Cherry Angel Treat
A light and creamy no-bake dessert combining angel food cake, cream cheese, and Cool Whip, topped with cherry pie filling—perfect for a sweet, easy-to-make treat for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat sifted powdered sugar and softened cream cheese in a large bowl until fluffy.
- Fold in Cool Whip and cubed angel food cake.
- Spread the mixture in a 9 x 13-inch or 9 x 9-inch dish.
- Top with cherry pie filling.
- Refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, then cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your cream cheese is well-softened before beating with the powdered sugar. If you prefer, you can substitute the cherry pie filling with other fruit toppings like blueberry or strawberry for a twist. You can also reduce the sugar slightly if you desire a less sweet dessert. Consider adding chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Cherry Angel Treat chilled, garnished with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture. This dessert pairs beautifully with Coconut Cheese Cake or can be enjoyed alongside a light Raspberry Salad Dessert for a refreshing meal. Consider serving with a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra indulgence.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture of the Cool Whip, avoid freezing this dessert, as it may become watery upon thawing. Simply cut and serve chilled straight from the fridge for the best taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Angel Treat contains roughly 497 calories, with 6g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 469mg per serving (20% 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 make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cherry Angel Treat can be made a day in advance. Just prepare and refrigerate as instructed, allowing the flavors to meld. It’s perfect for parties and gatherings, as it can be served right from the fridge without any additional prep.
Can I use a different type of cake?
Yes, while angel food cake is traditional for this recipe, you could use a sponge cake or a pound cake if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will differ slightly, but the overall dessert will still be delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cherry Angel Treat is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or meat-derived ingredients. Just make sure to check the label of the Cool Whip, as some brands may contain non-vegetarian additives. Most mainstream brands offer vegetarian options.
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).