Pineapple Custard Angel Food Dessert
A light, creamy dessert with pineapple and angel food cake, topped with Cool Whip and coconut, perfect for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing treat. Ideal for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook sugar, salt, flour, and egg yolks in the top of a double boiler until thickened.
- Remove from heat and add the orange-pineapple Jell-O. Set aside to cool.
- Stir in the crushed pineapple (including juice).
- Fold the cooled mixture into stiffly beaten egg whites.
- Pinch the angel food cake into small pieces and cover the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch cake pan with them.
- Pour the custard mixture over the cake pieces.
- Top with Cool Whip and sprinkle with coconut.
- Refrigerate overnight before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your egg whites are beaten to stiff peaks before folding them into the custard mixture. You can substitute the orange-pineapple Jell-O with any fruit-flavored gelatin for a different twist. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar by half without sacrificing flavor. Additionally, using fresh pineapple instead of canned can enhance the dish's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dessert chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added texture and flavor. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light main dish like grilled chicken or a fresh salad to balance the sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best served chilled, so there's no need to reheat it. If the dessert becomes too watery after a day, gently stir before serving to bring back its creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pineapple Custard Angel Food Dessert contains roughly 551 calories, with 16g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 533mg per serving (23% 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 ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this dessert tastes even better when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.
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 until soft peaks form. This will give you a delicious, fresh topping that complements the custard perfectly.
Can I use a different type of cake?
While angel food cake is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with sponge cake or even a pound cake for a denser texture. Just keep in mind that the dessert's overall sweetness and texture may vary slightly.
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).