Tired of complicated desserts that take hours to make but disappear in minutes? I know that feeling all too well! That’s why this No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake has become my absolute go-to recipe when I need something impressive without the stress. This heavenly dessert delivers ethereal layers of creamy sweetness and bright strawberry flavor that truly melts in your mouth with each blissful bite.

Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes, and this cloud cake holds a special place in my kitchen arsenal. When my daughter requested something “pink and pretty” for her birthday but I was short on time, this recipe came to my rescue and has been requested at every family gathering since! In the next few minutes, I’ll share all my secrets for perfect texture, flavor variations, and make-ahead tips that will make this no-bake wonder your new entertaining essential.

Why This No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake Recipe Works

This No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake isn’t just delicious—it’s designed to make your life easier while still impressing everyone at the table!

Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients you might already have
Requires zero baking perfect for hot summer days
Takes just 20 minutes of hands-on time
Can be made up to 2 days ahead ideal for entertaining
Versatile recipe that adapts to different flavor preferences
Works beautifully as both casual family dessert or elegant dinner party finale

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Best Berries for Maximum Flavor

For this No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake, the star ingredient deserves special attention. Look for bright red, fragrant strawberries without white shoulders or soft spots. During peak season (late spring/early summer), local strawberries will give the most intense flavor. If fresh strawberries aren’t at their best, high-quality frozen strawberries work wonderfully for the purée just thaw them completely first.

Cream Base Selection

The cloud-like texture comes from the perfect balance of dairy products. Heavy whipping cream with at least 36% fat content will hold its shape best. For the cream cheese layer, use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature for the smoothest texture and richest taste.

A graham cracker base provides the perfect contrast to the creamy layers, but don’t hesitate to experiment! Vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or even chocolate cookies create equally delightful foundations for your No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake.

Ingredients & Prep for No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Crust Base Essentials

Graham crackers (2 cups crushed)
Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted)
Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons)
Pinch of salt

Creamy Cloud Layers

Heavy whipping cream (2 cups)
Cream cheese (16 ounces, room temperature)
Powdered sugar (1¼ cups, divided)
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons)
Fresh strawberries (1 pound, plus extra for garnish)
Unflavored gelatin (1 tablespoon)
Cold water (3 tablespoons)

Make-Ahead Elements

The beauty of this No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake is how well it comes together when prepared in stages. The strawberry purée can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The entire cake needs at least 4 hours to set but tastes even better after 24 hours when the flavors have had time to meld.

Step-by-Step No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Crush graham crackers in a food processor until fine crumbs form.
Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and salt until combined.
Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even layer.
Refrigerate crust for at least 30 minutes to firm up.

Creating the Cloud Layers

In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let stand for 5 minutes to bloom.
Wash, hull, and purée 1 pound of strawberries until smooth.
Heat ¼ cup of the strawberry purée in the microwave for 30 seconds until warm.
Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm purée until completely dissolved.
Mix this gelatin mixture back into the remaining strawberry purée and set aside.
Beat cream cheese, ¾ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with remaining ½ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Fold half the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined.

Assembly Process

Pour half the cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust and spread evenly.
Carefully pour half the strawberry purée over the cream cheese layer.
Using a skewer or knife, gently swirl the purée into the cream for a marbled effect.
Repeat with remaining cream cheese mixture and strawberry purée.
Top with remaining whipped cream, creating decorative peaks if desired.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely set.

Serving Your No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Run a warm knife around the edge of the springform pan before releasing.
Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or whole berries just before serving.
For the cleanest slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe clean between cuts.

Pro Tips for Perfect No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Prevent Watery Filling: If your strawberries are particularly juicy, drain the purée through a fine-mesh sieve before adding gelatin.
Ensure Proper Setting: Make sure gelatin is completely dissolved in warm strawberry purée to avoid grainy texture.
Perfect Texture: Don’t overmix when folding whipped cream into cream cheese use gentle, sweeping motions to maintain airiness.

Tool Recommendations

A springform pan with removable sides is essential for clean removal and presentation.
An offset spatula helps create smooth, even layers.
A stand mixer or electric hand mixer makes whipping cream and cream cheese much easier.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For make-ahead convenience, prepare all components separately and assemble up to 24 hours before serving.
This cake does not freeze well due to the delicate texture of the whipped layers.

Looking for more delicious no-bake dessert inspiration? Check out my Pinterest board for dozens of easy sweet treats! Follow GusRecipes on Pinterest for weekly dessert ideas that will satisfy your sweet tooth without turning on the oven.

Flavor Variations for No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Berry Substitutions

Mixed Berry Cloud: Replace strawberries with equal parts blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Tropical Twist: Substitute strawberries with mango and passionfruit for an exotic flavor profile.
Chocolate Lovers: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture and top with chocolate shavings.

Dietary Adaptations

Lower Sugar Option: Reduce powdered sugar by half and use naturally sweet, ripe berries.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute coconut cream for heavy whipping cream and dairy-free cream cheese for traditional.
Gluten-Free Crust: Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the base.

Flavor Variation	Key Ingredients	Setting Time	Best Season
Classic Strawberry	Fresh strawberries	4+ hours	Spring/Summer
Mixed Berry	Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries	4-6 hours	Summer
Lemon Strawberry	Add 2 tbsp lemon zest & 1 tbsp juice	5-6 hours	Year-round
Chocolate Strawberry	Add 3 tbsp cocoa to cream cheese layer	4+ hours	Year-round
Coconut Strawberry	Add ½ cup toasted coconut	4+ hours	Summer

Serving Suggestions for No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

This No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake makes an impressive centerpiece dessert for any occasion. For casual family dinners, serve with a simple dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries. For more elegant presentations, consider these accompaniments:

Drizzle each slice with a thin ribbon of strawberry coulis
Add a sprig of fresh mint for color contrast
Pair with a chilled glass of prosecco for adult gatherings
Serve alongside a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate indulgence
Complement with a light cookie like shortbread or amaretti

For a complete summer dessert spread, serve alongside no-bake lemon bars and fresh fruit salad with mint.

FAQs About No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake

Can I make this No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually benefits from setting overnight. You can make it up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving time.

Why is my strawberry layer not setting properly?
This usually happens if the gelatin wasn’t completely dissolved or if the strawberry purée was too cold when adding the gelatin. Make sure to use warm purée when dissolving the gelatin.

Can I use frozen strawberries for this No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake?
Yes! Thaw them completely first and drain excess liquid before puréeing. Frozen strawberries can actually give a more consistent flavor year-round.

Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?
Certainly! You can reduce the powdered sugar by up to half without affecting the texture. Taste as you go to find your perfect sweetness level.

How do I get clean slices when serving?
Chill the cake thoroughly (at least 4 hours), then dip a sharp knife in hot water, wipe it dry, and cut. Repeat the hot water dip between each slice.

Conclusion

This No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake truly lives up to its name light as air, dreamily delicious, and impressively simple to create. Whether you’re a seasoned baker looking for a quick dessert solution or someone new to the kitchen wanting to make something special, this recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

I’d love to see your creations! Tag @GusRecipes on social media when you make this cloud cake and share your own flavor twists. Remember, the beauty of no-bake desserts is their flexibility don’t be afraid to experiment with different berries or flavor combinations based on what’s in season.

For more dessert inspiration, check out my collection of make-ahead treats perfect for entertaining. Happy no-baking!

No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake: Easy Dessert Magic in Minutes!

Author: Emma Emma
Total Time: 4 hrs 25 mins
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A dreamy no-bake strawberry cloud cake made with a buttery graham crust and a light, fluffy strawberry-cream filling the perfect chill dessert for warm days!

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup (115 g) melted butter

2 tbsp sugar

Filling:

2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, cold

8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (100 g) sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups (300 g) fresh strawberries, pureed

1 tbsp lemon juice

Topping:

Fresh sliced strawberries

Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into a 9-inch springform pan and chill.

2. Puree strawberries with lemon juice.

3. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until fluffy. Add strawberry puree and mix.

4. Whip cream to stiff peaks; fold gently into strawberry mixture.

5. Spread over crust, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.

6. Top with sliced strawberries and whipped cream before serving.

Notes

Swap crust with vanilla wafers or Oreos.

Fold diced strawberries into the filling for texture.

Keep chilled until serving.

Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 0 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420
Sugar: 25
Sodium: 180
Fat: 30
Saturated Fat: 18
Unsaturated Fat: 10
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 32
Fiber: 1
Protein: 6
Cholesterol: 95

Keywords: no bake cake, strawberry dessert, summer dessert, easy cheesecake