If you’re looking for a dessert that looks like a dream and tastes like pure joy, the Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine layers of soft, moist white cake wrapped in a fluffy, creamy pudding and whipped topping blend, all accented by the natural sweetness of macerated fresh strawberries. It’s a perfect combination of lightness and decadence that feels like biting into a delicious cloud of strawberry heaven. This cake is as stunning on the plate as it is irresistible in flavor, making it a must-try for berry lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this cake just right is all about simple, quality ingredients that come together to create its signature light texture and refreshing taste. Each ingredient has a starring role, whether it’s the tender white cake base, the luscious pudding cream, or the bright, juicy strawberries that add vibrant color and flavor.
- White cake mix: The foundation of our cake, providing a soft and airy crumb that stays tender after baking.
- Eggs, water, and oil: These bring moisture and richness, ensuring the cake is perfectly balanced and never dry.
- Fresh strawberries: Sweet, sliced, and macerated to release natural juices that soak into the cream layers beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Used to coat the strawberries, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating a delightful syrupy effect.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: Offers a creamy texture and vanilla flavor that melds perfectly with the whipped topping.
- Cold milk: Essential for whisking the pudding mix to its ideal thick but spreadable consistency.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the pudding, making every bite taste extra special.
- Whipped topping: The light, fluffy finishing touch that gives the cake its signature cloud-like feel.
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional): Adds extra color and a fresh burst of flavor right before serving.
How to Make Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers
Start by preparing your white cake mix according to the box instructions, combining it with eggs, water, and oil. Pour the batter evenly into two 8- or 9-inch round pans and bake until golden and springy to the touch. Cool the layers completely before moving on to the next steps to avoid melting the creamy layers.
Step 2: Macerate the Strawberries
While your cake cools, slice fresh strawberries and toss them with granulated sugar. Letting them sit for about 15 to 20 minutes allows the sugar to draw out their juices, creating a natural syrup that adds depth to every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk and vanilla extract until it thickens, usually about 2 minutes. Gently fold in the whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and fluffy – this blend creates the luscious filling and frosting that make this cake so special.
Step 4: Assemble Your Cloud Cake
Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate. Spread half of the creamy pudding mixture evenly over the top, then layer on the sweetened strawberries. Add the second cake layer on top, and cover the entire cake, including the sides, with the remaining pudding mixture. Chill the cake for at least one hour to set perfectly.
How to Serve Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For a show-stopping presentation, garnish your cake with fresh, whole or halved strawberries on top. The vibrant red against the creamy white creates an inviting look, and these fresh berries add an extra burst of juicy flavor that guests will love.
Side Dishes
Pair this cake with a light beverage like iced tea or a sparkling lemonade to complement its sweetness. For a little extra indulgence, fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes an excellent side that enhances the softness and flavors of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, serve individual portions in clear dessert glasses, layering cake, pudding, and strawberries for a striking “deconstructed” take. Alternatively, dust the top with powdered sugar or add edible flowers to elevate the cake for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled and chilled, the Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it well-wrapped prevents the cake from drying out while preserving the fresh strawberry flavors and creamy topping.
Freezing
Freezing this cake isn’t recommended because the pudding and whipped topping may separate and alter the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh after chilling or within a few days in the fridge.
Reheating
This cake is intended to be served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. Instead, simply allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving if it’s been refrigerated, so the flavors and textures soften just right.
FAQs
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Absolutely! Homemade whipped cream is a wonderful substitute and gives the cake a lighter, less sweet flavor that’s deliciously fresh.
Is it okay to use frozen strawberries?
Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, but if using frozen, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before macerating with sugar.
Can I make the cake layers from scratch?
Of course! Using your favorite homemade white cake recipe will work beautifully and make the cake even more special, though the box mix keeps it easy and foolproof.
How long should I chill the cake before serving?
A minimum of one hour is recommended to let the pudding mixture set and the flavors meld, but chilling it overnight intensifies the taste and makes slicing easier.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! All the ingredients, including the cake mix and pudding, are vegetarian-friendly, making this dessert a perfect treat for most diets that exclude meat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to give this Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe a try – it’s truly a dessert that feels like a loving hug in cake form. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a slice of pure delight, this cake promises to bring smiles and satisfaction with every bite. The balance of fluffy texture, creamy filling, and sweet strawberries is simply irresistible, and once you’ve made it, it will surely become a treasured favorite.
Print
Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Cloud Cake is a light and airy dessert featuring layers of moist white cake filled with sweetened fresh strawberries and a fluffy vanilla pudding whipped topping. This American classic is perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion where a refreshing, fruity dessert is desired.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box white cake mix (plus eggs, water, and oil as directed on the box)
Strawberry Filling
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Pudding Topping
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
Garnish
- Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cake: Follow the instructions on the white cake mix box to prepare the batter. Divide evenly between two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans and bake as directed. Once baked, allow the cake layers to cool completely.
- Macerate Strawberries: Place the sliced strawberries in a bowl with the granulated sugar. Toss to coat evenly and let the mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes so the strawberries release their natural juices and become sweetened.
- Make Pudding Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk and vanilla extract for about 2 minutes until thickened. Then gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and well combined.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the pudding mixture evenly on top, followed by a layer of the macerated strawberries. Add the second cake layer on top and cover with the remaining pudding mixture, spreading it over the top and around the sides of the cake.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the topping to set. Before serving, optionally garnish with fresh strawberries for an added decorative touch.
Notes
- Substitute homemade whipped cream for the whipped topping to reduce sweetness.
- For best flavor, make the cake a day in advance and keep it chilled.
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cooled before assembling to prevent the topping from melting.
