Dessert

Strawberry Heaven Recipe

Byrami Hayes January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Introduction

Strawberry Heaven is a light and refreshing dessert that combines fluffy angel food cake with creamy layers and fresh strawberries. This no-bake treat is perfect for warm days when you want something sweet yet airy.

A square glass dish shows a layered strawberry dessert with four clear layers visible: the bottom layer is white and creamy, followed by a thick layer of red strawberries, then a fluffy white cream layer, and the top layer is covered with bright red sliced strawberries glazed with a shiny syrup. The dish sits on a wooden cutting board on a surface with a white marbled texture. Nearby, a wooden bowl is filled with whole fresh strawberries, and white plates also hold strawberries and a bowl of whipped cream. A woman's hand holds a gold-colored spoon next to the dish, ready to serve. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 angel food cake
1 (16 ounce) container Cool Whip
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 (3 ounce) package strawberry Jell-O
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Make the glaze by combining 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, strawberry Jell-O, lemon juice, and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 2: Gently fold the sliced strawberries into the cooled glaze to coat them evenly. Set aside.
Step 3: Tear the angel food cake into 1-inch pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine the cake pieces with 2 cups of Cool Whip, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish to form the base layer.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the leftover Cool Whip gently and spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cake layer.
Step 5: Pour the strawberry glaze mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, spreading it carefully for full coverage.
Step 6: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for 2 to 3 hours to allow it to chill and set before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in the topping.
For a tangier twist, add a small amount of fresh lemon zest to the cream cheese layer.
If you prefer, substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a richer taste.
Try adding a handful of chopped nuts into the cake base for extra crunch.

Storage

Store Strawberry Heaven covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To serve, you can enjoy it chilled directly from the fridge. For the best texture, avoid freezing as it may change the consistency of the cream layers and glaze.

How to Serve

A clear glass rectangular dish holds a three-layer strawberry dessert placed on a white marbled texture. The bottom layer is a golden-brown cake base with a slightly crumbly texture. Above it is a thin, bright red strawberry jelly-like layer. The middle layer is thick, fluffy white whipped cream, topped with a glossy layer of fresh, halved strawberries in a vibrant red sauce that drips slightly over the sides. A small green mint leaf sits in the center for garnish. In the background, out of focus, a stack of white plates with a spoon rests, along with whole strawberries scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries work best for texture and appearance, you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Drain excess liquid before mixing with the glaze to prevent sogginess.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This dessert is not gluten-free if the angel food cake contains wheat flour. You can substitute a gluten-free angel food cake or another gluten-free light cake to make it suitable.