If you have a craving for something light, airy, and irresistibly fruity, the Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. This delightful dessert combines fluffy white cake layers with a luscious strawberry cloud filling that is both creamy and bursting with fresh berry goodness. Perfect for celebrations or just treating yourself on a sunny afternoon, this cake feels like biting into a sweet, pink cloud that melts in your mouth while delivering a fresh, fruity punch. It’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to enjoy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe uses simple, essential ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable balance of texture and flavor. Each component plays a key role: light cake layers provide the perfect canvas, while the strawberry cloud filling adds creaminess and a juicy burst of fruit.
- White cake mix: The base of the cake is a fluffy white cake mix or homemade white cake, creating a soft and airy foundation.
- Egg whites, water, and oil: Typical cake mix add-ins that keep the cake moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the cake layers, enhancing overall flavor.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Thickens the filling and brings a creamy richness to the strawberry cloud texture.
- Cold milk: Whisked with pudding mix to create the silky filling base.
- Whipped topping: Light and fluffy like Cool Whip, this makes the filling wonderfully airy and smooth.
- Fresh strawberries: Chopped to infuse the filling with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Optional garnishes: Extra whipped topping, whole or sliced strawberries, or crushed freeze-dried strawberries for added visual appeal and flavor bursts.
How to Make Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
Begin by preparing your white cake mix according to the instructions on the box, or use your favorite homemade white cake recipe. Pour the batter into two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans to ensure even layers. After baking, allow the cakes to cool completely, then level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary. This creates stable layers that will hold the luscious filling perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Cloud Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk for about two minutes until it thickens beautifully. Next, gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and fluffy – this step ensures the filling gets its cloud-like texture. Finally, fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, which add pops of juicy sweetness and freshness throughout the filling. Chill the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes to let it firm up slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Place one of the cooled cake layers on your serving plate and spread half of the strawberry cloud filling evenly over the top. Then, set the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining filling over the top and sides of the cake. Don’t hold back; this creamy strawberry filling is the heart of the cake! For a beautiful finishing touch, garnish with extra whipped topping or additional strawberries as desired. Chill the assembled cake for at least an hour to let everything set and meld.
How to Serve Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe
Garnishes
One of my favorite parts of serving this cake is adding colorful and inviting garnishes. Dollops of extra whipped topping create soft peaks that echo the cloud-like filling, while freshly sliced or whole strawberries bring a vibrant red contrast and extra juicy freshness. For a bit of texture and a beautiful visual contrast, sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top to add a subtle crunch and an intense strawberry flavor.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with light sides that complement its airy texture. A simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette can balance the sweetness wonderfully if serving at a brunch or luncheon. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small dish of fresh berries on the side can create an extra-special dessert experience, elevating this strawberry cloud cake to a full celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, consider layering this cake in a glass trifle dish for a deconstructed take on the Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe. Alternatively, you can create individual cake jars or serve the cake as pretty cake pops for a portable and fun twist. Using edible flowers or a drizzle of strawberry syrup around the plate also adds an elegant touch when hosting guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, this cake is best stored in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or a cake dome. It will keep beautifully for up to two days. The fresh strawberries in the filling mean the cake tastes its best when enjoyed fresh rather than stored long term.
Freezing
While freshly made is always preferred, you can freeze the cake layers separately before assembling. Wrap each cooled layer tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Thaw the layers fully before adding the creamy strawberry filling to keep textures perfect. Avoid freezing the fully assembled cake as the whipped topping can lose its fluffy consistency.
Reheating
This cake is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly less cold, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors open up without compromising the delicate texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen in the filling?
Absolutely! Fresh strawberries are actually preferred for this recipe because they provide the best texture and flavor, adding a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the strawberry cloud filling.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the whipped topping?
Yes, you can substitute the whipped topping with a dairy-free coconut whipped cream. Just be sure it’s chilled and stable enough to fold gently into the pudding mixture for that fluffy cloud texture.
Can I make this cake without a boxed mix?
Definitely! Using a homemade white cake recipe works beautifully here and lets you control ingredients and flavors fully. Just ensure the cake is light and fluffy for the best results in this dessert.
What can I do to add more strawberry flavor?
To enhance strawberry flavor, brush each cake layer with strawberry syrup or fresh strawberry juice before adding the filling. This extra step infuses each bite with a delightful, juicy strawberry punch.
How long should I chill the assembled cake for best taste?
At least one hour in the fridge is essential to let the strawberry cloud filling firm up and the flavors meld beautifully. If possible, chilling longer only improves texture and makes slicing neater.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that feels festive yet light enough to enjoy any day, the Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe is your answer. The blend of fluffy cake layers and creamy strawberry-studded filling is pure bliss. It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make but feels lovingly special. Trust me, once you try this strawberry cloud cake, it will become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Go ahead, make a little slice of cloud and share the joy!
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Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cloud Cake is a light and fluffy American dessert made with white cake layers filled and topped with a creamy, fruity strawberry cloud mixture featuring instant vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries. Perfectly chilled and garnished, this cake offers a refreshing and easy-to-make treat ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers:
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: usually egg whites, water, and oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
For the Strawberry Cloud Filling & Topping:
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Optional Garnish:
- Extra whipped topping
- Whole or sliced strawberries
- Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare and bake the white cake according to box or recipe instructions using two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans. Allow the cakes to cool completely, then level the tops if needed to ensure even layers.
- Make the Strawberry Cloud Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the filling is smooth and fluffy. Then fold in the chopped fresh strawberries. Chill this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes to help it set slightly.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the strawberry cloud mixture evenly over the top layer. Place the second cake layer on top, then spread the remaining filling over the top and sides of the cake to frost completely. Garnish the cake with additional strawberries and whipped topping as desired. Chill the assembled cake for at least one hour before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- This cake is best served chilled and enjoyed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- You can substitute raspberries or peaches in place of strawberries for a seasonal variation.
- For extra flavor, brush the cake layers with strawberry syrup or juice before adding the frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
