Little Gracies Shower Dessert
A light, fruity frozen dessert layered with angel food cake, pineapple, cherries, and whipped cream, perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream the sugar and egg yolks until fluffy.
- Gradually add the milk and transfer to a heavy 2-quart saucepan.
- Bring to a boil on medium heat and cook until slightly thickened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon jello. Let it cool.
- When cooled, add the drained crushed pineapple.
- Whip the cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the beaten egg whites and whipped cream into the cooled mixture.
- Cut the angel food cake into thin slices.
- Place half of the cake slices in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
- Pour half of the creamed mixture over the cake layer.
- Sprinkle half of the maraschino cherry halves over the mixture.
- Repeat with the second layer of cake slices, creamed mixture, and cherries.
- Freeze the dessert for at least 8 hours.
- Remove from freezer 30 minutes before serving.
- Cut into squares and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener. If you prefer a different flavor, try using orange or lime jello instead of lemon. Ensure the pineapple is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the dessert. For an added crunch, consider folding in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is perfect for warm weather gatherings and can be served alongside fresh fruit or a light sorbet. For a beautiful presentation, garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a cherry on top. It pairs beautifully with Frosty Fudge Pie for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a month. To enjoy, simply remove the dessert from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows it to soften slightly for easier slicing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Little Gracies Shower Dessert contains roughly 638 calories, with 30g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C.
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 cake instead of angel food cake?
Yes, you can substitute angel food cake with a sponge cake or a light vanilla cake if you prefer. Just be aware that it may alter the texture slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How long does this dessert need to freeze before serving?
The dessert should be frozen for at least 8 hours to ensure it sets properly. For best results, prepare it the day before you plan to serve it, allowing ample time for freezing.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dessert is great for making ahead. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance, keeping it tightly covered in the freezer until you're ready to serve it. Just remember to let it thaw slightly before cutting.
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).