If you're like most people, you don't indulge in dessert on a nightly basis, but rather reserve sweet treats for special occasions — and what occasion is more special than a romantic dinner for two? Many busy people don't really have the time to bake an elaborate dessert to serve as the grande finale to an elegant candlelit dinner with their partner. However, you don't have to spend hours in the kitchen to create a dessert worthy of following a special occasion meal. All you need is a plain white angel food cake, a few ingredients, and a just-right adult beverage to complete the picture. Following are just four of the many options for transforming a "Plain Jane" angel food cake into the fairy princess of desserts.
Rose Ice Cream, Raspberries, and Sparkling Rosé Wine
Many people have never heard of rose ice cream, but it's really a thing, and it really tastes divine. Its soft and subtle floral taste pairs perfectly with chilled glasses of sparkling rosé wine as well as provides the perfect flavor foil for a plain white piece of angel food cake. A handful of freshly picked raspberries complete this fabulous dessert. The soft, rosy colors involved in this dessert makes it particularly appealing when enjoyed by candlelight.
Fresh Strawberries, Whipped Cream, and Lemon Mimosas
In a nod to the classic picnic dessert known as strawberry shortcake, this simple-yet-elegant dessert also requires fresh strawberries and whipped cream. Use angel food cake instead of traditional shortbread, and give it a sophisticated adult aspect by serving it with lemon mimosas instead of its classic pairing of lemonade. To make the mimosas, juice a couple of lemons, mix with water and simple syrup to taste, mix with your favorite Champagne, and pour over ice in a tall, chilled highball glass.
Coconut Cream, Pineapple, and Adult Tropical Punch
Dressing up an angel food cake in tropical clothing is easy — just cover it with whipped cream or your favorite easy-to-prepare cream frosting, sprinkle on toasted coconut, and finish it off with pineapple slices. You can make a quick-and-easy adult island-inspired punch by combining your favorite tropical fruit juice and chilling it in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Blood Orange Sherbet, Edible Orchids, and Chilled Pinot Gris
This slightly dramatic but oh-so-elegant dessert involves spooning blood orange sherbet over individual slices of angel food cake and embellishing the dessert with edible orchids. Edible orchids can be used sparingly for a subtle effect or sprinkled all over the plate for over-the-top romance. The softly floral bouquet of Pinot Gris makes a perfect accompaniment.