Mary'S Cherry Angel Treat
A creamy, sweet cherry angel treat layered with angel food cake, perfect for gatherings, featuring smooth cream cheese, whipped topping, and vibrant cherries for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, gradually add powdered sugar to the softened cream cheese and beat until fluffy.
- Fold in the Cool Whip.
- Add the broken pieces of angel food cake and gently mix to combine.
- Spread the mixture into a large cake pan.
- Top with cherries.
- Cover and chill for at least 2 to 3 hours, or preferably overnight for best flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute in place of powdered sugar. If cherries aren’t available, feel free to substitute with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a different flavor. Make sure to gently fold in the Cool Whip to maintain the fluffy texture. This treat can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, similar to One-Two-Three-Four Cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cherry Angel Treat chilled, garnished with additional fresh cherries or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an elegant touch. It pairs well with light beverages like iced tea or lemonade, making it a perfect summer dessert. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside light salads or even as a sweet ending to a savory dish like Noni'S Celery Mushroom Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the angel treat fresh, avoid topping it with cherries until just before serving. If you prefer a chilled dessert, it can be served straight from the fridge, but let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes for better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary'S Cherry Angel Treat contains roughly 727 calories, with 9g protein, 158g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (18% of the Daily Value) and calcium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1013mg per serving (44% 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 in advance?
Yes, this Cherry Angel Treat is perfect for making ahead. It tastes best when chilled for at least 2 to 3 hours, but overnight in the refrigerator allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just remember to add the cherries right before serving to keep them fresh.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can whip heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract to create your own whipped topping. This will give you a fresh flavor and a satisfying texture that works very well in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cherry Angel Treat is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal-derived products aside from dairy. Just ensure that the cream cheese and Cool Whip you use do not contain any gelatin, which can sometimes be present in certain brands.
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).