Strawberry Heaven

Ingredients:

1 angel food cake, store-bought or homemade

1 (16 ounce) container of Cool Whip, thawed

8 ounces of 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 gelatin dessert

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 cup water

Instructions:

Begin your culinary adventure by slicing the angel food cake into three horizontal layers. This will form the base of your luscious dessert and provide a light, airy texture that perfectly complements the rich ingredients.

In a mixing bowl, whisk the softened cream cheese with half a cup of sugar and the vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend will infuse your pudding with a velvety richness that’s irresistible.

Gently fold in the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. This step is pivotal as it ensures the pudding retains a fluffy consistency that melts in your mouth.

Lay the bottom layer of your angel food cake in a serving dish. Spread a generous portion of the cream cheese and Cool Whip mixture over the cake layer. This will serve as a decadent foundation for the strawberries.

Next, take your quart of freshly sliced strawberries and layer them over the cream cheese mixture, reserving some for the garnish. The fresh strawberries will impart a burst of freshness in every bite, their natural sweetness perfectly balancing the creamy layers.

In a saucepan, combine the remaining half cup of sugar, cornstarch, strawberry Jell-O, lemon juice, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, until it thickens—about 5 to 7 minutes. The lemon juice’s bright acidity will accentuate the strawberries’ sweetness, while the Jell-O adds depth to the flavor profile.

Pour half of the gelatin mixture over the strawberries, allowing it to seep through the layers, adding a jewel-like glaze that not only looks stunning but adds a tantalizing texture.

Add the second layer of angel food cake and repeat the layering process with the cream cheese mixture and strawberries, finishing with the remaining gelatin mixture.

Crown your creation with the final layer of cake, and spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top, creating a smooth canvas that will be adorned with the remaining fresh strawberries.

Refrigerate your strawberry pudding for at least 2 hours, allowing it to set perfectly, ensuring each layer melds harmoniously with the next.

To serve, slice this strawberry heaven and watch as each layer reveals itself, the strawberry glaze glistening under the surface, promising a taste of luxury with every bite.