A dreamy, creamy dessert that combines fluffy cake with a light strawberry topping, these Strawberry Cloud Cake Bars are the perfect blend of soft texture and fruity sweetness. Easy to make and ideal for gatherings, they’re sure to be a hit any day of the week.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
- 1 package (3 oz) strawberry gelatin
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare and bake the white cake mix according to package directions. Let it cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, dissolve the strawberry gelatin in boiling water. Stir in cold water and refrigerate until slightly thickened but not set, about 30–40 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
- Fold in the whipped topping until light and fluffy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled cake.
- Stir chopped strawberries into the partially set gelatin and gently spoon the mixture over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set before slicing into bars.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 210
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 230mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 2g
Why Strawberry Cloud Cake Bars Are So Popular
Strawberry Cloud Cake Bars have grown in popularity for their light texture, beautiful presentation, and the perfect blend of fruity and creamy flavors. Their aesthetic appeal, combined with how easy they are to prepare, makes them a frequent choice for family gatherings, potlucks, and celebrations. Their no-fuss construction and crowd-pleasing taste contribute to their rise in both home kitchens and dessert buffets.
Perfect for Spring and Summer Desserts
These cake bars shine during spring and summer months when strawberries are at their peak. The light, fluffy cream layer and the chilled strawberry topping make them a refreshing dessert for warm-weather events. They’re especially welcome at Easter, baby showers, bridal events, and backyard barbecues.
Great for Make-Ahead Planning
Strawberry Cloud Cake Bars are ideal for preparing ahead of time. Since the dessert needs time to chill and set, it’s actually better when made a day in advance. This quality makes it perfect for busy hosts who want to check dessert off the list early.
Kid-Friendly Appeal
Children love these cake bars due to their sweet, fruity flavor and creamy texture. The pink hue of the strawberry topping is visually inviting for little ones, and the soft cake base is easy to eat. They’re also a great treat to get kids involved in the kitchen since much of the assembly is simple and safe for all ages.
Customizable for Different Occasions
While strawberries are the star of the original version, this recipe is flexible and can be adapted to suit various themes and seasons. Substitute raspberries, blueberries, or even mango for a tropical spin. You can also color the whipped layer with food-safe dyes for holiday-themed versions, such as red and green for Christmas.
A Balanced Texture Experience
One of the standout features of this dessert is its mix of textures. The base offers the soft and slightly springy structure of white cake. Above that, the whipped cream cheese layer is light and airy, and the topping layer with gelatin and fruit adds a cool, almost bouncy consistency. Each bite is a blend of soft, smooth, and refreshing textures.
No Advanced Baking Skills Required
These cake bars are excellent for novice bakers. There’s no need for complicated techniques, piping skills, or specialty equipment. Most of the steps involve mixing, spreading, and chilling, making this recipe foolproof for beginners who want to impress.
A Beautiful Addition to Dessert Tables
Thanks to their layered structure and pastel colors, these bars add a lovely aesthetic to dessert tables. When sliced cleanly, the visible layers of cake, cream, and strawberry topping create a visually appealing dessert that looks far more complicated than it is.
Low-Mess Dessert Option
Compared to frosted cakes or multi-component pastries, Strawberry Cloud Cake Bars are relatively clean to serve and eat. Once chilled, they hold their shape well, making them a neat dessert option for parties, picnics, or even packed lunches.
Easily Doubled for Large Groups
Need to feed a crowd? This recipe can be easily doubled and baked in two 9×13-inch pans or a larger sheet pan. It scales well without compromising taste or texture, making it a reliable choice for large gatherings.
A Light Dessert Option
For those who prefer not to end a meal with something overly rich, these bars strike the perfect balance. The whipped topping and gelatin layer keep it from feeling heavy, and the fruit provides a sense of freshness. It’s indulgent without being overwhelming.
Incorporates Fresh Fruit in a Fun Way
This recipe is a creative method to showcase strawberries in a dessert that’s different from traditional pies or shortcakes. The addition of chopped fresh strawberries to the gelatin layer provides bursts of flavor and natural sweetness that enhance the overall dish.
Budget-Friendly Ingredients
All the components of this recipe are affordable and easy to find in most grocery stores. Cake mix, gelatin, cream cheese, and whipped topping are pantry and fridge staples that won’t break the bank, and strawberries are reasonably priced in season.
Freezer-Friendly with Minor Adjustments
If needed, these bars can be frozen, though slight texture changes in the whipped topping may occur. To freeze, wrap the uncut cake tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. This flexibility allows you to enjoy leftovers or prepare well in advance.
A Conversation Starter Dessert
Guests often ask for the recipe after trying Strawberry Cloud Cake Bars. Their pretty look, fruity scent, and satisfying taste make them memorable. Serving this dessert often leads to recipe swaps and baking inspiration among friends and family.
Perfect Balance of Sweetness
The cream cheese layer provides a slight tang that balances out the sweet cake and strawberry gelatin. This interplay of flavors makes the dessert appealing even to those who usually avoid overly sugary treats.
Great for Portion Control
Because these are made as bars, portioning is straightforward. You can cut them into smaller squares for bite-sized servings or larger rectangles for more generous portions. This makes them adaptable to various dietary preferences or group sizes.
Minimal Clean-Up Required
The recipe uses minimal dishes and doesn’t require stovetop cooking or multiple bowls. You can mix, bake, and assemble all within a few basic kitchen tools, making cleanup quick and easy—another bonus for busy households.
A Nostalgic Flavor Profile
The combination of cake, whipped topping, and gelatin is reminiscent of retro desserts that many people grew up eating. This nostalgic quality adds to the charm, making the bars comforting and familiar while still being visually modern.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cloud Cake Bars are more than just a dessert—they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and simplicity. They prove that you don’t need advanced skills or expensive ingredients to create something beautiful and delicious. From casual gatherings to festive celebrations, this recipe consistently delivers joy, compliments, and clean plates. Its popularity is well-earned, and once you try it, it’s likely to become a staple in your dessert rotation.