3-Ingredient Strawberry Cloud Cake

Searching for the ultimate summer dessert that looks stunning but takes hardly any effort? Let me let you in on a little secret, the Strawberry Cloud Cake is your new warm-weather hero; a treat that’s as easy as it is enchanting. With only three basic ingredients, you can whip up a dreamy, cloud-like creation that’s bursting with sweet strawberry flavor and soft, airy goodness.

What makes this Strawberry Cloud Cake truly magical isn’t just its gorgeous pink hue or melt-in-your-mouth texture, it’s how effortless it is to make. Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or a dessert lover short on time, this no-fuss recipe delivers a serious wow factor without the hassle.

It’s a light and refreshing twist on traditional cake recipes; perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, or when you simply want something beautiful and delicious without turning on the oven. One bite, and you’ll see why the Strawberry Cloud Cake is quickly becoming a fan favorite.

So if you're craving a dessert that’s equal parts easy, elegant, and irresistible—the Strawberry Cloud Cake is calling your name.

What Makes This 3-Ingredient Strawberry Cloud Cake So Special

Let’s talk about why the Strawberry Cloud Cake has quickly earned its place as a beloved favorite in kitchens everywhere. It’s not just the dreamy pink hue or the effortless prep—it’s the way this dessert delivers elegance with zero stress. Made with just three simple ingredients, this beauty achieves a heavenly lightness thanks to the magical pairing of whipped cream and strawberry gelatin. That signature cloud-like texture? It’s what gives the Strawberry Cloud Cake its whimsical name—and it really does feel like eating a sweet little puff of summer.

Visually, it’s a total showstopper. The soft pastel color and fluffy layers make it the star of any table, from birthday parties to Sunday barbecues. But unlike traditional layer cakes that have you juggling bowls, timers, and an ingredient list as long as your arm, the Strawberry Cloud Cake keeps it simple. Just a few minutes of prep, and you’ve got a mousse-like masterpiece that looks far more complicated than it actually is.

In a world full of over-the-top baking challenges, the Strawberry Cloud Cake is a breath of fresh air—ideal for busy bakers, dessert enthusiasts, or anyone craving something sweet, light, and completely delightful.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Simple Recipe Variations
• Simple Equipment Needed
• Recipe Storage Tips
• The Fluff Secret
• FAQ
• One Bite and You’re Floating
• Related
• Pairing
• Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• Heavy whipping cream
• Angel food cake (store-bought or homemade)
• Strawberry-flavored gelatin

See recipe card for quantities.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Creating the perfect Strawberry Cloud Cake starts with a few key ingredients that work together to give it that airy, dreamy texture everyone loves. Here’s a closer look at each one, along with helpful substitutions if you're working with what’s on hand:

• Angel Food Cake
  This is the soft, spongy base that holds everything together while still feeling light as air. A store-bought angel food cake is a total time-saver and works perfectly for this recipe; but if you enjoy baking from scratch, a homemade version adds a lovely personal touch. Just be sure it’s completely cooled before layering.
• Strawberry Gelatin
  This is where all the strawberry flavor and structure come from. It gives the Strawberry Cloud Cake its signature pink glow and helps the whipped cream hold its form. You can use any brand of strawberry gelatin here—Jell-O is classic, but store-brand versions do the job just as well. Want to experiment? Raspberry gelatin offers a fun twist while keeping the same dreamy texture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream
  This is the real star behind the cloud-like consistency. It must be cold before whipping to achieve that soft, billowy volume. Skip the canned whipped topping if you can , real heavy cream not only gives better texture, but it also elevates the flavor of your Strawberry Cloud Cake in a big way.

Instructions

Prepare Your Cake and Gelatin

1. Slice the angel food cake horizontally into 3 even layers using a serrated knife.
2. Place the bottom layer on your serving plate or cake stand.
3. In a medium bowl, dissolve both packages of strawberry gelatin in 2 cups of boiling water, stirring until completely dissolved (about 2 minutes).
4. Refrigerate the mixture until it begins to thicken but hasn't fully set (about 30-45 minutes). It should have the consistency of unbeaten egg whites.

Whip the Cream

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
2. Be careful not to over-beat, which can turn your cream into butter.

Create the Cloud Mixture

1. When the gelatin mixture has reached the proper consistency (slightly thickened but not set), gently fold it into the whipped cream.
2. Use a spatula and fold until fully combined with no visible streaks remaining.

Assemble and Chill

1. Spread about ⅓ of the strawberry cloud mixture onto the bottom cake layer.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and add another ⅓ of the mixture.
3. Add the final cake layer and spread the remaining mixture over the top and sides.
4. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
5. For a simple garnish, add a few fresh strawberries on top before serving.

Expert Tips for the Perfect 3-Ingredient Strawberry Cloud Cake

Want to take your Strawberry Cloud Cake from good to absolutely irresistible? These tried-and-true tips will help you nail the texture, flavor, and presentation every single time—whether it’s your first attempt or your fiftieth.

• Keep It Cold
  Temperature is everything when it comes to whipped cream. Make sure your heavy cream is ice-cold before you start. For best results, pop your mixing bowl and beaters into the freezer for about 15 minutes beforehand. This helps the cream whip up faster and hold its airy shape—crucial for that cloud-like consistency in your Strawberry Cloud Cake.
• Fold, Don’t Stir
  When it’s time to combine your whipped cream with the gelatin, use a soft, gentle folding motion. This keeps the mixture light and voluminous, giving your Strawberry Cloud Cake that dreamy, mousse-like texture it’s famous for. Stirring too vigorously will knock the air right out, and no one wants a flat cloud.
• Watch the Gelatin
  Timing matters. Let your strawberry gelatin chill until it’s slightly thickened—think syrupy, not solid—before mixing it into the whipped cream. Add it too soon and it won’t set properly; wait too long and you’ll get uneven blobs. That sweet spot ensures every bite is silky and cohesive.
• Slice Like a Pro
  Want those clean, Instagram-worthy slices? Dip your knife in hot water, then wipe it clean between cuts. It’s a simple trick that makes your Strawberry Cloud Cake look as flawless as it tastes.

Simple Recipe Variations

One of the best things about the Strawberry Cloud Cake, besides how ridiculously easy it is, is how flexible it can be. Whether you're looking for a lighter option, a different flavor twist, or a gluten-free version, this dreamy dessert adapts beautifully to your needs. Here are a few simple ways to customize your Strawberry Cloud Cake without losing its cloud-like charm.

• Gluten-Free Version
  Need to go gluten-free? Just swap the standard angel food cake for a gluten-free version. Many grocery stores and specialty bakeries carry it, and it works just as well as the original to keep your Strawberry Cloud Cake light and airy.
• Lower-Sugar Option
  Watching your sugar intake? Use sugar-free strawberry gelatin to tone down the sweetness while still delivering that classic berry flavor. The texture and structure stay the same, so you won’t lose the magic of the cloud.
• Quick Flavor Variations
• Strawberry-Vanilla
  Stir 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract into the whipped cream for a subtle depth of flavor that rounds out the sweetness and gives the whole dessert a soft, nostalgic touch.k)
• Strawberry-Lemon
  Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the whipped cream before folding. It adds a zippy brightness that pairs beautifully with the soft sweetness of the strawberry.
• Mixed Berry
  Combine one package of strawberry gelatin with raspberry or berry blue gelatin for a colorful, slightly tangier twist. It gives your Strawberry Cloud Cake a fun, fruity medley that’s great for celebrations.

Simple Equipment Needed

• Serving Plate: Any flat plate or cake stand will work well.
• Electric Mixer: For whipping the cream quickly and effectively.
• Serrated Knife: To slice the angel food cake into even layers.
• Two Mixing Bowls: One for the gelatin and one for whipping the cream.
• Rubber Spatula: For gently folding ingredients together.

Recipe Storage Tips

Making dessert ahead of time? Great choice, the Strawberry Cloud Cake is one of those magical treats that actually gets better after a little rest in the fridge. Here's how to keep it fresh, fluffy, and photo-ready for days.

• Refrigerator Storage
  Once assembled, your Strawberry Cloud Cake will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, as long as it’s covered with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy it within the first 24 to 48 hours, that’s when the cream is at peak fluffiness and the cake is still delightfully light.
• Make-Ahead Tips
  Planning ahead? You’re in luck. The Strawberry Cloud Cake actually benefits from a little chill time. Letting it rest overnight allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set just right. It's the perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or when you want your future self to have something sweet ready to go.

Want to prep in stages? You can slice your angel food cake a day in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you're ready to layer it with the creamy strawberry filling.

FAQ

One Bite and You’re Floating

If you ask me, the Strawberry Cloud Cake is one of those magical desserts that looks like it came from a fancy bakery but takes almost zero stress to whip up. With its pretty pink hue, cloud-soft texture, and just the right amount of strawberry sweetness, it’s the kind of treat that steals the spotlight at birthdays, barbecues, or even a quiet Tuesday night.

You only need three simple ingredients and four quick steps, and voilà, you’ve got a dessert that tastes like a summer day wrapped in whipped cream. It’s light, lovely, and totally addictive (don’t say I didn’t warn you). I’ve made this Strawberry Cloud Cake more times than I can count, and each time, someone always asks for the recipe.

And if you're as hooked on strawberry desserts as I am, you’ve got to check out my Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls—they’re like a sweet hug in the form of breakfast, and the Fried Strawberry Cheesecake Sandwiches Recipe, which is pure crispy-gooey indulgence in every bite.

So go ahead, give this dreamy cloud cake a try. And when you do? Come back and let me know how it went,I love hearing your delicious stories!

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Strawberry Cloud Cake recipe: