Fruit And Angel Dessert
A light and fruity layered dessert featuring angel cake, pineapple, whipped topping, and toasted coconut, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or casual gatherings with sweet, tropical flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Break the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange half of the cake pieces in the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Top with half of the undrained crushed pineapple and cherries.
- Spread half of the Cool Whip over the layers.
- Sprinkle half of the toasted flaked coconut on top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, ending with Cool Whip and coconut.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using sugar-free Cool Whip and fresh pineapple instead of canned. You can also add a splash of coconut extract to enhance the coconut flavor. If you don't have flaked coconut, shredded coconut can work as a substitute, but make sure to toast it for added flavor. This dessert can be easily customized by adding layers of berries or bananas for extra fruitiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing dessert chilled, either in individual cups or directly from the baking dish. It pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, garnish with additional toasted coconut or fresh mint leaves. This dessert is perfect for potlucks or summer gatherings, complementing dishes like the Traveling Jello Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions. To reheat, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving again, as this dessert is meant to be enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fruit And Angel Dessert contains roughly 238 calories, with 3g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 9g 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 make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert is perfect for making a day in advance. In fact, allowing it to chill overnight lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can make your own whipped cream using heavy cream and a bit of sugar. Alternatively, for a dairy-free option, try coconut whipped cream, which will enhance the coconut flavor of the dessert.
Can I use a different type of cake?
While angel food cake gives a light and airy texture, you can experiment with other sponge cakes if preferred. Just keep in mind that the texture and sweetness may change, so adjust the layering and flavors accordingly to maintain balance.
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).