Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert: Light, Creamy & Delicious!
Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert: Light, Creamy & Delicious! : if you are looking for a light and refreshing dessert, you’ve come to the right place. The Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion. With its fluffy angel food cake, creamy layers of sweetened cream cheese, and fresh blueberries, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, hosting a barbecue, or simply want something sweet after dinner, this dessert is a great choice. Let’s dive into how to create this delightful dessert!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
There are many reasons to love this Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert. First, it is incredibly light and airy, making it a great treat for warm weather. Unlike heavier desserts, this cake won’t weigh you down. Second, the combination of flavors is simply delicious. The sweetness of the blueberries pairs perfectly with the creamy texture of the filling. Third, it is easy to make! You don’t need to be a professional baker to create this stunning dessert. Finally, it is visually appealing, making it a perfect centerpiece for your dessert table. Once you serve this dessert, everyone will be asking for seconds!
How to Prepare Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert
Now let’s get started on how to prepare this delightful dessert. Below are the ingredients you will need, followed by step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients:
- For the angel food cake:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of egg whites (about 8-10 eggs)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cream of tartar (optional for stabilization)
- For the cream cheese filling:
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
- For the blueberry topping:
- 2 cups of fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions:
- Make the Angel Food Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar if you are using it. Continue beating the egg whites until they form soft peaks.
- Gradually add the remaining ¾ cup of granulated sugar to the egg whites while continuing to beat until you get stiff peaks.
- Gently fold in the flour mixture and the vanilla extract. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites.
- Pour the batter into an ungreased angel food cake pan. Spread it evenly and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, invert the pan and let the cake cool completely upside down.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
- Then add the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be sure to mix carefully to keep the filling light and airy.
- Make the Blueberry Topping:
- In a medium bowl, combine the fresh blueberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Gently toss to coat the blueberries evenly in the sugar and lemon juice.
- Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the blueberries to release some of their juices.
- Assemble the Dessert:
- Once the angel food cake has cooled, remove it from the pan. Use a serrated knife to cut the cake into two or three layers, depending on how thick you want each layer.
- Place one layer of the cake on a serving platter. Spread a layer of the cream cheese filling over the top.
- Add a layer of the blueberry mixture, spreading the blueberries evenly.
- Repeat this process with the remaining layers, finishing with blueberries on top.
How to Serve Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert
The Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert is best served fresh. You can serve it as a whole dessert on a platter, or slice it into individual servings. Adding a few extra blueberries on top can make each piece more appealing. You can also accompany the dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
If you are serving this dessert during a party or gathering, it makes a lovely centerpiece. Guests will be drawn to its vibrant colors and light appearance.
How to Store Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert
If you have any leftovers (though they might be rare!), you can store the Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert in the refrigerator. Cover the dish with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It is best to eat the dessert within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.
If you want to freeze the dessert, it is better to freeze the angel food cake separately from the cream filling and blueberry topping. You can freeze the layers and then assemble them fresh when you are ready to serve.
Tips for Preparing Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert
- Be Gentle with Egg Whites: When mixing the egg whites, remember to be gentle when folding in the flour mixture. Beating too hard can deflate the egg whites, and this will affect the lightness of your cake.
- Fresh Blueberries are Key: Using fresh blueberries makes a big difference in taste. If you can’t find fresh ones, you can use frozen blueberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing. Cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy filling.
- Chill the Cake: If you can, chill the assembled dessert for an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes slicing easier.
- Use a Serrated Knife: When slicing the angel food cake, use a serrated knife. This helps to create clean cuts without squashing the layers.
Variations
While the Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert is delicious as is, you can also experiment with different flavors. Here are a few variations to consider:
- Mixed Berries: Instead of just blueberries, try using a mixture of berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The combination of flavors can add an exciting twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the top of the assembled dessert. This adds a rich flavor that pairs nicely with the cream and berries.
- Lemon Zest: Adding a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese filling can give it a refreshing citrusy flavor that complements the blueberries.
- Sugar Substitutes: If you want to make this dessert a bit healthier, feel free to substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or a sugar alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought angel food cake?
- Yes, you can use store-bought angel food cake to save time. Just be sure to check the ingredients for any additives or preservatives if you are concerned about quality.
- How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
- Angel food cake pans are specifically designed to be ungreased, which helps the cake rise. Just make sure to cool the cake upside down on a bottle to keep its structure.
- Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
- Yes! You can make the angel food cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Prepare the cream cheese filling and blueberry topping on the same day you intend to serve it for maximum freshness.
- Is it possible to substitute the heavy cream?
- For a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or use a whipped topping. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor might change slightly.
- What is the best way to cut the angel food cake?
- To cut the cake without it falling apart, use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion. This will help you achieve clean slices without squishing the cake.
In conclusion, the Heavenly Blueberries and Cream Angel Dessert is a delightful, refreshing, and light dessert that brings joy to any gathering. Follow the steps we’ve outlined, and watch as this dessert wins hearts and taste buds! Whether you make it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, enjoy every bite!
