Ambrosia Dessert Bowl
A creamy, fruity dessert with marshmallows, whipped cream, pineapple, oranges, coconut, and pound cake, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 20 large marshmallows ⓘ
- 2 cups heavy cream, divided ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sugar ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz) can crushed pineapple, well drained ⓘ
- 1 cup flaked coconut ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz) loaf frozen pound cake, thawed and cubed
- 5 to 6 large navel oranges, peeled and sectioned ⓘ
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted ⓘ
Instructions
- Place marshmallows and 1/4 cup of heavy cream in the top of a double boiler; heat over boiling water until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Cool completely.
- Meanwhile, whip the remaining cream until thick.
- Add sugar to the whipped cream and beat until combined.
- Fold the whipped cream into the marshmallow mixture.
- Fold in vanilla extract, almond extract, crushed pineapple, and flaked coconut.
- Place half of the pound cake cubes in the bottom of a 2 1/2 to 3-quart clear glass bowl.
- Top with half of the orange sections.
- Top with half of the cream mixture.
- Repeat layers with remaining pound cake, oranges, and cream mixture.
- Sprinkle the top with toasted slivered almonds.
- Chill until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using whipped topping instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute the crushed pineapple with fresh pineapple for a fresher taste. If you're short on time, pre-made pound cake can be used instead of thawing a loaf. Additionally, feel free to mix in other fruits like berries for added flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Ambrosia Dessert Bowl as a delightful end to a meal, especially with grilled meats or a light salad. It pairs beautifully with Chewy Coconut Cookies for a sweet treat. For added elegance, garnish with additional toasted almonds or a sprig of mint on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Ambrosia Dessert Bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It's best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat. If you notice the layers starting to separate, give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ambrosia Dessert Bowl contains roughly 602 calories, with 8g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Ambrosia Dessert Bowl a day in advance?
Yes, you can prepare this dessert a day ahead. Just assemble the layers and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, it's best to add the toasted almonds just before serving to keep them crunchy.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use whipped topping or even Greek yogurt. For a dairy-free alternative, coconut whipped cream can also work well, maintaining the coconut flavor of the dessert while catering to dietary restrictions.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just ensure that the pound cake you use is labeled gluten-free. There are many good gluten-free bread options available now. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dessert a great choice for gluten-sensitive guests.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).