Mama'S Martha Washington Cake
A creamy, layered cherry cheesecake-like dessert with fluffy angel food cake, sweet cheese icing, and vibrant cherry filling, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- You may make your own angel food cake or buy one from the grocery.
- Split the angel food cake into three layers.
- Mix the cream cheese, Cool Whip, confectioner sugar, and granulated sugar to make the icing.
- Spread the icing on each layer and spoon cherry pie filling in between the layers.
- Top the cake with the remaining cherry pie filling and drizzle the juice down the sides of the cake.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 to 5 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter cake, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and sugar substitutes. You can also swap out the cherry pie filling for other fruit fillings like blueberry or raspberry for a different flavor profile. If you want extra texture, add chopped nuts or shredded coconut to the icing or between the layers. Make sure to refrigerate the cake long enough for the flavors to meld, ideally overnight.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mama's Martha Washington Cake chilled for the best texture and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or a light sorbet. This cake is an excellent choice for gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the cake moist, avoid cutting it until you're ready to serve. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in the microwave on low power for about 10-15 seconds, just to take the chill off, but be careful not to melt the icing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mama'S Martha Washington Cake contains roughly 143 calories, with 5g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the angel food cake with a sponge cake or even a pound cake for a denser texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor and moisture level may change slightly. If you opt for a denser cake, you might want to adjust the amount of icing to maintain balance.
How can I make this cake more festive for a special occasion?
To make the cake more festive, consider decorating the top with fresh cherries, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of grated chocolate. You can also add layers of colored fruit or use colored icing to create a more vibrant presentation, perfect for holidays or birthdays.
Is this cake suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this cake is suitable for vegetarians as it does not contain any meat or fish products. However, if you need it to be entirely dairy-free, you can look for non-dairy cream cheese and whipped topping alternatives. Always check the labels to ensure they meet your dietary preferences.
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).