A soft, dreamy, and irresistibly fluffy dessert, the Pink Cloud Delight Cake is a treat that brings both beauty and flavor to your table. With its pastel-pink layers, airy crumb, and creamy frosting, this cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, baby showers, or anytime you crave something sweet and elegant. The texture is moist and tender, while the flavor blends light vanilla notes with the sweet charm of strawberry. This dessert is simple enough for home bakers yet impressive enough to delight any guest who tastes it.
In this article, you’ll find everything you need to prepare this gorgeous cake from scratch: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for success, variations, storage methods, and serving ideas. Whether you’re an experienced baker or making your first homemade cake, this guide makes the process simple and enjoyable.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box strawberry or vanilla cake mix (or homemade vanilla cake batter)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup crushed strawberries or strawberry puree
- A few drops of red or pink food coloring (optional)
For the Frosting
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup strawberry puree or strawberry jam
- A few drops of pink food coloring (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- Fresh sliced strawberries
- Strawberry gelatin powder (for more color and flavor)
- White chocolate shavings
- Coconut flakes for decoration
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch rectangle pan. If you’re using parchment paper, line the bottom for easier removal.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, milk, oil, and eggs. Beat the batter on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the strawberry puree and mix just until fully incorporated. If you want a deeper pink hue, add two or three drops of pink food coloring and mix lightly.
2. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan(s). Gently tap the pans on the counter a few times to eliminate air bubbles for an even bake. Place the cake into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes for round pans or 35 minutes for a rectangle pan. You’ll know the cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
3. Make the Fluffy Pink Frosting
In a chilled mixing bowl, add the heavy cream and beat on high speed until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then whip again until the frosting becomes thick and fluffy. Gently fold in the strawberry puree, avoiding overmixing.
If you prefer a stronger pink color, add a drop or two of food coloring and fold it in lightly. The frosting should be smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
4. Assemble the Cake
Once the cake layers are cool, spread a generous layer of frosting between them. If using a 9×13 cake, simply spread the frosting evenly across the top. Add extra frosting around the sides if desired. Smooth the surface using a spatula.
For a decorative touch, add fresh strawberries, cake crumbs, sprinkles, or coconut flakes on top. The cake already looks beautiful with its pale pink frosting, so even minimal decoration works well.
Tips for a Perfect Pink Cloud Delight Cake
Do Not Overmix
Mix just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can create a dense or dry cake.
Use Room Temperature Eggs
This helps the batter blend more smoothly and creates a softer crumb.
Cool Completely Before Frosting
Warm cake will melt the whipped frosting, causing it to slide or become runny.
Adjust Sweetness
If your frosting feels too sweet, add a small spoon of cream cheese to balance the flavor.
Add Texture
Try folding in coconut flakes, white chocolate chips, or strawberry pieces for extra flavor.
Serving Ideas
This cake is incredibly versatile and works for many occasions. Serve it chilled for a refreshing dessert on warm days, or enjoy it slightly cool for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth experience. It pairs wonderfully with:
- A glass of cold milk
- Fresh berries
- Hot herbal tea
- Vanilla ice cream
Cut the cake into large squares or slices and arrange them on a decorative plate for family gatherings or small celebrations. The gentle pink color makes it especially beautiful on dessert tables.
Storage Instructions
Store the Pink Cloud Delight Cake in the refrigerator due to its whipped frosting. Keep it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It will stay fresh and moist for 3–4 days.
If you want to prepare it ahead of time, bake the cake a day earlier and frost it on the day of serving. You may also freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before decorating.
Variations
Raspberry Cloud Cake
Swap strawberries for raspberries for a slightly tangier flavor and a deeper pink color.
Pink Coconut Dream
Add shredded coconut to the batter and sprinkle toasted coconut on top of the frosting.
Strawberry Lemon Twist
Add lemon zest to the cake batter and frosting for a fresh, citrusy taste.
White Chocolate Strawberry Cake
Drizzle melted white chocolate over the frosted cake for a rich and indulgent finish.
Conclusion
The Pink Cloud Delight Cake is an elegant, soft, and delicious dessert that brings together simple ingredients and delightful flavors. Its light pink color and fluffy texture make it stand out on any dessert table. Whether you prepare it for a celebration or simply to treat yourself, this recipe delivers a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cake that will quickly become a favorite. With its easy preparation, customizable flavors, and beautiful presentation, this cake is a perfect choice for bakers of all skill levels.