Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight) Recipe

If you love show-stopper desserts that are incredibly easy to make, you’re in for a treat: Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight) layers pillowy cubes of angel food cake, a dreamy vanilla cream filling, and a cascade of glossy cherry pie topping for a stunning, irresistible finale. Each spoonful is a cloud-soft bite studded with bursts of sweet-tart cherries—a no-bake dessert that never fails to dazzle guests and satisfy cravings for something light, fruity, and beautifully festive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the distinctive flavor, texture, and eye-catching look of Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight). You probably have some of these on hand already!

• Angel Food Cake: Buy a pre-made cake from the bakery or the grocery store—its tender, spongy texture ensures the perfect airy base for our layers.
• Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature, this creates the creamy, tangy backbone for the filling—don’t skip this step for maximum smoothness.
• Powdered Sugar: Dissolves effortlessly into the cream cheese, lending just the right amount of sweetness without grittiness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a gorgeous aromatic warmth that brings out the best flavors in the cream and the cake.
• Whipped Topping (like Cool Whip): Makes the filling ultra-light and fluffy; thaw completely for easy folding and smooth texture.
• Cherry Pie Filling: The crowning glory—ruby red, syrupy cherries that offer sweet-tart contrast against the pillowy layers.

How to Make Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight)

Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese Base

Start by adding the softened cream cheese to a large mixing bowl. Beat it on medium-high speed until silky and completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. This step ensures your filling is creamy, not lumpy, setting the foundation for a flawless dessert.

Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor

Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to your whipped cream cheese. Continue beating until the mixture is light, airy, and fluffy. The vanilla brightens up the tangy notes from the cream cheese, transforming it into a luscious, balanced filling.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold the thawed whipped topping into your sweetened cream cheese mixture. Use a wide spatula and smooth, sweeping strokes so you don’t deflate the whipped topping. The result should be a cloud-like, moussy mixture perfect for layering with cake.

Step 4: Layer the Angel Food Cake

Arrange half of your cubed angel food cake in the base of a 9×13-inch dish, making a fluffy, even layer. The cake acts as a light foundation, ready to soak up the creamy filling and juicy cherries while still holding its shape.

Step 5: Add Creamy Layers

Spread half of your whipped cream mixture over the angel food cake cubes, using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to cover every nook and cranny. This creamy blanket is what makes Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight) so uniquely decadent and soft.

Step 6: Repeat for Depth

Scatter the remaining angel food cake cubes on top, then smooth over the rest of the cream mixture. Building two full layers means every scoop captures a perfect ratio of cake and cream.

Step 7: Top with Cherries

Spoon the cherry pie filling evenly over the top layer of cream. Let the ruby cherry glaze drip enticingly over the snowy white surface—it’s both beautiful and delicious! Chill the entire dish for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to let the flavors meld and the cream set.

How to Serve Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight)

Garnishes

Dress up this dessert with extra flair by adding fresh mint leaves, a few extra dollops of whipped topping, or a sprinkling of white chocolate curls nestled among the cherries. The contrast of green and red makes it absolutely perfect for holidays and celebrations.

Side Dishes

Because Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight) is so light and fruity, it pairs well with other simple treats like chocolate-dipped strawberries or a bowl of mixed berries. If you want a beverage, opt for a cup of coffee or a scoop of lemon sorbet to refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dessert in a classic glass trifle bowl for a dramatic table centerpiece, or spoon it into individual parfait glasses for single servings at parties. Small mason jars or stemless wine glasses also make adorable portable versions for picnics or potlucks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and keep in the refrigerator. The dessert will hold up beautifully for 2 to 3 days, although the cake may become a bit softer as it absorbs the cream and cherry glaze. It’ll still taste just as dreamy!

Freezing

While Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight) is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual portions in airtight containers if needed. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight—note that the cream layer may become softer, but the overall flavor remains amazing.

Reheating

This is a strictly cold dessert, so skip the oven or microwave. If it’s been in the fridge, simply remove it a few minutes before serving so it’s perfectly cold and creamy. Serve straight from the fridge for best results.

FAQs

Can I make Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight) a day ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, making it the night before is ideal. Giving it time to chill helps the layers meld and the flavors to fully develop—leading to even tastier results when you serve it.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

Yes, you can substitute freshly whipped cream for the store-bought topping. Whip about 1 cup of heavy cream with a touch of sugar until stiff peaks form, then fold it in gently for the same fluffy effect.

What if I want to use a different fruit topping?

Feel free to experiment! Blueberry or strawberry pie filling works just as well, although the classic cherry is what makes this dessert feel like Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight). Mixing two flavors can also be a fun twist!

Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute a gluten-free angel food cake in place of the regular one. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free, but double-check labels just to be safe, especially the whipped topping and pie filling.

Can I prepare Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight) in smaller portions?

Definitely! Just layer everything in individual serving cups or jars instead of a large dish, adjusting ingredient amounts as needed. This makes serving super simple at gatherings and gives everyone their own stunning little parfait.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking an unforgettable, no-fuss treat that looks like a showpiece and tastes like pure comfort, there’s simply nothing like Cherries in the Snow (Angel Food Cake Delight). Share it at your next party or whip one up just for fun—you’ll fall in love with every creamy, cherry-filled layer. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new favorite!

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