Strawberry Angel Shortcake

Strawberry Angel Shortcake Recipe - A Delicious Dessert from USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: This recipe makes 8.

Introduction

Strawberry Angel Shortcake is a delightful and light dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the airy texture of angel food cake. This recipe is perfect for a summer gathering or a special occasion.

History

Angel food cake is a type of sponge cake that originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is known for its light and fluffy texture, which is achieved by using whipped egg whites as the leavening agent. The addition of strawberries and whipped cream to angel food cake creates a delicious and refreshing dessert known as Strawberry Angel Shortcake.

Ingredients

1 package (16 oz (454 g)) of one-step angel food cake mix
3 pt (1.42 liter) baskets of California strawberries
sugar
0.5 cup of whipped and sweetened whipping cream*
0.75 cup of prepared hot fudge sauce*, at room temperature
2 tbsp of amaretto liqueur or 0.25 tsp of almond extract

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare the cake batter according to the package instructions.
Spoon 0.5 cup of batter into each of eight 6 oz (170 g) non-greased ovenproof custard cups, filling them no more than two-thirds full.
Spoon the remaining batter into a non-greased 9 x 5 inches loaf pan and refrigerate it.
Place the custard cups spaced apart on a baking sheet and bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the tops are dark golden brown.
Cool the custard cups completely on racks.
Meanwhile, bake the loaf pan for about 35 minutes, or until the top is dark golden brown.
Cool the loaf pan and remove the cake from it as directed on the package; set it aside for another use.
Set aside eight strawberries with caps for garnish.
Stem and slice the remaining strawberries into a bowl.
Sweeten the sliced strawberries with sugar as needed, then cover and chill them.
Using a thin sharp knife, remove the cakes from the custard cups and halve them horizontally with a serrated knife.
In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, mix the fudge sauce with amaretto or almond extract and heat it just until warm.
To assemble the desserts, spoon 1.5 tbsp of fudge sauce onto each of eight dessert plates.
Place the bottom halves of the cakes on the plates.
Cover the cakes with sliced strawberries and cake tops.
Spoon more sliced strawberries over the cakes.
Top each dessert with 2 tbsp of whipped cream and garnish with a whole strawberry.
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Variation: If you prefer a lighter dessert, replace the fudge sauce with prepared nonfat fudge sauce and the whipped cream with light whipped topping.

Variations

For a lighter version of this dessert, use nonfat fudge sauce and light whipped topping instead of the full-fat versions.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to follow the package instructions for the angel food cake mix to ensure the best results.

- Cooling the custard cups completely before removing the cakes will help them retain their shape.

- Sweeten the sliced strawberries with sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.

- Heating the fudge sauce with almond extract adds a rich and nutty flavor to the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Strawberry Angel Shortcake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the angel food cake in custard cups creates individual servings that are easy to assemble and serve.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the almond extract with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the angel food cake in advance and assemble the Strawberry Angel Shortcake just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each serving of Strawberry Angel Shortcake with a fresh strawberry for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Strawberry Angel Shortcake with a glass of sparkling wine or champagne for a special occasion.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Strawberry Angel Shortcake in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Strawberry Angel Shortcake contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Strawberry Angel Shortcake contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Strawberry Angel Shortcake contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Strawberry Angel Shortcake contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and folate. Angel food cake is low in vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, dairy, and wheat.

Summary

Strawberry Angel Shortcake is a light and refreshing dessert that is relatively low in calories and fats. It is a good source of carbohydrates and provides some essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Strawberry Angel Shortcake is a delicious and light dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its airy angel food cake, sweet strawberries, and rich fudge sauce, this dessert is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Strawberry Angel Shortcake. It was a warm summer day, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the pages, I came across a faded, handwritten recipe that caught my eye. The title at the top read "Strawberry Angel Shortcake" and beneath it were a list of ingredients and instructions that seemed simple enough.

I had always loved baking, and the thought of combining fluffy angel food cake with sweet strawberries and whipped cream sounded like a dream come true. I knew I had to give this recipe a try.

I began by gathering all the necessary ingredients: angel food cake mix, fresh strawberries, sugar, and whipped cream. I followed the instructions carefully, mixing the cake batter and pouring it into a round pan. As the cake baked in the oven, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation.

While the cake cooled, I washed and sliced the strawberries, sprinkling them with sugar to bring out their natural sweetness. Once the cake had cooled completely, I sliced it in half horizontally, creating two layers. I carefully spread the whipped cream on the bottom layer and arranged the sugared strawberries on top. Finally, I placed the second layer of cake on top and topped it with more whipped cream and strawberries.

As I stood back and admired my creation, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. This Strawberry Angel Shortcake looked like something straight out of a magazine, and I couldn't wait to share it with my family.

When my husband and children came home that evening, they were greeted with the delicious scent of freshly baked cake. Their eyes lit up when they saw the Strawberry Angel Shortcake sitting on the dining room table, and they eagerly dug in.

With each bite, they exclaimed over the light and airy texture of the angel food cake, the juicy sweetness of the strawberries, and the creamy richness of the whipped cream. It was a hit, and my family declared it the best dessert they had ever tasted.

From that day on, the recipe for Strawberry Angel Shortcake became a staple in our household. I would make it for special occasions, birthdays, and holidays, and it never failed to impress. Friends and neighbors would often ask me for the recipe, and I would gladly share it with them, passing on the joy and satisfaction that came from creating such a delicious dessert.

Over the years, I continued to refine the recipe, experimenting with different variations and additions. I added a splash of vanilla extract to the whipped cream for extra flavor, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for a decadent touch. Each time I made the Strawberry Angel Shortcake, it brought back fond memories of that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe in my grandmother's old cookbook.

As I grew older, I began to realize the importance of preserving and passing down family recipes. They were more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; they were a connection to the past, a way to keep memories alive, and a way to show love and care for those we shared them with.

Now, as I sit here writing this story, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the delicious meals and desserts I have created over the years. Each recipe holds a special place in my heart, but none more so than the Strawberry Angel Shortcake that started it all. It will always be a reminder of the joy and passion I have for cooking and sharing with others.

So, if you ever come across a faded, handwritten recipe for Strawberry Angel Shortcake in an old cookbook, I urge you to give it a try. Who knows, it may just become a family favorite and a cherished memory for years to come.