Cherry Angel Squares
A light and creamy dessert featuring fluffy angel food cake layered with cherry pie filling and vanilla pudding, perfect for gatherings and those craving a fruity, indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break angel food cake into chunks and place half in the bottom of a 9 x 9-inch pan.
- Spread cherry pie filling over the cake layer.
- Top with the remaining cake chunks.
- Mix the instant vanilla pudding with milk as directed on the package.
- Stir in sour cream into the pudding mixture.
- Pour the pudding mixture over the layered cake and cherry filling.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the angel food cake is completely cool before breaking it up. If you want a fruitier flavor, consider adding fresh cherries or other berries alongside the cherry pie filling. You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy twist, or use almond milk for a dairy-free version. This dish can also be made with lemon pudding for a refreshing alternative.
Serving Suggestions
These Cherry Angel Squares are perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light dessert after a heavy meal. Serve chilled, and consider pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. They also make a delightful end to a meal of savory dishes like Cheese Strata With Zucchini.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the cake's texture, avoid covering it tightly, as this can make the cake soggy. It's best served chilled, so there's no need to reheat—just enjoy it straight from the fridge!
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Angel Squares contains roughly 351 calories, with 7g protein, 65g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 483mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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 use a different type of fruit filling?
Absolutely! While cherry pie filling is delicious, you can easily swap it for other fruit fillings like blueberry, strawberry, or even peach. Just keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness will vary, so you might want to adjust the amount of sugar in the pudding mixture if you choose a less sweet fruit filling.
How long should I refrigerate the dessert?
It’s recommended to refrigerate the Cherry Angel Squares for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best flavor and texture. This allows the pudding mixture to set properly and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more enjoyable dessert experience when served.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! Cherry Angel Squares are a great make-ahead dessert. You can assemble the layers and pudding mixture a day before serving. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. This not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, making it a perfect choice for parties or gatherings.
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).