Confetti Refrigerator Dessert
Confetti Refrigerator Dessert is a colorful, creamy treat perfect for parties and gatherings. Combining fluffy angel food cake with whipped cream, cherries, and marshmallows, it offers a sweet, light, and festive flavor. Its no-bake, make-ahead nature makes it ideal for entertaining and casual celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake and cool the angel food cake as directed on the package.
- Tear the cooled cake into about 1-inch pieces.
- Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Beat the chilled whipping cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream, drained maraschino cherries, and miniature marshmallows into the cream cheese mixture.
- Toss the cake pieces with the mixture and turn into a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Refrigerate until set, about 8 hours.
- Store any remaining dessert in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture. You can substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh berries for a different twist. If you don't have whipping cream, heavy cream can also work well, but make sure it's chilled for the best results. This dessert can be made a day ahead for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful dessert can be served in individual cups for a fun presentation. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream on top or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad, like the Million Dollar Salad, which balances the sweetness of the dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing this dessert as the texture will change. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it straight from the fridge; there's no need to reheat as it's best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Confetti Refrigerator Dessert contains roughly 457 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 40g fat.
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 flavor of cake mix?
Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of cake mix, such as chocolate or lemon, to create unique variations of this dessert. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor profile will change, so adjust the mix-ins accordingly to complement your chosen cake flavor.
How long does this dessert need to set in the refrigerator?
It's recommended to refrigerate the dessert for at least 8 hours to allow it to set properly. This resting time helps the flavors meld together and ensures the dessert holds its shape when served. If you can, making it a day in advance yields the best results.
Can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this dessert gluten-free by using a gluten-free angel food cake mix. Be sure to check the labels on all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. This substitution will allow those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this delicious treat without worry.
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).