There’s something about the light, airy texture of angel food cake paired with luscious cherries and creamy layers that just feels like a celebration in every bite. This Cherry Angel Food Cake Trifle Recipe is a refreshing, no-fuss dessert that’s perfect when you want something impressive but easy to throw together.

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 Trifle Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cherry Angel Food Cake Trifle Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cherry Angel Food Cake Trifle Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cherry Angel Food Cake Trifle Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to desserts because it’s so simple, yet has a wow factor. The layers bring out the best in each ingredient — fluffy cake, creamy cheese, and sweet-tart cherries — and trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Super Easy Prep: Uses store-bought angel food cake to save loads of time without compromising taste.
Layered Goodness: The contrast between the airy cake, creamy filling, and juicy cherries is irresistible.
Customizable: You can tweak the cream layer or swap cherry pie filling for fresh cherries with a homemade glaze for a seasonal twist.
Perfect for Entertaining: It looks elegant in a trifle dish but comes together in minutes—ideal for last-minute guests.

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

Each ingredient in this Cherry Angel Food Cake Trifle Recipe plays a special role, balancing texture and flavor beautifully. Plus, with a mix of things you likely have or can easily grab at the store, it’s friendly for any weeknight or weekend gathering.

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: Its airy, light texture soaks up the flavors without becoming dense or mushy.
Cream Cheese: Adds tang and richness that complements the sweetness of the cherries.
Confectioner’s Sugar: Dissolves quickly into the cream cheese for a smooth, sweet finish.
Whole Milk: Thins out the cream cheese just enough for a silky spreadable consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Frozen Whipped Topping: Keeps the cream layer light and fluffy—Cool Whip is my go-to for this.
Cherry Pie Filling: Provides that vibrant, juicy burst of cherry flavor and a glossy, beautiful finish.

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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

I love how flexible this Cherry Angel Food Cake Trifle Recipe is. Sometimes I stick with the classic layering, but other times I mix things up depending on the season or occasion. The best part? It’s easy to personalize, so feel free to get creative!

Variation: One time, I folded fresh chopped strawberries into the cream layer instead of using cherry pie filling and it was a delightful surprise—lighter and perfect for summer picnics.
Dietary Swap: You can use dairy-free cream cheese and whipped topping to make this vegan-friendly. It turns out just as delicious!

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

Step 1: Prep the Angel Food Cake

Start by tearing or cutting the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces. I prefer tearing by hand because it feels more rustic and helps keep the cake airy. Spread these pieces evenly in the bottom of a 9x13 inch dish—you want a nice, even layer that will support the cream without getting soggy too fast.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat the softened cream cheese with the confectioner’s sugar until smooth. Then pour in the milk and vanilla extract, mixing until it's silky and well combined. The next step is folding in the thawed whipped topping gently—this lightens the whole mix and gives it that fluffy, luscious texture. Don’t rush this part; folding keeps the airiness intact.

Step 3: Layer Your Trifle

Spread the cream cheese mixture over your angel food cake layer as evenly as possible. Then, spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream layer, spreading gently. I like to use the back of a large spoon and do it slowly to avoid mixing the layers. These defined layers are what make this recipe visually stunning.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight if you can wait! This not only helps the layers meld beautifully but also prevents the angel food cake from getting soggy too quickly. When you’re ready to serve, the trifle should be set but still fluffy and moist.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cherry Angel Food Cake Trifle Recipe a bunch of times, a few key tips really help it shine. These are little things you might not expect but make a big difference in texture and flavor!

Softening the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature when mixing to avoid lumps and get a smooth cream layer.
Folding, Not Stirring: When you add the whipped topping, gently fold it in to keep the fluffiness intact. I’ve learned stirring makes the cream heavy.
Layering Carefully: Spread each layer gently to keep them distinct. This makes the trifle look stunning and also keeps textures pleasant.
Don’t Skip Chilling: The flavor melding happens overnight. Without chilling, the cake can get soggy and the cream might not set properly.

How to Serve Cherry Angel Food Cake Trifle Recipe

cherry angel food cake - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually add a few fresh cherries on top or a sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds for a little crunch and flair. Sometimes a light dusting of powdered sugar or a curl of white chocolate adds an elegant touch without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

This dessert pairs wonderfully with simply brewed coffee or a light dessert wine if you’re celebrating. I also love serving it after a fresh salad and grilled chicken for a balanced, light meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try layering the trifle in clear individual glasses or mason jars. It looks incredible and makes serving a breeze. I did this once for a summer barbecue, and my friends loved having their own personal parfait of cherry goodness!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover your trifle tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, though honestly, it’s rare to have leftovers! The flavors even deepen a bit as it chills longer.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal due to the delicate whipped cream and cake texture—they can get watery or change consistency. I recommend making just what you need or sharing the love before it spoils!

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t really a thing here. If the cream layer firms up too much, letting it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving softens it nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes! Fresh cherries can be a great alternative. You'll want to pit and slice them, then toss with a little sugar and lemon juice to create a quick glaze. This fresh version makes your trifle lighter and more seasonal, especially in summer.

Can I prepare this trifle the day before?

Absolutely – in fact, making the trifle the day before helps the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What's the best way to keep the angel food cake from getting soggy?

Layering carefully and chilling properly are key. Spread the cream layer gently over the cake and avoid mixing layers too much. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let everything set without the cake getting too soggy.

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and a vegan whipped topping alternative. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and light.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Angel Food Cake Trifle Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dessert that anyone can make look and taste spectacular, no matter your cooking skill. I recommend giving it a try for your next gathering or when you want a light, fruity dessert that feels like a treat. Once you make it, I bet it’ll become one of your favorites, just like it did for me.