Quick Apricot Dessert Cake
A quick, fruity dessert featuring apricot nectar and angel food cake, topped with whipped cream and nuts, perfect for a light, sweet treat suitable for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix apricot nectar, sugar, and cornstarch together and cook until thick and clear.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring to the mixture.
- Break an angel food cake apart in a 9 x 12-inch pan.
- Pour the hot apricot mixture over the cake.
- Allow to cool.
- Cover with Cool Whip and sprinkle with ground pecans or slivered almonds.
- Chill the dessert.
- Cut into squares to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using a sugar substitute tailored for baking. If you don't have almond flavoring, vanilla extract can work as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, you might also add a splash of lemon juice to the apricot mixture. Ensure to stir continuously while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. It pairs beautifully with Five-In-One Fruit Salad for a refreshing side. Consider garnishing each square with a sprig of mint for added color and flavor, making it perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the cake fresh, avoid adding the Cool Whip until serving. If you have leftover dessert, it can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature; reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if preferred warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Apricot Dessert Cake contains roughly 554 calories, with 1g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% 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 use fresh apricots instead of apricot nectar?
Yes, you can use fresh apricots, but you'll need to puree them and adjust the sugar to taste. Fresh apricots will provide a different texture and flavor profile, so ensure they are ripe for the best results.
Is it possible to make this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! Since the main components are apricot nectar and cornstarch, this dessert is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the angel food cake you choose is made with gluten-free ingredients or consider making a gluten-free version at home.
How can I make this dessert more festive for special occasions?
To make the dessert more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles on top of the Cool Whip or fresh berries as a garnish. You could also layer the dessert in individual cups for a more elegant presentation, making it perfect for celebrations.
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).