As a passionate home cook, I find joy in creating desserts that evoke memories and delight the senses. One of my all-time favorites is the Strawberry Cloud Cake. This light and fluffy dessert captures the essence of summer with its sweet strawberries and airy texture. Each bite feels like a gentle embrace, reminiscent of warm afternoons spent in my grandmother’s garden, where strawberries grew in abundance. The Strawberry Cloud Cake is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories, perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will surely become a family favorite!
What is Strawberry Cloud Cake?
The Strawberry Cloud Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a light, airy texture that feels almost ethereal. Originating from American baking traditions, this cake is a perfect representation of summer, showcasing the vibrant flavors of strawberries at their peak ripeness. The cake’s fluffy consistency is achieved through a careful balance of ingredients, making it a beloved choice for gatherings and celebrations. With its simple yet elegant presentation, the Strawberry Cloud Cake is a testament to the beauty of approachable, globally inspired cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cloud Cake
- Convenient: Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious: The combination of strawberries and whipped cream creates a heavenly flavor.
- Healthier Option: Lower in calories compared to many traditional cakes, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Family-Friendly: A dessert that appeals to both kids and adults alike, ensuring everyone is satisfied.
Who It’s For
This Strawberry Cloud Cake is ideal for busy families looking for a quick yet impressive dessert, health-conscious cooks who want a lighter treat, and food lovers who appreciate the simplicity of fresh ingredients. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, this recipe is approachable and rewarding.
When to Cook It
Perfect for a variety of occasions, the Strawberry Cloud Cake shines at summer barbecues, birthday celebrations, or as a sweet ending to a family dinner. It’s also a wonderful choice for potlucks or picnics, where its lightness and fresh flavors can be enjoyed by all.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cake. You can substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake. For a lower-calorie option, consider using coconut sugar or erythritol.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture. You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- 3 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and helps the cake rise. Flax eggs can be used as a vegan substitute.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor. Vanilla bean paste can be used for a more intense flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the batter moist. Almond milk or oat milk are great dairy-free alternatives.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy. Ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness. You can omit it if you’re watching your sodium intake.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced: The star of the cake, providing natural sweetness and flavor. Frozen strawberries can be used, but fresh is best.
- 1 cup whipped cream: For topping, adding a light and creamy finish. You can use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. The aroma will be sweet and inviting.
- Add the eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. You’ll notice the batter becoming smoother and richer.
- Stir in vanilla: Add the vanilla extract, and mix until combined, filling your kitchen with a warm, comforting scent.
- Combine dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
- Pour into the pan: Transfer the batter into a greased cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This step is crucial for the perfect texture.
- Top and serve: Once cooled, generously top the cake with whipped cream and sliced strawberries. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors!
- Stevia: A natural sweetener with zero calories, perfect for baking.
- Monk fruit: Another zero-calorie option that adds sweetness without affecting blood sugar levels.
- Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that mimics the taste and texture of sugar without the calories.
- Note: Avoid using honey or maple syrup as substitutes, as they can spike blood sugar levels significantly.
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Wire rack for cooling
- Sharp knife for slicing strawberries
- Serving platter
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Many chefs recommend using room temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter and better rise.
- Don’t Overmix: To keep your Strawberry Cloud Cake light and fluffy, mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Fresh Strawberries Matter: Always opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor. Chef Sarah suggests visiting local farmers’ markets for the sweetest picks.
- Chill Your Whipped Cream: For a more stable whipped cream topping, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. This helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add a hint of lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for an extra layer of flavor, as suggested by pastry chef Emily.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Strawberry Cloud Cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out.
- Whipped Cream: If you have leftover whipped cream, store it separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Re-whip if necessary before serving.
- Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, fluffy texture you want. Mix just until combined for the best results.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold eggs and butter can prevent the batter from emulsifying properly. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting is essential. Frosting a warm cake can cause the whipped cream to melt and slide off.
- Using Overripe Strawberries: While ripe strawberries are sweet, overripe ones can be mushy and less flavorful. Choose fresh, firm strawberries for the best taste.
Q: Can I make Strawberry Cloud Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the whipped cream and strawberries right before serving for the best texture.
Q: Is Strawberry Cloud Cake suitable for diabetics?
It depends. You can use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit to make a diabetic-friendly version of Strawberry Cloud Cake.
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Cloud Cake?
No, while you can use frozen strawberries, fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture for this cake.
Q: Does Strawberry Cloud Cake need to be refrigerated?
Yes, it’s best to refrigerate any leftover Strawberry Cloud Cake to keep it fresh and prevent spoilage.
Q: Can I add other fruits to Strawberry Cloud Cake?
Yes, it depends on your preference! You can mix in other berries or fruits for a delightful twist on the classic Strawberry Cloud Cake.
The Strawberry Cloud Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy to any gathering. Its light, fluffy texture combined with the sweetness of fresh strawberries makes it a perfect treat for all occasions. I hope you enjoy making this cake as much as I do! If you try this recipe, please share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Cloud Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and fluffy dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a cloud-like texture.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 cup whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk.
- Pour the batter into a greased cake pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
- Top with whipped cream and sliced strawberries before serving.
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Notes
- For a richer flavor, use vanilla bean instead of extract.
- Make sure the strawberries are fresh for the best taste.
- This cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Strawberry Cloud Cake, Strawberry Cake, Cloud Cake