Strawberry Jello Cool Whip dessert is a classic no-bake dessert made by folding whipped topping into soft gelatin, and this version adds fluffy angel food cake and fresh strawberries for a light, creamy texture. It's an easy make-ahead treat that's perfect for potlucks, holidays, or warm summer nights when you don't want to turn on the oven.👇👇
Why You'll Love This Easy 4-Ingredient Dessert
- No baking required, just mix, chill, and serve
- Made with simple grocery store ingredients
- Light, fluffy texture that isn't heavy after dinner
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for potlucks or holidays
- Easy to customize with different Jell-O flavors or fruit
What Is a Jello Cool Whip Dessert?
A Jello Cool Whip dessert is a classic no-bake treat made by folding whipped topping into partially set gelatin to create a light, fluffy texture. These easy desserts usually use just a few simple ingredients and are commonly served at potlucks, holidays, and summer gatherings.
Some versions are layered like pies or parfaits, while others are fluffy salads or cake-based desserts like this one.
Note From Andi
This is one of those nostalgic no-bake desserts I come back to when I need something simple that everyone LOVES. I've tested a lot of Jell-O and Cool Whip combinations over the years, and adding soft chunks of angel food cake is what makes this version stand out because the cake soaks up the strawberry flavor and turns creamy.
What really makes it work is letting the Jell-O thicken slightly before folding everything together, which keeps the texture light and fluffy. You can make this for summer barbecues, church potlucks, and last-minute family desserts, and it's always one of the first desserts to disappear.
It's simple, but it works every single time!
Recipe Ingredients
- 3 oz strawberry Jell-O - classic strawberry flavor that sets the base
- 1 cup boiling water + 1 cup cold water - helps dissolve and activate the gelatin
- 1 cup sliced strawberries - fresh berries give the best texture and flavor
- 3 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed - creates the light, fluffy texture
- 1 (8-inch) store-bought angel food cake (about 7 cups) - soft sponge cake that absorbs the strawberry mixture perfectly
- 5 sliced strawberries - simple fresh garnish before serving
Step-By-Step Instructions For This Recipe
STEP 1: Dissolve the Jell-O
Add 3 oz strawberry Jell-O to a medium bowl. Stir in 1 cup boiling water until fully dissolved, then mix in 1 cup cold water. Refrigerate for about 90 minutes, or until the Jell-O is slightly thickened but not fully set.
STEP 2: Fold in Strawberries and Whipped Topping
When the Jell-O is almost set, gently stir in 1 cup sliced strawberries and 3 cups thawed whipped topping until smooth and evenly combined.
STEP 3: Add the Angel Food Cake
Tear the 8-inch angel food cake into soft chunks and fold them into the strawberry mixture. Make sure the cake pieces are coated so they can absorb the flavor.
STEP 4: Chill Until Set
Pour the mixture into a 9×12 casserole dish and lightly press down any cake pieces to soak up the liquid. Top with the remaining sliced strawberries, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving cold.
Recipe Tips
- Let the Jell-O thicken slightly before mixing so the dessert stays fluffy instead of watery.
- Thaw whipped topping in the fridge overnight for the smoothest texture.
- Use soft cake chunks, not small crumbs, so the dessert stays light and airy.
- Chill fully before serving to help the layers hold together.
- Serve cold for the best texture and flavor.
Watch How To Make Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Dessert 👇👇
This quick no-bake dessert comes together in just a few easy mixing and chilling steps.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap raspberry or cherry Jell-O for a different fruit flavor.
- Add blueberries or mandarin oranges for a mixed-fruit version.
- Use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping if preferred.
- Layer the dessert in a trifle bowl for a prettier presentation.
- Sprinkle with toasted coconut or mini marshmallows for extra texture.
Popular Jello Cool Whip Dessert Variations
There are many ways to turn Jell-O and whipped topping into an easy no-bake dessert. Some of my favourites include:
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad, which is a layered dessert with a pretzel crust, fluffy cream cheese middle, and strawberry Jello top.
- Layered Jell-O 1-2-3 dessert that separates into creamy layers while chilling
- Strawberry fluff salad or Ambrosia salad mixed with marshmallows and fresh or canned fruit.
- Pineapple or lime gelatin desserts often served at holidays or potlucks
- Pumpkin Jello Cool Whip pie made in a graham cracker crust
- Cake-style desserts like this angel food cake version that soak up the creamy filling
This strawberry Jello Cool Whip dessert with angel food cake is one of the lightest versions because the soft cake absorbs the gelatin mixture and creates a fluffy, sliceable texture.
What to Serve With
This light strawberry dessert pairs well with simple comfort meals like baked chicken, burgers, ham, or potluck casseroles. It's especially popular for Easter, Mother's Day, summer barbecues, and church gatherings where an easy make-ahead dessert is helpful.
Leftovers also make a sweet next-day treat straight from the fridge.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Fridge: Store covered for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as the texture becomes watery when thawed.
- Make-ahead: Best made the day before serving so it sets completely.
FAQs
Yes. Folding whipped topping into partially set Jell-O creates a light, fluffy texture.
Fresh strawberries are best, but thawed frozen berries can work if drained well.
At least 1-2 hours, but overnight chilling gives the best texture.
Yes. It's ideal for making the day before serving.
Jell-O and Cool Whip can be mixed with fresh fruit, canned fruit, marshmallows, cream cheese, pudding, or soft cake pieces to create fluffy salads, pies, or layered desserts.
Most Jello Cool Whip desserts keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days when covered tightly. The texture is best within the first two days.
Next try my strawberry pineapple cake, I made this one for my daughter's birthday and the combo of pineapple and strawberries was delicious.
For more no bake ideas try my pudding in a cloud - a 1980's classic I grew up on, my easy mocha pie which is so creamy, or chocolately no bake edible brownie batter.
Strawberry Jello Cool Whip Dessert with Angel Food Cake
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Ingredients
- 3 oz strawberry Jell-O
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup cold water
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 3 cups frozen whipped topping - thawed
- 1 8-inch angel food cake - torn into chunks
- 5 sliced strawberries for topping
Instructions
- Add 3 oz strawberry Jell-O to a medium bowl. Stir in 1 cup boiling water until fully dissolved, then mix in 1 cup cold water. Refrigerate for about 90 minutes, until the Jell-O is slightly thickened but not fully set.
- Once the Jell-O is almost set, gently fold in 1 cup sliced strawberries and 3 cups thawed whipped topping until smooth and evenly combined.
- Tear the 8-inch angel food cake into soft chunks and fold the pieces into the strawberry mixture, making sure the cake is evenly coated so it can absorb the flavor.
- Pour the mixture into a 9×12-inch casserole dish and lightly press down any cake pieces to help them soak up the liquid. Top with additional sliced strawberries, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before serving cold.
Notes
- Let Jell-O thicken before mixing for a fluffy texture.
- Thaw whipped topping fully for smooth blending.
- Chill completely before serving for clean slices.
- Best served cold the same day or next day.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-calculated and meant to be an approximation only.
Carol says
AWESOME and easy to make