bowl, mix the sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, and let them sit for about 10 minutes to macerate.

Assemble the Dessert

Once the cake is cool, carefully remove it from the pan and slice it. Layer the cake with the macerated strawberries, adding more on top. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Enjoy your dessert with family and friends!

Pro Tips

Using ripe strawberries will enhance the flavor of this dessert. You can also substitute other seasonal fruits if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This Light and Fluffy Strawberry Angel Food Dessert shines when served chilled, making it an ideal make-ahead option for summer gatherings. To present impressively, consider layering slices of cake in individual parfait glasses with the strawberry topping in between, adding a dollop of whipped cream on top. Not only does this elevate the visual appeal, but it also creates a delightful texture combo of cake, fruit, and cream in each bite.

If strawberries are out of season, feel free to substitute them with other fruits like raspberries or peaches, which will also pair beautifully with the lightness of the cake. For a festive touch, consider drizzling a homemade berry coulis over the top or garnishing with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.

Storage Tips

To maintain the airy texture of the Angel Food Cake, it's best to store it at room temperature, covered lightly with plastic wrap. Avoid refrigerating it, as the cold can make it dense. Ideally, consume the cake within two to three days for the best flavor and texture. If you've made the strawberry topping ahead of time, store it separately in the refrigerator in a sealed container, where it will keep well for up to three days as well.

If you're planning to make this dessert in advance, consider baking and cooling the cake, storing it without the topping, and adding the macerated strawberries right before serving. This way, you can enjoy the freshness without compromising the delicate structure of the cake.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dessert in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the cake in advance, but it's best to assemble it just before serving to keep the strawberries fresh.

→ What can I do if I don't have cake flour?

You can make your own cake flour by measuring out 1 cup of all-purpose flour, removing 2 tablespoons, and replacing it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.

→ Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.