Save This luscious no-bake creation features airy angel food cake cubes layered with sweet strawberry filling and creamy vanilla pudding. The smooth pudding blend enriched with sour cream is spread over fruit and cake layers, then topped with whipped topping and optional almonds and fresh strawberries. After chilling, it becomes a perfect summer treat with refreshing flavors and a light texture. Simple to assemble and ideal to serve chilled for gatherings or celebrations.
My neighbor Sarah brought this over after I had my third baby, and I ate half the dish standing at my kitchen counter at 2am. Something about those fluffy cake cubes suspended in creamy pudding just whispered comfort in the most exhausted season of life.
Last summer I made this for my daughters birthday instead of a traditional cake, and the kids went absolutely feral over it. Watching them dig through the layers to find the strawberry treasure pockets was better than any candle moment.
Ingredients
- Angel food cake: Store bought works perfectly here, but if you are feeling ambitious, homemade adds that extra cloud like texture
- Strawberry pie filling: The canned version creates those gorgeous ribbons of red, though homemade strawberry compote works beautifully too
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Make sure your milk is ice cold for the thickest, most luxurious pudding layer
- Sour cream: This secret ingredient adds just the right tang to cut through all that sweetness
- Whipped topping: Let it thaw completely in the fridge for easier spreading that will not tear your pudding layer
Instructions
- Build your foundation:
- Start with half those angel food cubes nestled into the bottom of your trifle dish, creating an even carpet that will soak up all those strawberry juices.
- Add the ruby ribbons:
- Spoon half your strawberry pie filling over the cake, letting it sink into all those little nooks and crannies.
- Repeat the magic:
- Layer the remaining cake cubes followed by the rest of the strawberry filling, watching those red pockets multiply.
- Whisk up clouds:
- In a separate bowl, beat that cold milk into instant pudding until thick, then fold in sour cream and vanilla until you have something silky and pale.
- Create the blanket:
- Gently spread your pudding mixture across the strawberry layers, taking care not to drag those red ribbons up into the white.
- Top with fluff:
- Spread your thawed whipped topping over everything like a snowy winter landscape.
- Finish with flair:
- Scatter those sliced almonds and fresh strawberry slices across the top like edible confetti.
- Patience pays off:
- Pop this beauty in the fridge for at least two hours, though overnight makes everything marry together into something even more sublime.
Save My mother in law asked for the recipe after taking one bite, and I had to confess it was mostly cans and boxes. Sometimes the most deceptive desserts taste the most homemade.
Make It Your Own
Raspberry or cherry pie filling work beautifully in place of strawberry. I have even mixed half strawberry and half raspberry for a jewel toned masterpiece that made everyone pause.
Lightening Things Up
Sugar free pudding and light whipped topping transform this into something you can serve to your fitness focused friends without any guilt. The texture remains just as dreamy, though I find the full fat version hits differently during birthday season.
Serving Suggestions
This dessert needs to be served cold, so plan accordingly. A chilled glass dish also keeps those layers perfectly defined for that first gorgeous scoop.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves right before serving for a pop of green
- A sparkling rosé pairs surprisingly well with all those strawberries
- Portion into individual mason jars for a portable potluck contribution
Save There is something deeply satisfying about a dessert that looks like you spent hours but actually lets you get back to your guests.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cake is used in the layers?
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Light and airy angel food cake is cut into cubes to create delicate layers that soak in the flavors without becoming soggy.
- → Can I substitute the strawberry filling?
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Yes, raspberry or cherry pie filling can be used to create alternative fruit flavors while keeping the dessert moist and flavorful.
- → How long should the dessert chill before serving?
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Allow at least 2 hours in the refrigerator to let the layers set and flavors meld perfectly. Overnight chilling works well for deeper taste.
- → Is it necessary to use sour cream in the creamy layer?
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Sour cream adds smoothness and tang to the pudding mix, enhancing the creaminess and balancing the sweetness of the fruit layers.
- → What toppings work best for this dessert?
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Whipped topping provides a light finish, while sliced almonds and fresh strawberries add texture and freshness. Mint leaves are also a nice garnish option.
