Layered Strawberry Dessert

Strawberry Dessert Recipe with Layers of Flavor

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Layered Strawberry Dessert is a delightful and visually appealing dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the lightness of angel food cake and the creaminess of pudding and whipped cream. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat for yourself.

History

The origins of Layered Strawberry Dessert are unclear, but it is a popular dessert in many households and restaurants. The combination of strawberries, pudding, and whipped cream has been a classic dessert choice for many years, and this layered version adds a fun twist to the traditional recipe.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced
1 cup sugar
0.25 cup cornstarch
2.5 tbsp strawberry “jello” powder
1 cup cold water
1.75 cups cold milk
1 package instant vanilla pudding
5 cups cubed angel food cake
2.5 cups whipped heavy cream

How to prepare

In a pan, combine the 'jello' powder, sugar, and cornstarch.
Slowly add the water and stir until smooth.
Bring to a boil and cook, stirring constantly, until the syrup has thickened.
Remove from the heat.
Stir in the strawberry slices and set aside.
In a mixer, combine the cold milk and the pudding mix.
Beat on low for 2.5 minutes, or until thickened. Set aside.
In a clear glass bowl (to allow the colors to show), place half of the angel food cubes.
Pour half of the pudding over the cubes, followed by half of the strawberry mixture, and then half of the whipped heavy cream. Repeat the process.
Garnish with slivers of chocolate.
Your guests will experience luxury with every bite.

Variations

Use different fruits such as raspberries or blueberries instead of strawberries.
Substitute the angel food cake with pound cake or sponge cake for a different texture.
Add a layer of crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to slice the strawberries evenly to ensure that they are distributed evenly throughout the dessert.

- Make sure to let the pudding set before layering it with the other ingredients to prevent the layers from mixing together.

- Use a clear glass bowl to show off the beautiful layers of the dessert.

- Garnish with chocolate slivers for an extra touch of elegance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Layered Strawberry Dessert chilled for a refreshing and satisfying dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the strawberry mixture until it thickens to ensure that the layers hold together.

- Allow the pudding to set before layering to prevent the layers from mixing together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use sugar-free pudding mix and whipped cream for a lower calorie version of this dessert.

- Substitute almond or coconut milk for dairy milk for a dairy-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

Layered Strawberry Dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just be sure to add the whipped cream and garnish just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Layered Strawberry Dessert in individual glass cups for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or additional sliced strawberries for an extra pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Layered Strawberry Dessert pairs well with a glass of champagne or a cup of hot tea for a sophisticated dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Layered Strawberry Dessert in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the texture may change. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Layered Strawberry Dessert contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Layered Strawberry Dessert contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Layered Strawberry Dessert contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Layered Strawberry Dessert contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C and manganese, which are essential for overall health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk and whipped cream) and gluten (angel food cake), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Layered Strawberry Dessert is a delicious dessert that is relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Layered Strawberry Dessert is a delicious and visually stunning dessert that is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat for yourself. With layers of strawberries, pudding, angel food cake, and whipped cream, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Layered Strawberry Dessert. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through my old recipe box, filled with handwritten cards and clippings from magazines. As I sifted through the cards, my eyes landed on a stained and faded piece of paper tucked away in the back of the box. The title read "Layered Strawberry Dessert," and my mouth watered in anticipation.

I had never made this dessert before, but the combination of sweet strawberries, creamy filling, and crunchy crust sounded like a match made in heaven. I knew I had to give it a try. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, memories flooded back to me of the people and places where I had learned to cook over the years.

The recipe called for a graham cracker crust, which reminded me of my Aunt Millie, who had taught me how to make the perfect pie crust when I was just a young girl. She would always tell me, "The secret to a good crust is to use cold butter and to handle the dough as little as possible." I could hear her voice in my head as I mixed the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and pressed them into the bottom of the pan.

Next, I moved on to the creamy filling, which required cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped cream. The creamy texture brought back memories of my mother, who had always been known for her decadent desserts. She would spend hours in the kitchen, whipping up cakes and pies for special occasions. I could still smell the vanilla extract she used in her desserts, the scent wafting through the kitchen as she worked her magic.

The final layer of the dessert was fresh strawberries, sliced thinly and arranged on top of the creamy filling. The bright red berries reminded me of the summers I spent at my grandparents' farm, where we would pick strawberries by the bushel and eat them fresh off the vine. My grandmother would always say, "There's nothing like a sun-ripened strawberry straight from the garden."

As I assembled the layers of the dessert, I felt a sense of connection to the women who had taught me so much about cooking and baking. Each ingredient, each step in the recipe, held a memory of a loved one who had passed down their knowledge and skills to me. I knew that when I shared this dessert with my family, I would be passing on a piece of my own culinary history to the next generation.

When the dessert was finally finished, I couldn't resist taking a small taste. The flavors of the sweet strawberries, creamy filling, and crunchy crust melded together perfectly, creating a dessert that was both light and indulgent. I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my repertoire, a dish that I would make for special occasions and family gatherings for years to come.

As I sat down to enjoy a slice of the Layered Strawberry Dessert, I felt a sense of gratitude for all the women who had shaped me into the cook I was today. Their recipes, their techniques, and their love for good food had all come together in this simple yet delicious dessert. And as I savored each bite, I knew that their legacy would live on through me, in the dishes I cooked and the memories I shared with my own family.