The Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert is a delightful treat that will impress guests at any gathering. This layered dessert combines fluffy angel food cake with luscious blueberries and a creamy filling, making it perfect for summer parties, holiday celebrations, or simply for enjoying after dinner. Its light texture and vibrant flavors stand out, making it a favorite for those who love desserts that aren’t overly heavy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this dessert requires minimal effort while still delivering impressive results.
- Deliciously Versatile: Perfect for various occasions, from potlucks to family dinners, this dish can be enjoyed year-round.
- Beautiful Presentation: The layered look of the dessert makes it visually appealing, enhancing your table setting.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh or frozen blueberries brings a burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the filling.
- Crowd Pleaser: This dessert serves 12 and is sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for an easier cooking experience. Having everything organized helps streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or electric mixer
- Trifle dish or large glass bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking your blueberry filling evenly without burning.
- Blender or electric mixer: Helps achieve a smooth cream mixture quickly, making the preparation effortless.
- Trifle dish or large glass bowl: Ideal for showcasing the beautiful layers of your dessert.
Ingredients
For the Blueberry Filling
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 to 1 tablespoon)
For the Cake and Cream Layer
- 1 angel food cake cut into 1-inch cubes
- 16 ounces light or regular cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 2/3 cup half-and-half or evaporated milk
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
For the Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
How to Make Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert
Step 1: Prepare the Blueberry Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cold water, and lemon juice. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until thickened, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking. Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Make the Cake and Cream Layer
In a blender or using an electric mixer (handheld or stand), whip together the softened cream cheese, half-and-half (or evaporated milk), and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Combine with Cake Cubes
If you used a blender, transfer the cream mixture into a bowl. Gently fold in the angel food cake cubes until they are well-coated in the creamy mixture. Depending on your cake size, you might not use all cubes; add just enough until they are thickly covered.
Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream
In another bowl, beat together heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This creates a light whipped topping that enhances your dessert’s texture.
Step 5: Assemble Your Dessert
Using a trifle dish or large glass bowl (or even a 9×13-inch pan), begin layering by spreading half of the angel food cake mixture at the bottom. Top with half of your prepared blueberry filling, dolloping it across evenly. Spread half of your whipped cream on top of that layer. Repeat these layers again; they do not have to be perfect—embrace a bit of messiness!
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover your assembled dessert with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. You can keep it chilled for up to 24 hours for optimal flavor blending.
Enjoy indulging in this Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert, perfect for sharing with friends and family!
How to Serve Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert
Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dessert is versatile and sure to impress.
Individual Parfaits
- Layer the dessert in small glasses for individual servings. This not only looks appealing but also allows each guest to enjoy their own portion.
Family-Style Serving
- Present the dessert in a large trifle dish. Allow guests to serve themselves, creating a communal feel that’s perfect for gatherings.
Garnish with Fresh Mint
- Add a sprig of fresh mint on top of each serving. This adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor profile with its refreshing taste.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- For those who enjoy chocolate, drizzle some chocolate sauce over the top before serving. It provides an indulgent twist to the already sweet dessert.
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Pair the dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The creamy texture complements the blueberries and cream layers beautifully.
How to Perfect Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert
To make your Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert even more special, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Ripe Blueberries: Select plump, ripe blueberries for the best flavor. They will add sweetness and juiciness to your dessert.
- Chill Ingredients: Ensure all dairy ingredients are well-chilled before use. This helps achieve a better texture when whipping cream and makes it easier to fold in.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your blueberry filling before assembling. If you prefer it sweeter, feel free to add a bit more sugar according to your taste.
- Layer Creatively: Don’t worry about making perfect layers; embrace a haphazard look! This adds character to your presentation and makes it feel homemade.
- Make Ahead: Prepare your dessert in advance. Letting it chill for several hours or overnight enhances the flavors as they meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert
Pairing side dishes with your Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this sweet treat well.
- Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing palate cleanser that provides a citrus contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the dessert.
- Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese enhance flavors while providing savory elements.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love nuts, these bars offer crunch and sweetness that pairs well.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These add an elegant touch with their rich flavor and beautiful presentation.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm drink serves as a perfect accompaniment, balancing out the sweetness of the dessert.
- Shortbread Cookies: Their buttery texture complements the creamy layers nicely while adding crunch.
- Vanilla Yogurt: A dollop on the side offers creaminess without overpowering the main dessert’s flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making the Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can diminish the final result.
- Ignoring the cooling time: Allow the blueberry filling to cool completely before mixing it with other ingredients. This prevents the cream layer from becoming runny.
- Overmixing the cream cheese: Avoid whipping the cream cheese mixture too long. Overmixing can introduce air and lead to a grainy texture instead of a smooth, creamy layer.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for sugar and cornstarch to ensure the perfect balance of sweetness and thickness in your dessert.
- Using stale angel food cake: Make sure your angel food cake is fresh. Stale cake won’t absorb flavors properly, impacting the taste and texture of your dessert.
- Skipping refrigeration time: Don’t rush this step! Letting your dessert chill for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Freezing Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert
- Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months.
- To prevent freezer burn, wrap well with plastic wrap before sealing.
Reheating Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and warm for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on low power in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Place in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I customize my Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert?
You can add different fruits like strawberries or raspberries for variety. Also, consider using flavored whipped cream or adding a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance. It’s best served after chilling for at least two hours, so making it ahead enhances the flavors.
What should I do if my blueberry filling is too runny?
If you find your filling is too runny, you can try adding more cornstarch mixed with cold water while cooking. This will help thicken it up as it simmers.
Can I substitute other types of cake?
Absolutely! While angel food cake is traditional, you could use pound cake or sponge cake as alternatives if you prefer a denser base.
Final Thoughts
The Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert is not only delicious but also versatile. Its light texture combined with the sweet blueberry flavor makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or toppings to make this dessert uniquely yours. Enjoy trying out this delightful recipe!
Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert
Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert is the perfect summer treat, combining light and fluffy angel food cake with a luscious blueberry filling and creamy layers. This delightful dessert features vibrant flavors and a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests at any gathering. Whether it’s a family dinner, holiday celebration, or just a sweet indulgence after dinner, this recipe is versatile and easy to make. With fresh blueberries bringing a burst of flavor and a creamy filling that’s not overly heavy, this dessert is sure to satisfy every sweet tooth.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 to 1 tablespoon)
- 1 angel food cake (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2/3 cup half-and-half or evaporated milk
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the blueberry filling by combining blueberries, sugar, cornstarch, cold water, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until thickened (about 5-7 minutes) then cool.
- In a blender or mixer, whip cream cheese with half-and-half and sugar until smooth.
- Gently fold in angel food cake cubes into the cream mixture until well coated.
- Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- In a trifle dish, layer half of the angel food mixture, blueberry filling, and whipped cream; repeat layers.
- Chill for at least two hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Use ripe blueberries for the best flavor. Chill all dairy ingredients for better texture when whipping. This dessert can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.