Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a sweet summer dream, Strawberry Cloud Cake is here to sweep you off your feet. This airy creation layers tender cake, fluffy vanilla “cloud” filling, and juicy strawberries for a slice that melts in your mouth and delights at every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to brighten a weekend, Strawberry Cloud Cake brings a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that truly feels like a taste of sunshine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Cake:
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Cloud Filling:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Additional:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Extra strawberries or mint for garnish
How to Make Strawberry Cloud Cake
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
Begin by getting your cake base ready! Preheat your oven and whip up the cake batter as directed on your chosen box mix. Divide the batter evenly between two round cake pans—either 8- or 9-inch will work perfectly. Let the cakes bake until a toothpick comes out clean, then make sure to cool them completely. A cool cake is key for dreamy, cloud-like layers that won’t melt or slide.
Step 2: Mix the Pudding
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk. Whip for about two minutes, or until it thickens to a silky, spoonable consistency. This step gives you that luscious, creamy start for our dreamy filling.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
Now, in a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. You want it to be pillowy and firm, not runny, so your cloud filling holds its shape between the cake layers. This whipped cream brings both loft and richness to our Strawberry Cloud Cake.
Step 4: Create the “Cloud” Filling
The magic happens when you fold the freshly whipped cream gently into the thickened pudding. Use a spatula and smooth, slow strokes—this keeps things extra airy and ensures the mixture is light as a cloud. This lovely, fluffy vanilla filling will be both the star and the glue of your cake.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread half of the cloud filling right to the edges (don’t be shy!), then pile on a generous layer of sliced fresh strawberries. Gently lay the second cake layer on top, then spread the remaining cloud filling to cover it beautifully. Decorate to your heart’s content with more strawberries and, if you like, a few sprigs of mint.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Don’t rush—this cake shines brightest after an hour in the fridge! Chilling helps the layers settle and makes each slice hold together. When you finally cut in, you’ll be rewarded with the prettiest, fluffiest Strawberry Cloud Cake you’ve ever tasted.
How to Serve Strawberry Cloud Cake
Garnishes
For a cake that already wows, a finishing touch can make it feel truly special. Top your Strawberry Cloud Cake with extra slices of ripe strawberries, a few mint leaves, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. These simple garnishes add a colorful spark and invite everyone to enjoy a slice.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Cloud Cake is a showstopper just on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with light sides. Think bowls of fresh berries, a scoop of lemon sorbet, or even a cup of herbal tea. The cake’s gentle sweetness makes it a perfect partner for juicy fruit or a tart, refreshing drink.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make your Strawberry Cloud Cake truly unforgettable? Try stacking the layers a little offset for a rustic look, using a clear cake stand to show off those beautiful layers, or serving petite, individual slices in mason jars for a picnic vibe. A sprinkle of edible flowers or a swirl of strawberry sauce also takes presentation to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Strawberry Cloud Cake keeps best when tightly covered and stored in the refrigerator. The cloud filling and fresh berries stay delicious for up to three days—if it even lasts that long! The chilled cake slices easily and remains soft, creamy, and irresistible.
Freezing
While the cake layers themselves can be baked ahead and frozen (wrapped tightly in plastic wrap), the assembled Strawberry Cloud Cake isn’t ideal for freezing. The cloud filling and fresh berries don’t maintain their lovely texture once thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat this cake—it’s absolutely perfect chilled, straight from the fridge. In fact, a cool slice is what gives Strawberry Cloud Cake its signature refreshing, cloud-like bite, especially on warm days.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite white or vanilla cake recipe, you can use it in place of the box mix. Just be sure to bake it in two round pans so you get those lovely layers for your Strawberry Cloud Cake.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For the fluffiest cloud filling, heavy cream is really best. However, you could use a pre-made whipped topping in a pinch, though the texture and flavor might be less rich and dreamy.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
You can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available, but be sure to thaw and drain them very well before layering—too much juice can make the cake soggy.
How far in advance can I make Strawberry Cloud Cake?
It’s best made within a day of serving, though you can assemble it up to 24 hours ahead. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Is Strawberry Cloud Cake gluten-free?
If you need a gluten-free dessert, simply use a gluten-free white or vanilla cake mix and double-check that your pudding mix is gluten free too. The other ingredients are already gluten free, so you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a dessert that’s as light and joyful as the first days of spring, I can’t recommend Strawberry Cloud Cake enough. Every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture—refreshing, luscious, and so easy to make. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and treat yourself to a cake that really does taste like a cloud!
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Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the light and airy decadence of this Strawberry Cloud Cake. A fluffy vanilla cake layered with a luscious cloud-like filling, fresh strawberries, and topped with whipped cream. Perfect for any spring or summer celebration.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Cloud Filling:
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1½ cups cold milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Additional:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Extra strawberries or mint for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Cake: Preheat oven and make cake batter as per package instructions. Bake in two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans. Let cakes cool.
- Make Cloud Filling: Whisk pudding mix and milk until thickened. Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into the pudding.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread half of the cloud filling, add sliced strawberries. Top with second cake layer and remaining filling. Garnish with strawberries and mint. Chill before serving.
Notes
- For extra moistness, brush cake layers with strawberry syrup or jam before assembling.
- Light and perfect for spring or summer events.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
