Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake
Highlighted under: Hearty Food Recipes
I absolutely love making this Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake! The blend of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries creates an irresistible dessert that always impresses my family and friends. With a light and airy texture, each bite feels like a luxurious indulgence. It's perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon tea or a grand celebration. I've enjoyed experimenting with the layering of flavors, ensuring that each slice delivers a delightful surprise. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to bake this cake over and over again!
When I first attempted this Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake, I was thrilled with how the rich chocolate and fresh strawberries complemented each other. The fluffy texture is achieved by carefully folding whipped egg whites into the chocolate batter, creating a cloud-like cake that’s both decadent and light. I've learned that using fresh strawberries instead of frozen really intensifies the flavor and adds a beautiful, vibrant touch to the dessert.
One of my favorite tips is to let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This helps the layers hold together better, and the whipped cream frosting adds a delightful touch of sweetness without overpowering the cake. I’ve found that it’s a showstopper when served at gatherings, and everyone always asks for the recipe!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh strawberry sweetness
- Light and airy texture that melts in your mouth
- Perfect for celebrations or as a special treat
Understanding the Cake Batter
The key to achieving a perfectly light texture in your Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake lies in the method of combining wet and dry ingredients. When mixing the egg yolks with sugar, aim for a pale and creamy consistency, which indicates that aeration is occurring. This process not only enriches the flavor of the cake but also ensures a lightness that complements the rich chocolate. Be gentle when folding in the whipped egg whites; overmixing can deflate the air bubbles you've created, resulting in a denser cake.
In incorporating cocoa powder, choose high-quality, unsweetened cocoa for a deep chocolate flavor. If you're looking to experiment with flavors, consider using a dark chocolate cocoa powder, which can add a more intense chocolate note. For a bit of a boost, you could also add a tablespoon of espresso powder; it enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
Secrets to Whipped Cream Frosting
Whipped cream frosting is light and airy, making it the perfect complement to a rich chocolate cake. Ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are thoroughly chilled before starting; this helps the cream whip up faster and to a stiffer consistency. As you add the powdered sugar and vanilla, keep an eye on the texture. Whip until soft peaks form, which means that the cream should hold its shape but still be smooth and spreadable. If you accidentally over-whip and the cream starts to turn grainy, you can incorporate a little fresh cream to help smooth it out again.
For an extra flavorful twist, try infusing the whipped cream with additional flavors such as almond extract or even a splash of liqueur like Chambord to enhance the strawberry flavor. Adjust the amount of sugar accordingly so that the whipped cream doesn’t become too sweet.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Whipped Cream Frosting
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberries, halved
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla to the yolk mixture. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the chocolate batter.
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
Prepare the Whipped Cream Frosting
In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until soft peaks form.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, slice it in half horizontally. Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom half and layer with halved fresh strawberries. Place the top half on and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with more strawberries and chocolate shavings.
Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- For the best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and fresh strawberries. Make sure to chill the heavy cream before whipping it for better stability. If desired, a splash of liqueur in the whipped cream can enhance the festive effect.
Serving Suggestions
Serving the Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake is an opportunity to get creative! A drizzle of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation. For an added burst of flavor, consider a side of strawberry coulis or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the warm ice cream melting into the cool cake can create a delightful textural contrast.
This cake is also fantastic for layering additional flavors. Consider adding a thin layer of raspberry or orange marmalade between the strawberries and whipped cream for an exquisite flavor profile. The tartness from the berries can balance the richness of the chocolate beautifully.
Storage Tips
To keep your Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake fresh, store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within three days due to the whipped cream frosting, which may start to separate after a few days. If you want to prepare the cake in advance, consider baking it without frosting and storing it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature. Frost it just before serving to ensure it remains light and fluffy.
Freezing the cake is also an option if you want to prep ahead for an event. Freeze the cake layers, wrapped well in plastic, for up to one month. To eat, let the layers thaw in the fridge overnight before frosting, which allows them to maintain moisture and texture when serving.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Keep it covered at room temperature and assemble it on the day you plan to serve it.
→ How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Enjoy within 2-3 days for the best taste.
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can use thawed frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just make sure to drain excess liquid.
→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it's a 1:1 substitution for best results.
Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake
I absolutely love making this Chocolate Strawberry Cloud Cake! The blend of rich chocolate and fresh strawberries creates an irresistible dessert that always impresses my family and friends. With a light and airy texture, each bite feels like a luxurious indulgence. It's perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon tea or a grand celebration. I've enjoyed experimenting with the layering of flavors, ensuring that each slice delivers a delightful surprise. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to bake this cake over and over again!
Created by: Lena
Recipe Type: Hearty Food 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 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Whipped Cream Frosting
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberries, halved
- Chocolate shavings
How-To Steps
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan. In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla to the yolk mixture. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form and gently fold them into the chocolate batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, continuing to whip until soft peaks form.
Once the cake is completely cool, slice it in half horizontally. Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom half and layer with halved fresh strawberries. Place the top half on and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining whipped cream. Garnish with more strawberries and chocolate shavings.
Extra Tips
- For the best flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder and fresh strawberries. Make sure to chill the heavy cream before whipping it for better stability. If desired, a splash of liqueur in the whipped cream can enhance the festive effect.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g