Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake
Highlighted under: Everyday Dessert Recipes
I’ve always adored the combination of chocolate and strawberries, and this Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake brings them together in the most delightful way. When I first baked it, I was amazed by the lightness of the cake, which perfectly balances the richness of the chocolate. It’s an airy dessert that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, making it ideal for any occasion. I love serving it at gatherings, where it never fails to impress my friends and family with its delicious flavor and stunning presentation.
When I decided to create the Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake, I aimed for a dessert that captures both decadence and lightness. With just the right balance of airy texture and deep chocolate flavor, it quickly became a favorite in my home. I learned through experimentation that using eggs at room temperature resulted in a fluffier cake, which made all the difference!
As I perfected the recipe, I found that fresh strawberries accentuate the chocolate beautifully. The key is to use ripe, in-season strawberries for their natural sweetness. It’s amazing how a simple dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the whole dessert, making it look as stunning as it tastes. You’re going to love this creation!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Decadent chocolate flavor perfectly balanced with fresh strawberries
- Light and fluffy texture that feels indulgent yet not heavy
- Impressive presentation, perfect for celebrations or casual gatherings
Key Techniques for Success
One of the most crucial techniques for achieving the light, airy texture of the Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake is in the creaming process. When you cream the butter and sugar, make sure to do so until the mixture appears pale and fluffy. This can take around 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. This incorporation of air is essential for the rise and overall texture of your cake.
When mixing your dry ingredients with the wet ingredients, it’s important not to overmix the batter. As soon as you see the flour mixture incorporated, stop mixing to avoid developing gluten, which can lead to a denser cake. The batter should be slightly lumpy, yet well-combined, ensuring that air pockets will keep it fluffy while baking.
Ingredient Insights
Using unsweetened cocoa powder is ideal for this recipe, as it provides the deep chocolate flavor while allowing the natural sweetness of the strawberries to shine through. If you prefer a richer chocolate taste, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with cake flour, which will help create a more delicate crumb.
The heavy cream in the frosting is essential for achieving the right consistency. Make sure it is chilled before whipping; colder cream will whip up faster and hold its shape better. If you're looking for a lighter alternative, consider using a non-dairy whipping cream, but ensure that it has a similar fat content to achieve the desired fluffy texture.
Storing and Serving Tips
This Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to prepare it ahead of time, consider storing the cake layers separately. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, assemble the cake with the frosting and strawberries just before the event to maintain its airy texture.
For a fun twist on presentation, try making mini versions of the cloud cake by baking in smaller ramekins or muffin tins. Adjust the baking time to about 15-18 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. These individual servings can be a hit at gatherings, especially when paired with a single slice of strawberry on top for decoration.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Frosting
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnishing
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Gather all your ingredients before you start!
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Make the Frosting
While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cake has cooled, gently slice it in half horizontally. Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom half, and top with fresh strawberries. Replace the top half of the cake and cover the entire cake with remaining whipped cream.
Garnish and Serve
Decorate the top of the cake with additional strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter. It enhances the chocolate experience wonderfully.
Alternate Flavor Ideas
While chocolate and strawberries are a classic combination, you can experiment with different flavors in this cake. For instance, replacing part of the cocoa powder with matcha powder can lend a unique twist to the flavor profile. The vibrant green color will also provide a stunning contrast when garnished with red strawberries.
If you prefer a fruit-forward option, consider incorporating berries such as raspberries or blueberries into the whipped cream layers for added depth. Just mash them lightly before spreading to infuse the cream with their juices, creating a lovely marbled effect.
Troubleshooting Tips
If your cake domes too much while baking, it may be due to an oven temperature that is too high. Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy. Ideally, the cake should rise evenly and form a flat top, which is perfect for layering with frosting.
In case your frosting does not hold its shape, ensure that your cream was whipped to stiff peaks before spreading. If you find it too runny, you can add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it or even stabilize it with cornstarch. Keep storing leftovers in the fridge to avoid melting in warmer temperatures.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but fresh strawberries offer the best flavor and texture.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this cake in advance?
Absolutely! Bake the cake a day before, and assemble just before serving.
→ Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the cake layers individually. Just make sure to wrap them well.
Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake
I’ve always adored the combination of chocolate and strawberries, and this Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake brings them together in the most delightful way. When I first baked it, I was amazed by the lightness of the cake, which perfectly balances the richness of the chocolate. It’s an airy dessert that feels indulgent without being overly heavy, making it ideal for any occasion. I love serving it at gatherings, where it never fails to impress my friends and family with its delicious flavor and stunning presentation.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Everyday Dessert Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
For the Frosting
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnishing
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, and mix until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake cools, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Once the cake has cooled, gently slice it in half horizontally. Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom half, and top with fresh strawberries. Replace the top half of the cake and cover the entire cake with remaining whipped cream.
Decorate the top of the cake with additional strawberries and a dusting of powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter. It enhances the chocolate experience wonderfully.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 22g
- Protein: 4g