The secret is the delicious tunnel of no-bake cheesecake filling tucked inside the cake, surrounded by sweet, juicy strawberries. Then we cover the entire cake with fluffy whipped cream and decorate it with even more fresh strawberries for a pretty presentation.
This is one of those desserts that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it's surprisingly simple to put together. You can even make your own angel food cake if you have extra time, but using a store-bought cake makes this recipe quick and convenient.
I also included two cheesecake filling options, including a sugar-free version for those who prefer a diabetic-friendly alternative. Whether you're making this for a summer gathering, a holiday, a birthday, or just because you're craving something sweet, this strawberry-filled cake is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Angel Food Tunnel Cake
- Easy to make: Start with a store-bought angel food cake to save time.
- No-bake cheesecake filling: A creamy, delicious surprise hidden inside the cake.
- Fresh strawberry flavor: Juicy strawberries add natural sweetness and freshness.
- Light and fluffy: Angel food cake and whipped cream make every bite airy and delicious.
- Two filling options: Choose the traditional cheesecake filling or the sugar-free version.
- Beautiful presentation: The strawberry garnish makes this cake perfect for entertaining.
Tips for Making Angel Food Tunnel Cakes
- Use softened cream cheese: This helps prevent lumps in your cheesecake filling.
- Be gentle when cutting: Angel food cake is delicate, so use a sharp knife and avoid cutting all the way through the cake.
- Dry the strawberries: After washing, pat them dry so excess moisture doesn't thin the filling.
- Don't overfill: Add enough cheesecake filling and strawberries to fill the tunnel without forcing the cake apart.
- Chill before slicing: Refrigerating the cake helps the filling firm up and makes serving easier.
- Decorate just before serving: Fresh strawberries look especially pretty when added shortly before serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Strawberry shortcake style: Add a little extra whipped cream between the filling and the topping.
- Chocolate strawberry cake: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling.
- Mixed berry tunnel cake: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Lemon cheesecake filling: Add a little lemon zest to the traditional cheesecake mixture.
- Almond flavor: Add a small splash of almond extract to the filling.
- Patriotic: Add Blueberry, Strawberry and Whipped Cream to decorate
- Homemade angel food cake: Make your own angel food cake when you have extra time.
Questions and Answers
- Can I use a store-bought angel food cake? Yes! A store-bought angel food cake makes this recipe quick and easy. You can also make your own homemade angel food cake if you have the time.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes. You can prepare the cake and filling ahead of time and refrigerate it. For the freshest appearance, consider adding the strawberry garnish shortly before serving.
- Can I use frozen strawberries? Fresh strawberries are recommended because they hold their shape and provide a better texture. Frozen strawberries can release excess moisture as they thaw, which may make the filling watery.
- How long should I chill the cake? About 1 hour is ideal for helping the filling set, although you can serve it immediately if needed.
- How do I store leftovers? Cover the cake and store it in the refrigerator. Because it contains cream cheese, whipped cream, and fresh fruit, it should remain refrigerated.
- Can I make a sugar-free version? Yes! Use the sugar-free pudding and cream cheese filling, along with a suitable sugar-free whipped topping or homemade whipped cream sweetened with a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that the angel food cake and strawberries still contain carbohydrates, so sugar-free filling does not make the entire dessert sugar-free or carbohydrate-free.
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Yield: 12
Angel Food Tunnel Strawberry Cheesecake
If you love angel food cake, fresh strawberries, and creamy cheesecake, this Angel Food Tunnel Cake is going to be a dessert you’ll want to make again and again!
Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 15 MinTotal time: 25 Min
Ingredients
- 1 store-bought angel food cake, or make your own if you have time
- 1 recipe no-bake cheesecake filling below
- 1 quart cleaned and sliced fresh strawberries
- 1 container (around 3 cups) whipped topping or fresh heavy cream, whipped (sugar-free can be substituted)
Instructions
- Clean and slice strawberries, about 1 quart, saving some for garnish
- Make no-bake cheesecake filling below; there are two versions: one is regular, the other for diabetics.
- Take a sharp knife and slit the inner ring of the cake inside the rim, almost to the center of the cake, all the way around the ring.
- As you fold back the inside cut, using two fingers, spread the cake open and fill the slit of the cake with cheesecake filling, and then add the strawberries into the filling evenly all around the ring that has been filled.
- Spread with whipped cream. Decorate with more strawberries.
- Chill for around 1 hour or serve immediately.
- Non diabetic version:
- 1 package 8 ounce cream cheese
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled, whipped with 1 tablespoon of sugar substitute and set aside until ready to use; add more heavy cream or whole milk if too thick. (or use thawed whipped topping)
- Whip the cream cheese and vanilla together until smooth.
- Slowly add the sugar, then the vanilla.
- Fold in the whipped cream and gently blend.
- Refrigerate for around 10 minutes or so before using for filling.
- If too thick, add 1 tablespoon cream or milk.
- Note: Mixture sticks to the spoon and is very thick will still be easy to use as a filling.
- Fill the angel food cake with filling, add sliced strawberries all around the ring into the cheesecake filling, then slather on the whipped cream.
- Garnish with strawberries in a flower formation; serve.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Diabetic version:
- For the No-Bake Sugar-Free Cheesecake Filling
- 1 package sugar-free instant vanilla pudding or sugar-free cheesecake-flavored pudding
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (whipped cream cheese with no added sugar also works)
- Heavy cream or low-fat milk, as needed to thin the filling
Notes
Tips for Making Angel Food Tunnel Cakes
- Use softened cream cheese: This helps prevent lumps in your cheesecake filling.
- Be gentle when cutting: Angel food cake is delicate, so use a sharp knife and avoid cutting all the way through the cake.
- Dry the strawberries: After washing, pat them dry so excess moisture doesn't thin the filling.
- Don't overfill: Add enough cheesecake filling and strawberries to fill the tunnel without forcing the cake apart.
- Chill before slicing: Refrigerating the cake helps the filling firm up and makes serving easier.
- Decorate just before serving: Fresh strawberries look especially pretty when added shortly before serving.
Variations and Add-Ins
- Strawberry shortcake style: Add a little extra whipped cream between the filling and the topping.
- Chocolate strawberry cake: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips into the cheesecake filling.
- Mixed berry tunnel cake: Use a combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Lemon cheesecake filling: Add a little lemon zest to the traditional cheesecake mixture.
- Almond flavor: Add a small splash of almond extract to the filling.
- Homemade angel food cake: Make your own angel food cake when you have extra time.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
68Fat (grams)
3 gSat. Fat (grams)
2 gCarbs (grams)
11 gFiber (grams)
2 gNet carbs
9 gSugar (grams)
8 gProtein (grams)
1 gSodium (milligrams)
15 mgCholesterol (grams)
0 mgThe default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.
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