Name: Cherry Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 14 ounces pre-made angel food cake; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup confectioner’s sugar; ½ cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 12 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed; 42 ounces cherry pie filling (two 21-ounce cans)

There’s something so light and nostalgic about a dessert that just feels like a cloud of sweetness—this Cherry Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe hits that mark perfectly. It combines fluffy angel food cake, a creamy, dreamy filling, and bright, juicy cherries for a treat that’s both elegant and comforting.

The image shows a close-up of a spoon holding a scoop of layered dessert. The dessert has three layers: the top layer is bright red cherry topping with visible whole cherries and shiny syrup; the middle layer is white and creamy, smooth in texture; the bottom layer is light yellow, resembling soft cake or biscuit pieces. The dessert is inside a white rectangular dish with a handle, and there is a red and white striped cloth nearby. The background has a soft focus with light colors and a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I couldn’t wait to share this recipe with you because it’s so easy to whip up, and yet it tastes like you spent hours making it. Over the years, I’ve found this cherry angel food cake dessert to be a showstopper at family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always the first dish to disappear.

Light &airy texture: The angel food cake gives this dessert a delicately fluffy base that pairs perfectly with creamy and fruity layers.
Simple prep: No fancy baking skills needed—perfect for when you want an impressive dessert without the fuss.
Versatile layering: You can serve it layered or mixed, adjusting texture and presentation based on your mood.
Refreshing flavor combo: Juicy cherries and smooth cream cheese sweetened with just the right touch of vanilla and sugar make every bite delightful.

A white rectangular ceramic dish filled with a thick, glossy, dark red layer of whole and halved cherries in a jelly-like sauce evenly spread across the top, showing a rich, shiny texture with some cherry pieces slightly embedded beneath the surface. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface next to a red and white striped cloth partially visible on the left side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The charm of this Cherry Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe lies in how each ingredient complements one another. The airy angel food cake lifts the dessert, while the cream cheese mixture adds richness without heaviness, and the cherry pie filling ties it all together with brightness and a little sweetness.

Flat lay of a torn angel food cake broken into bite-size pieces arranged neatly, a block of smooth cream cheese, a small white bowl filled with fine confectioner’s sugar, a small white bowl containing whole milk, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, a small white bowl of fluffy thawed whipped topping, and a simple white ceramic bowl holding glossy red cherry pie filling with whole cherries visible, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Angel Food Cake: Light and naturally sweet, this cake is like a sponge that soaks up flavors without collapsing.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Confectioner’s Sugar: Provides smooth sweetness without graininess—essential for that silky cream layer.
Whole Milk: Thins the cream cheese mixture just enough for easy spreading while keeping it rich.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
Frozen Whipped Topping: Lightens the cream cheese layer and adds that fluffy, dreamy texture everyone loves.
Cherry Pie Filling: The star fruit component; juicy, sweet, and vibrant, it adds a pop of flavor and color that makes this dessert unforgettable.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Since I first made this cherry angel food cake dessert recipe, I’ve discovered a few ways to put your own spin on it. The basic formula is pretty flexible, letting you tweak it to match your flavor cravings or dietary needs.

Variation: Sometimes, I mix the angel food cake pieces directly into the cream cheese mixture—this keeps things super quick if you’re serving it right away. But layering keeps the cake’s airy texture intact if you want it to hold up overnight.
Seasonal Twist: Swap out cherry pie filling for peach or mixed berry filling in summer for a fresh seasonal dessert.
Dietary adjustments: Try Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter feel, or use sugar-free pie filling and powdered sugar to reduce sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cherry Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Angel Food Cake Base

Start by tearing or cutting the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces. Arrange them evenly in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch dish. This is key to creating a soft yet structured base layer. I often use store-bought angel food cake because it saves time and tastes just as delightful.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and confectioner’s sugar until silky smooth. Once that's blended, add the milk and vanilla extract, and mix again until creamy and combined. Then, gently fold in the thawed whipped topping to lighten the texture. This creamy filling is what truly elevates the dessert.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the angel food cake layer so each bite is creamy and indulgent. Then, gently spoon the cherry pie filling on top, spreading carefully to keep those layers distinct. This separation means when you slice into it, you’ll get that beautiful contrast in textures.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Pop the whole dish into the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is ideal). This allows the flavors to mingle and the cake to absorb just the right amount of moisture without becoming soggy. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Top Tip

After making this dessert several times, I realized that how you handle the angel food cake makes all the difference in texture and overall enjoyment. These tips will save you those little frustrations I’ve had along the way.

Use Fresh Cake: The fresher the angel food cake, the fluffier and less crumbly it will be—avoid cake that’s been sitting out for days.
Softened Cream Cheese: Always let your cream cheese come to room temperature before beating. It blends more smoothly and avoids lumps.
Gentle Folding: When incorporating the whipped topping, fold gently to preserve that light and airy texture.
Chill Time: Don’t skip resting time in the fridge. It makes the dessert slice cleanly and lets the flavors meld.

How to Serve Cherry Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe

Cherry Angel Food Cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I like to keep things fresh and simple with a few extra cherries on top and maybe a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Sometimes, a sprig of fresh mint adds a lovely pop of color and brightness that guests always comment on.

Side Dishes

This dessert is a perfect finish to seasonal dinners. I've enjoyed pairing it with a cup of coffee or a simple sparkling wine to complement the sweet and fruity flavors without being too heavy. Sometimes, I serve fresh fruit salad alongside for an extra fresh component.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve layered this dessert in clear glass trifle bowls to show off those beautiful red cherry layers and creamy filling—that always gets oohs and aahs. Another time, I used individual parfait glasses for a personal touch that’s both elegant and easy to serve.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, the dessert keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s slice even more delicious.

Freezing

Although this cake is best fresh, I’ve tried freezing it in individual portions wrapped well in plastic and foil. After thawing overnight in the fridge, it still tastes great, but I don’t recommend freezing for long periods as the whipped topping can get watery.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! This dessert is best served cold or at room temperature. If you like, take it out of the fridge about 20 minutes before serving for the creamiest, most luscious texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Cherry Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, chilling the dessert for at least two hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set nicely. It's an excellent make-ahead option for parties or holidays.

Is store-bought angel food cake okay to use?

Absolutely! Store-bought angel food cake works perfectly in this recipe and saves a lot of time. Just be sure that the cake is fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Can I substitute the cherry pie filling?

Yes! You can try other fruit pie fillings like peach, blueberry, or mixed berries to customize the flavor to your liking. Just be sure to choose a filling that complements the creamy layers.

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

It’s a bit tricky because cream cheese and whipped topping provide the creamy texture. However, you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and coconut-based whipped toppings, but the flavor and texture may differ from the original.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Angel Food Cake Dessert Recipe is one of those classics that I always come back to when I want something that feels indulgent but isn’t heavy. It’s forgiving, fast, and endlessly adaptable. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll find it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser to brighten any day or celebration.